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Cats Protection makes urgent winter appeal
Feline abandonment cases have increased year-on-year since 2021.
Cat abandonment cases have risen by over 30 per cent.

Cats Protection has issued an urgent appeal for donations, as new statistics suggest a challenging winter ahead.

The cat welfare charity has already seen a 34 per cent increase in feline abandonment, with cases having increased year-on-year since 2021. Providing basic veterinary care to abandoned cats cost the charity £50,000 in the first half of 2024.

Now, with cats spending an average of 39 days in the charity’s care, it is asking members of the public to donate what they can to support its work.

Cats Protection will soon be broadcasting its TV appeal, which it says will highlight its commitment to cat welfare. The film explores the work of the charity in rescuing and rehoming cats which have been abandoned.

During the filming of the appeal, the film crew encountered a real life abandonment as it happened.

Alison Roberts, who is head of clinical services at Cats Protection, was with the film crew when she discovered a cat abandoned at the centre. The cat, now named Crumpet, has now received attention, and is already up for adoption.

The charity believes that Crumpet’s story acts as a reminder of its important work and why public support is so vital.

Although the charity always cares for and rehomes cats and kittens when needed, its main focus is to prevent the abandonment of cats. Cats Protection offers expert advice and a range of support and services to keep cat owners with their cats if possible.

The charity says that just £5 can provide food for a cat for 25 days. £15 would cover the cost of worming treatment for three cats, while £20 would buy ten fleece blankets for the cats.

Mike Elliott, feline welfare and operations director, said: “Right now, abandoned cats are hungry, cold and afraid. We understand that tough times can lead to heartbreaking decisions, however abandoning cats puts them in great danger.

“Because of the rise in abandonment cases this year, we’re in urgent need of support to ensure we can continue providing cats with the food, shelter and care needed to keep them safe.”

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.