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More men adopting adult cats, report reveals
1.5 million new male households now have an adult cat.
There was a noteworthy gender difference in cat adopters.

A new report from UK Pet Food has revealed a significant gender difference in those adopting cats, with more men than women adopting adult cats in the past four years.

The Pet Population Report for 2024 found that 27 per cent of men had adopted an adult cat in the past four years, compared to 18 per cent of women.

This meant that 1.5 million new male households now have an adult cat. In comparison, there were 1 million new female households getting cats.

The data also suggests an increased appreciation for more mature pets, the first time this has happened since the pandemic puppy and kitten boom. A total of 2.5 million households acquired adult cats, and 2.1 million households got adult dogs.

Kittens and puppies remain popular with pet owners, with 2.6 million households welcoming kittens and 3.7 million welcoming puppies.

The report found that 10.9 million homes had acquired a new pet in the past four years.

In total, 17.2 million homes have a non-aquatic pet in 2024. However, fish were also increasing in popularity in 21 per cent of homes.

UK Pet Food said that their repor highlighted the mental health benefits of pet ownership. Over a third of pet owners said that their pet was benefitting their family’s mental health.

A quarter of pet owners admitted to enjoying time with their pet more than with their family.

Meanwhile, half of owners aged over 45 said they would be lonely without their pet.

Daniel Warren-Cummings, behaviour officer at Cats Protection, said: “Cats have always been a popular choice of pet but we’re particularly delighted to see that more men are seeing the benefits of older cats, as well as kittens.

“Just like humans, cats are all different and this is what makes them great pets for people from all walks of life - whether its indoor cats suited to living in a quiet home, or more adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy household, and love exploring the outdoors. We often hear from men who tell us their cats are not only great companions, they’re also incredibly entertaining which can be a great stress-buster.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.