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Cats Protection releases new online video
Charity explains benefits of early neutering in cats

The Cats Protection charity has launched an online video, ‘A Guide to Early Neutering’, to explain the benefits of early neutering in cats, encouraging people to neuter at four months old rather than the traditional six.

According to research by Cats Protection, the vast majority of owners (94 per cent) are unaware their cats can get pregnant at four months. The online video explains why the charity thinks early neutering is the most humane and economic solution to unwanted litters.

Last year the charity spent over £6 million supporting the neutering of over 191,000 owned, stray and feral cats and kittens across the UK. However, Cats Protection is warning that this is not a long-term fix and says the only way to ensure the population is brought under control is for owners to get their cats neutered earlier than the traditionally recommended six months.

Cats Protection’s director of veterinary services, Maggie Roberts, said: “Cats are such prolific breeders that if we didn’t neuter them we would have a population explosion that would end up with sick, stray and abandoned cats roaming the streets. As a nation of animal lovers, I don’t think anyone would find this acceptable.”

The charity has also produced a vet version of its early neutering video, talking practitioners through the operation on a four-month-old kitten.  

To view the general public early neutering video click here.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.