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RTAs leading cause of death in cats, study finds
RTAs were the cause of death in 45.6 per cent of cases.
It is the first study to include data from cats without vets.

A new study has revealed road traffic accidents (RTAs) to be the leading cause of death among UK cats aged up to eight years old.

The 'Bristol Cats' study, a collaboration between the University of Bristol Veterinary School and Cats Protection, is believed to be the first study into feline mortality to include cats without veterinary surgeons or insurance.

Researchers gathered data from a series of questionnaires, designed to develop a longitudinal study of feline health, welfare and behaviour. They also examined medical records from the cat's first eight years of life, and collected data from the owners themselves.

Where cats died during the study, their cause of death was categorised into either organ-specific issue, disease or event. This was then analysed by age and lifestage.

Of the 2,444 cats recruited into the study, 362 died before reaching nine years old.

The most common cause of death in cats aged up to eight years old was an RTA, which had occurred in 45.6 per cent of cases. RTAs were also the leading cause in kittens (aged under one year) and young adult cats (1-6 years old).

Among 29 kittens which died during the study, 61.2 per cent died as a result of an RTA. This was followed by feline infectious peritonitis (11.9 per cent) and other trauma (7.5 per cent).

RTAs were also the most common cause of death in young adult cats, occurring in 49.6 per cent of cases. Of the deceased young cats, 6.5 per cent died of kidney disease, 6.5 per cent died of heart disease and 14.4 per cent died of a non-specified reason.

Aimee Taylor, corresponding author from Bristol Vet School, said: “Our study is the first to include deaths that weren't recorded in medical records or insurance in pet cats up to 8 years old. We found age increases the chance of death, but there is a high mortality risk for cats up to two-years-old, too.

“However, as our research only looked into pet cats up to eight-years-old, disease related causes of death may well overtake RTAs in older cats.”

Dr Emily Blackwell, principal investigator at Bristol Cats, said: “Findings from the study could be used to raise awareness amongst owners of young adult cats, as well as develop better vet care strategies to improve the length and quality of life for the UK’s pet cats.”

The full study has been published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.