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New cat population model shows impact of neutering
"Our study shows that connectivity between cat subpopulations can have a big influence on population dynamics" – Jenni McDonald.
The model is the first to explore impact on different subpopulations.

Researchers at Cats Protection have created a new model to study the effect that different neutering scenarios could have on the UK cat population.

The model is the first to take into account the different subpopulations of UK cats – owned, stray, feral, and shelter cats – and how they are linked through breeding and cats transitioning between the categories.

Using the model, the researchers were able to test how different neutering scenarios for female cats would impact each subpopulation. They ran a variety of scenarios, each projecting 10 years into the future.

The model revealed that the level of neutering in the owned cat population had the biggest impact on overall population dynamics. Neutering owned cats at a younger age was enough to reduce overall population growth, regardless of neutering rates in the other subpopulations.

Researchers at the charity plan to continue using the model, refining it as more data about UK cat populations becomes available. Current information about feral and stray cat populations is comparatively sparse.

An estimated 250,000 unowned cats live in towns and cities in the UK and around 300,000 feral cats live on farms, in addition to more than 150,000 cats in shelters. Most recent estimates suggest there are more than 10 million owned cats in the UK, the majority of which are neutered.

Dr Jenni McDonald, lead researcher on the study, said: “We previously had little robust understanding of just how important the links between cat subpopulations are. Our study shows that connectivity between cat subpopulations can have a big influence on population dynamics.

“However, this is just the beginning we’re excited to now have a model framework that we can continually refine and update going forward in support of the charity’s work to ensure the UK cat population is balanced so that every cat has their best possible life.”

Cats Protection’s director of feline welfare Dr Maggie Roberts added: “The current findings highlight not only the important effect neutering owned cats has on all cat populations, but also how the timing of neutering in itself is key to population management.

“It’s a stark reminder during this cost-of-living crisis of the importance of the prioritisation of timely neutering to prevent a growth in population that cannot be adequately supported.”

The study, ‘Cat: Empirical modelling of Felis catus population dynamics in the UK’, has been published in the journal Plos One.

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.