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Environmental contaminants negatively effect cat health
Researchers found a significant negative correlation between thyroid hormones and organohalogen compounds.
Study discovers negative effects of OHCs on pet cats.

A study led by researchers from Ehime University, Japan, has evaluated the effects of environmental contaminants on pet cat health, as reported by Science Daily.

Researchers investigated the potential health effects caused by persistent organic pollutants exposure in pet cats, finding that this can lower blood thyroid hormone levels and cause chronic oxidative stress.

These organic pollutants, known as organohalogen compounds (OHCs), are human-made chemicals containing chlorine, bromine and fluorine atoms. These are found in some pharmaceuticals, industrial fluids, electrical applications, paint additives, food packaging and many pesticides.

With the close contact pet cats share with human environments, the potential health effects of harmful substances on them is something scientists are concerned with. 

For this study, researchers collected blood from pet cats and analysed their contamination status – finding that a high level of exposure to OHCs correlated significantly with the thyroid hormone homeostasis, chronic oxidative stress and metabolic diseases.

Those researching the effects of these environmental contaminants on pet cat health have concluded that providing companion animals with an environment featuring low exposure to OHCs is an important factor in considering pet welfare. With reducing the OHC contained in the pet's indoor environment and pet food considered a 'necessity'. 

As stated in the Science Daily report, is: “it is essential to clarify the toxic effects of various pollutants on pet cats.” 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."