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BVA highlights most pressing cat welfare issues
Survey released that 24 per cent of cats seen in practice are not having all of their welfare needs met.
Cat owners urged to ensure that needs are met.

To mark International Cat Day yesterday (8 August), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) shared the results of a recent survey, revealing the most pressing cat welfare issues according to UK veterinary surgeons.

The data comes from the BVA Spring 2022 Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, and the BVA is urging cat owners to ensure that they are meeting their cats' welfare in regard to the issues raised.

According to the BVA survey, the most significant health and welfare issues affecting cats right now are:

  •  obesity
  •  behavioural problems/stress from living in a multi-cat household
  •  dental issues
  •  health issues linked to extreme conformation
  •  owners not accessing preventative veterinary care.

Of these issues, veterinary surgeons identified obesity and excessive weight as the most pressing, with 43 per cent suggesting that it was the most significant issue. 

Behavioural problems and stress related to multi-cat households were cited by 41 per cent. Dental issues were mentioned by 34 per cent, extreme conformation was mentioned by 26 per cent and lack of preventative veterinary care was mentioned by 19 per cent.

Dr Justine Shotton, BVA president, said: “Cats are among the nation’s favorite pets and we know that the vast majority of owners want to provide the best possible home for their much-loved felines. 

“Cats have a reputation for being easy to care for and unfortunately, we know that that can sometimes lead to important welfare needs being overlooked.

“To mark International Cat Day 2022 we are asking all cat owners to consider whether they might be inadvertently missing something that is key to their cats’ health and wellbeing. 

“If you think there may be an issue please seek advice from you vet, who can help you to ensure your pet is getting the best care possible to reduce stress and stay healthy.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.