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Identifying pure-bred wildcats
DNA tests being developed for pure-breds

 Researchers at the University of Chester are hoping to form a gene test to show a distinction between pure-bred wildcats and those cross-bred with domestic cats.

It is thought that pure-breds are mostly threatened by interbreeding with runaway domestic cats, and it is believed that fewer than 100 remain in he wild. The study aims to protect pure-breds from extinction.

Wildcats can grow up to four feet (1.22m) long, however, there has been some recent confusion as to whether sightings are actually of feral domestic cats.

The researchers are using various DNA samples, including a Victorian specimen kept in the British Museum to help identify a true wildcat.

Paul O'Donoghue, senior lecturer in biology, has been working with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to establish how many pure-bred wildcats still exist.

He said sightings were becoming less frequent, and a breeding programme was urgently needed to prevent them from completely disappearing. He adds: 'time is rapidly running out for them.' 

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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. 

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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."