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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th September 2024
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

Safe house cat awarded National Cat of the Year
Marley has an innate instinct for knowing when safe house residents need his comfort.
Marley comforts women who have been enslaved, exploited and trafficked.

A seven-year-old cat in London has been named as Cats Protection’s National Cat of the Year for his work in a safe house for women.

Marley received the accolade at a ceremony hosted by novelist Dawn O’Porter at London’s One Marylebone on 18 September.

He was celebrated for his work at Caritas Bakhita House in London, which provides a safe house for enslaved, exploited and trafficked women. It is currently home to 11 women from 11 different countries.

The team at Bakhita House say that Marley, who was adopted from a rescue centre four years ago, has an innate instinct for knowing when residents need his comfort.

When a new resident arrives, Marley often sits close to them to see how they respond. He then gently places a paw on their leg to comfort them.

In one case, the safe house had a resident who was so traumatised that she didn’t speak to any of the team. However she soon built a bond with Marley and, in time, they were able to reach out to her.

As well as providing comfort to new residents, the team describes him as their staff supervisor, security guard and chief gardener. He is a popular muse at Bakhita House’s art therapy sessions and inspired one guest to compose a song for him.

To reach the final four of the National Cat Awards, Marley also won the Incredible Cats category, which recognises cats which inspire ‘extraordinary acts of love’.

Karen Anstiss, head of Bakhita House, said: “I’m so proud Marley has won National Cat of the Year – he’s a wonderful example of the power of love.

“Often Marley placing a paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years. He has this incredible gift of empathy and has assisted many, many women along the road to recovery.”

The winner in the Family Cat category was Zara, who offers pastoral care at St John the Evangelist in Bexley. Cilla was the winner of the Connected category, as she supports pupils at Outwoods Primary School in Atherstone.

Meanwhile the winner in the Senior Cats category is Miss Dave Mittens who, at the age of 21, has spent a long lifetime with her owners.

Images © Cats Protection

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.