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Dieting cats 'more affectionate', owners say
cat with owner
Researchers said cat owners tend to anthropomorphise their pets and, as a result, are sometimes afraid to reduce their cat's food intake in case they become 'vindictive'.
Study dispels fears about being 'snubbed' for cutting food intake

Cat owners who took part in a recent diet study felt their obese felines became more affectionate during an eight-week diet. This is contrary to the fears of some owners that reducing food intake could prompt their cat to 'snub' them.

Scientists from Cornell University put 58 obese cats on one of three equicaloric diets - a high fibre (HiFi) diet, a control diet to maintain weight, or a low carbohydrate, high protein diet.

Owners recorded information about their cats' behavioural changes and their weights were compared to baseline at four and eight weeks.

Most owners reported an increase in begging behaviours, following, vocalising and pacing before feeding, while increased purring, sitting in owner's lap, resting and using the litter box were observed post-meal.

Writing in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, researchers said cat owners tend to anthropomorphise their pets and, as a result, are sometimes afraid to reduce their cat's food intake in case they become 'vindictive'.

But only two out of 41 cats in the study showed increased aggression towards their owners, and none of the cats began to urine mark.

Read the full study here: http://www.journalvetbehavior.com/article/S1558-7878%2815%2900194-X/pdf

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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.