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

Black cats make up nearly half of Battersea cats
Black cats make up nearly 43 per cent of all feline admissions.

Charity attempts to dispel myths ahead of National Black Cat Day 

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home takes in nearly twice as many black cats as any other colour, the charity has revealed.

Black cats make up nearly 43 per cent of all feline admissions, compared to other colours - such as ginger, that accounted for just seven per cent of cats at Battersea last year.

The charity believes black cats are less popular because they don’t look as good in photos and they are traditionally thought to be bad luck.

Battersea is using National Black Cat Day (27 October) to celebrate these oft-overlooked pets and dispel some of the myths associated with them.

Black cats currently waiting for a new home include 12-year-old Tiger-Lily, who has been at Battersea for 48 days, more than twice the average length of stay. Meanwhile, lap cat Terry has been at the Old Windsor cattery for 52 days.

Head of catteries Rob Young said: “Some people believe that black cats all look the same or that they do not look as good in photographs and will therefore overlook them in favour of a Tabby or Tortoiseshell.

"All cats deserve a second chance and we hope that anyone planning to adopt will consider changing a black cat’s luck and give it a loving home.”

Image © Battersea

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

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."