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AAFP ends elective declawing procedures
Many regions throughout the world, including parts of North America, have banned declawing.

International Cat Care welcomes 'important step forward for feline welfare'.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has announced that it is ending elective declawing procedures for all felines under its Cat-Friendly Practice (CFP) scheme.

AAFP rolled out the update across its CFP practices in North, Central, and South America on 1 January, and said that it will be standard in all new practices that wish to earn the designation moving forward.

The move follows several years of work alongside the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary arm of International Cat Care (iCatCare). 

Welcoming the announcement, ISFM head Nathalie Dowgray said: “ISFM is delighted this has now been achieved – it is an important step forward for feline welfare. AAFP’s Claw Friendly Educational Toolkit is a great resource for practices choosing to stop undertaking declawing.

"Both organisations will also work to educate owners around the world that scratching is a normal and essential feline behaviour, and that the procedure of declawing is definitely not cat friendly.”

Many regions throughout the world, including portions of North America, have banned feline declawing procedures unless there is a necessary medical reason. Indeed, many cat owners are unaware that clawing is a normal feline behaviour that allows the animal to stretch and de-stress,. 

The CFP scheme was established by the AAFP and the ISFM as part of a global initiative to improve feline welfare. A CFP designation is a recognised symbol of excellence showing a practice’s commitment in treating feline patients gently and with respect. 

An AAFP spokesperson said: 'This announcement aligns with the AAFP’s 2017 Position Statement that strongly opposes declawing of cats as an elective procedure. In making this exciting announcement, the AAFP continues supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine'.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."