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Cat diet hazards revealed in survey
Fat felines fed too many treats, says Cats Protection

Cats Protection has revealed that fat cats in Britain are fed too many treats by their owners, according to a survey.

The charity asked 1,120 owners about their cat's weight, how often they were fed treats, what treats they were being fed, as well as various other diet-related questions.

The survey revealed that around a quarter of Britain's cats (23 per cent) are regarded as overweight by their owners, however, around 70 per cent of those cats were still given an edible treat at least once a week.

Furthermore, almost three in 10 cats that were deemed to be either slightly or very overweight were given an edible treat by their owner at least once a day.

Christmas proved to be a particularly unhealthy time for cats, as all owners surveyed said their cats were fed unsuitable treats during the festive season, including Christmas pudding, chocolate, stuffing and a Christmas dinner of human food.

Cats Protection’s Director of Veterinary Services, Maggie Roberts, said: “The survey showed that Britain’s overweight cats continue to be fed too many treats, which owners principally did out of love, habit or a desire to make their cat feel like a member of the family. However, overweight cats are at significant risk of diabetes and arthritis so there is the danger that owners are making a bad situation even worse.  
 
“The survey also shows that it wasn’t uncommon for cats to be given treats such as milk, chocolate or cheese. All of these could make cats quite ill; many cats cannot digest cow’s milk products and chocolate contains a compound that can be toxic to cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and have to eat certain nutrients that can only be found in meat or commercial cat food.
 
“It’s not wrong to give treats to cats but it is advisable for owners to give ones that are specially formulated for cats, and consider their cat’s total calorific intake so that they can reduce their other food accordingly.”  

Cats Protection has given top tips for helping cats to eat well. These include sticking to a reputable pet food which includes everything cats need to stay healthy, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended feeding amount, and avoiding giving your cat 'human’ food. It says if you want to offer your cat a special treat, give it a little boiled fish or boneless chicken.

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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.