Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Lost cats less likely to get home than dogs, data shows
Only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year.
Statistics from Battersea show unmicrochipped cats often aren’t returned home.

Lost cats are almost three times less likely to be returned to their owners than lost dogs, data from animal welfare charity Battersea has revealed.

The data also showed that 59 per cent of cats that were brought into its shelters last year were not microchipped, compared to just 21 per cent of dogs.

This has meant that only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year, while microchipping has led to 474 dogs being reunited with their owners.

The data comes after the Government introduced new legislation which means it is compulsory for cats in the UK to be microchipped. The new rules mean that cat owners have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their pet and ensure up-to-date contact details are stored on the microchipping database.

Bridie Williams, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea’s London cattery, said: “At Battersea, we know that losing a pet under any circumstances is a unique kind of pain. That’s why we were delighted to see the Government announce that all pet cats will soon have to be microchipped by law – legislation that we know will go a long way in ensuring more happy pet-owner reunions.

“However, we sadly still see many unchipped cats arriving at our centres, with no way of knowing whether these animals are strays or simply much-loved pets who have wandered too far from home.”

Battersea is urging cat owners not to delay with microchipping their cat or updating microchip details, as not doing this can leave them unable to reunite them with their pet if it arrives at one of their centres.

Bridie Williams said: “We’d urge owners not to wait until 2024 and speak to their vet or local rescue organisation about getting their cat chipped straight away. It is without doubt the most effective way of sparing yourself any future heartache in the distressing scenario they do go missing.” 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.