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Owners urged to get their cats spayed
Kitten litter
"Most owners would be reluctant to let their cat have a second litter of kittens having gone through the process once."
Nearly one million cats in the UK are not neutered

Animal welfare charities across the UK are today, World Spay Day, joining forces and urging owners to get their cats spayed to protect them from getting pregnant and contracting deadly preventable diseases.

According to research by the PDSA, almost one million cats are not neutered, putting them at risk of cancer, pyometra (infection of the womb) and FIV - the feline equivalent of HIV.

Thousands of felines are also at risk of giving birth to unwanted litters, causing UK households distress and putting pressure on rehoming centres, which are already at full capacity.

Nine animal welfare charities which make up the Cat Population Control Group (CPCG) have released new figures after surveying cat owners in time for World Spay Day (Tuesday 24 February).

The poll revealed that over half who had experienced their cat having kittens, would not let them have kittens again.

Almost 30 per cent of all the owners whose cats had already had kittens said that they found the experience much harder than they thought it would be.

Many people said that one of the most challenging things to do was to physically give up the kittens. More than half of those surveyed said that they experienced difficulty in finding their kittens good homes, while 45 per cent said that they struggled to say goodbye.

Nicola Martin, head of pet health and welfare for PDSA and spokesperson for the CPCG, said: "Cat owners can have a romanticised view of letting their cat have kittens but the reality of looking after the litter can be very different.

"A common misconception is that cats should be allowed to have one litter before spaying them, but this simply isn't true.

"As our research has shown, most owners would be reluctant to let their cat have a second litter of kittens having gone through the process once.

"Our advice is to have female cats spayed at four months - before they attract the attention of local tom cats."

The CPCG comprises Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the Blue Cross, Cats Protection, Celia Hammond Animal Trust, International Cat Care, The Mayhew Animal Home, PDSA, RSPCA and Wood Green.

For more information about World Spay Day visit: www.cats.org.uk/worldspayday. 

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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News Shorts
Bluetongue vaccines comparison table produced for vets

The Ruminant Health and Welfare Group has produced a comparison table on the vaccines available in the UK for bluetongue virus serotype 3.

The three vaccines, which have been permitted for use by the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, claim to reduce symptoms rather than prevent animals from catching the disease.

The table looks at a range of different factors for each vaccine, including their use in sheep and cattle, their use during pregnancy, adverse events, and storage requirements.

The comparisons have been compiled by Flock Health in collaboration with the British Veterinary Association, the British Cattle Veterinary Association, the Sheep Veterinary Society, the British Deer Veterinary Association, the British Camelid Association, and the Goat Vet Society.

The comparison table, and further information on the bluetongue vaccines, can be accessed here.