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Famous cats raise money for tigers
Image: Larry
Toys and pawtographs put up for auction

 Renowned cats such as Larry the 10 Downing Street cat, and the Street Cat named Bob, have teamed up to help buy some oversized toys for the tigers at London Zoo.

The furry-faced fundraisers have donated their toys and "pawtographs" to an eBay auction which began yesterday. Proceeds from the auction will go towards a "tiger toy box" for Jae Jae and Melati, the inhabitants of the zoo's new Tiger Territory exhibit.

Tiger Keeper Teague Stubbington explains: “Tigers love playing with toys as much as domestic cats do and we provide them with lots of enrichment at ZSL London Zoo to encourage their inquisitive natures.

“The fact that some of Britain’s most famous cats have used their feline fame to buy extra toys that will help top up our tigers’ toy box is brilliant.”

Now up for auction on eBay, Larry's toy is the perfect gift for pets with political aspirations, having seen all the nooks and crannies of Downing Street. You can also find a signed toy belonging to Britain's most inspirational puss, the Street Cat named Bob!

Bidders can get their hands on a signed VIP cat toy from the Prime Minister's cat, author James Bowden's cat Bob, Pauline McLynn's cats Alice and Brenda or model Lucy Pinder's cat Jackson.
Keepers are planning to use the funds raised to buy Jae Jae and Melati some of their favourite toys, including boomer balls, bungee ropes and catnip. Their new home is set to open to the public at the end of this month on 22 March.

To find the famous toys, search "ZSL Toys for Tigers" on eBay.

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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.