Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

The undateables of Battersea
Battersea's undateables
Battersea's undateables

Quirky cats and dogs looking for love this Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has pinpointed its most undateable residents, in the hope that animal lovers will see past their quirks and give them a living home.

While the charity rehouse about 9,000 dogs and cats each year, some find it a little harder to find love and need some extra help.

The list of undateables includes six quirky pets whose minor flaws include "feisty", "smelly" and "pampered".

Feisty lady Dorito is a fiery and mischievous feline who likes her independence. After being abandoned in a box, one-year-old Dorito had to fend for herself, but Battersea says once she is won over you will have a lap cat for life.

Eight-year-old dalmatian Domino is looking for somebody who can accept him "spots and all". Despite being a sweet older gentleman, he is nervous of new people, earning him the reputation of a scaredy-cat.

Meenoi the Bengal cat is tired of being single but has a bit of a wee issue, while Bloom the domestic short hair cat has the occasional mood swing but is full of character.

Pampered pooch Mister Tony is also looking for a leader of his pack. The nine-month-old Siberian husky is a confidant companion in need of someone to give him the training and regular grooming he needs.

Members of the public are invited to visit some of Battersea's residents this Valentine's Day at the charity's Feline Lonely Event, which takes place at the cattery from 5.30 to 9pm.

For more information about rehoming, visit www.battersea.org.uk/cats or www.battersea.org.uk/felinelonely for further details about the event.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.