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Charity reports increase in designer cats
Murphy was brought to the RSPCA centre with long, matted fur.
Designer cats’ complex needs may cause more surrenders.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has reported a sharp increase in designer cats being surrendered to their branch in Kent.

The charity says that ten per cent of the cats rescued since January at RSPCA Canterbury and District were pedigree cats.

Natalie Archer, branch manager at the centre, reports being ‘inundated’ with pedigree cats and pedigree crosses. Many of the breeds have exaggerated physical features, causing suffering, behavioural difficulties and making them prone to particular disorders.

RSPCA believes that many of the pet owners which have surrendered ‘designer cats’ did so without understanding their complex care needs. For example, brachycephalic cats need their eyes wiped regularly.

Brachycephalic cats’ flat faces means they will also struggle to breathe, sleep and give birth.

Other designer cats like Murphy, a nine-year-old ragdoll cross, need regular grooming to prevent their long fur becoming matted. Murphy was brought into the rescue centre after his owners had a change of circumstances, and volunteers took the time treat his matted fur.

This increase in designer cats has prompted RSPCA to renew its calls for pet breeders to consider cats’ health and welfare over their exaggerated features.

Ms Archer said: “The RSPCA strongly believes that all those who breed cats should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.
 
“We know owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, and people may not realise that cats bred with exaggerated features can struggle with extremely serious health problems. We would like to see breeders doing more to ensure they are producing kittens who are happy and healthy.”

RSPCA asks that prospective cat owners look ‘beyond the label’ when choosing to rescue a cat, while also being aware of the additional care needs of many designer cats. Adoptees can view Murphy, and other available cats, on the RSPCA website.

Image © RSPCA

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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.