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Cat stress poorly understood by owners
cat being cuddled
Research finds owners struggle to identify and deal with cat stress.
More than half of owners cuddle their stressed cat, research finds

Causes of feline stress are poorly understood by the UK's cat owners, according to new research by Cats Protection.

A survey of 1,300 owners found more than half (53 per cent) would deal with their cat's stress by giving it a cuddle.

The findings come ahead of a BBC Two Horizon documentary, in which Cats Protection took part. Titled Cat Watch 2014: The New Horizon Experiment, the series tracks the lifestyles of 100 cats. It is due to begin on Tuesday, October 7.

Other key findings were:
  • More than half (55 per cent) of owners were unaware that living with another cat or dog could be stressful for their cat.
  • Over a third (35 per cent) allowed neighbouring cats into the house, through a door, window or their cat's own cat flap. Half of the owners did not realise that other cats entering the home could be a source of stress.
  • More than half (51 per cent) did not realise soiling or wetting in the house is a sign of stress.
  • Just a quarter of respondents knew that excessive grooming of a particular area indicates stress.

The charity's behaviour manager Nicky Trevorrow said: "Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats. Space and peace is often what they need - they’re not small furry humans so what would comfort us won’t necessarily comfort them.

"Owners love their animals and want them to be happy,” said Nicky.  “But our research has highlighted a lack of understanding of stress triggers for cats and how to deal with 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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.