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New iCatCare course addresses feline wellbeing
The course aims to prevent behavioural problems before they develop.

The behaviour course is designed for those who work with cats.

International Cat Care (iCatCare) has launched a new behaviour course, designed to support those who work with cats in promoting improved feline wellbeing.

The Cat Behavioural Health Programme will support learners who are in the position to give feline advice to identify and address behavioural problems before they develop.

PDSA’s recent Paw Report saw over 70 per cent of cat owners report that their cat experienced behavioural problems. The new Cat Behavioural Health Programme has been designed so that those who regularly work with cats, such as veterinary professionals or those in rehoming centres, can advise on behavioural issues as soon as possible.

Those who complete the course will be able to identify behavioural issues, provide preventative and behavioural first aid advice, and work under the supervision of clinical animal behaviourists to champion feline wellbeing.

They will also be on route to becoming an iCatCare Behavioural Health Practitioner.

The course has been developed by 16 internationally renowned cat welfare experts and endorsed by the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. It replaces the charity’s Advanced Feline Behaviour for Veterinary and Cat Professionals courses.

It also contributes to the knowledge and understanding requirements needed to become an ABTC Animal Behaviour Technician.

Each module includes a range of interactive course lessons and features the latest research on cat welfare such as behaviour cognition and genetics.

Learners will earn a certificate upon completion of each module. After passing four learning modules and a final project module, the learner can become a Level 1 Cat Behavioural Health Practitioner.

The course is designed to suit those with busy schedules, with a flexible pay-per-module plan and on-demand delivery.

Sarah Ellis, head of cat mental wellbeing and behaviour at iCatCare, said: “Preventative advice and early recognition of problem behaviours are both key to improving cat welfare.

“This programme allows anyone who works with cats, either directly or in a remote advisory role, to gain the knowledge and understanding required to help promote cat behavioural health.”   

The charity is currently planning content for the Level 2 award, which will focus on more people-focused skills such as communication, professionalism and ethics.

The new course can be found here

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.