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Half-and-half cat
Venus's face is divided in two

Venus the cat has quickly become an internet sensation since showing her uniquely divided face.

Venus's owner says her cat was born with the distinct line down the middle of her face, which has jet black fur with a green eye on one side, and ginger fur with a blue eye on the other.

It is thought that Venus is a hybrid of two different populations of genetically distinct cells. This explains the two completely different halves of her face.

The cat has racked up almost two million views on YouTube and has more than 65,000 fans on Facebook, but despite the fame, Venus's owner describes her as a gentle and perfect pet with a big appetite.

"As tiny as she is, she likes to pick up the giant pieces of food from the dog food bowl rather than eat her cat food," she says.

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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.