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Cat’s ‘crispy’ ears prompt skin cancer warning
Phillip's sun-damaged ears revealed pre-cancerous cells, making the surgery a life-saving decision.

Charity highlights the dangers of sun exposure. 

National feline charity Cats Protection has issued a warning after an elderly cat underwent ear amputation due to sun-induced cancer.

Thirteen-year-old Phillip was brought into the care of Cats Protection Kent after he was found living on the streets of Bredhurst.

Stacey Gausten, deputy manager at the Bredhurst centre, said: “Phillip’s ears were curly crispy. This is a tell-tale sign of sun damage and can indicate skin cancer, so our vet determined that both ears would need to be removed as a precaution.

“The biopsy confirmed our fears. Phillip’s ears had been sun damaged and revealed pre-cancerous cells, making the surgery a life-saving decision.”

The charity said the case highlights the dangers of sun exposure for cats, particularly with white fur on their ears.

"Just like humans, cats can suffer from sun damage, including the risk of cancer,’ Stacey warned. 

"White cats, or cats with white ears and noses, are particularly vulnerable. If possible, keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, provide plenty of shade in your garden, and talk to your vet about cat-safe sunscreen which can be gently rubbed on their ears."

She added that it was ‘obvious’ Phillip had been living outside for some time before coming into the charity’s care.

“Phillip has had a hard life but he’s coped with everything and his spirit is strong. He is a friendly and independent boy who isn’t shy about telling you when he’s had enough fuss".

Image (C) Cats Protection.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."