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BVA highlights most pressing cat welfare issues
Survey released that 24 per cent of cats seen in practice are not having all of their welfare needs met.
Cat owners urged to ensure that needs are met.

To mark International Cat Day yesterday (8 August), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) shared the results of a recent survey, revealing the most pressing cat welfare issues according to UK veterinary surgeons.

The data comes from the BVA Spring 2022 Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, and the BVA is urging cat owners to ensure that they are meeting their cats' welfare in regard to the issues raised.

According to the BVA survey, the most significant health and welfare issues affecting cats right now are:

  •  obesity
  •  behavioural problems/stress from living in a multi-cat household
  •  dental issues
  •  health issues linked to extreme conformation
  •  owners not accessing preventative veterinary care.

Of these issues, veterinary surgeons identified obesity and excessive weight as the most pressing, with 43 per cent suggesting that it was the most significant issue. 

Behavioural problems and stress related to multi-cat households were cited by 41 per cent. Dental issues were mentioned by 34 per cent, extreme conformation was mentioned by 26 per cent and lack of preventative veterinary care was mentioned by 19 per cent.

Dr Justine Shotton, BVA president, said: “Cats are among the nation’s favorite pets and we know that the vast majority of owners want to provide the best possible home for their much-loved felines. 

“Cats have a reputation for being easy to care for and unfortunately, we know that that can sometimes lead to important welfare needs being overlooked.

“To mark International Cat Day 2022 we are asking all cat owners to consider whether they might be inadvertently missing something that is key to their cats’ health and wellbeing. 

“If you think there may be an issue please seek advice from you vet, who can help you to ensure your pet is getting the best care possible to reduce stress and stay healthy.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.