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Study examines impact of cat containment on welfare
cat
Electronic containment systems have been shown to help keep cats safe from roads, but a new study will assess their welfare impacts.
New research will investigate the impact of electronic containment systems on the emotional state of cats

A study by the University of Lincoln will assess the welfare implications of using electronic containment systems on cats.

Researchers will set up a monitoring programme for cats who have been using the system for more than a year, to see how many warnings and corrections the cats receive.

"The tests we are going to perform are going to allow us to have a good picture about cats' behaviour, both with and without a containment system.

Dr Naima Kasbaoui, a researcher involved with the investigation, said:

"Modified collars will be used to monitor the cats' movements and the effect the system has on their roaming."Cat containment systems, which transmit an electric stimulus to the cat's collar when a cat crosses a boundary, have been shown to be effective in keeping them safe from roads and neighbouring gardens. This study will reveal whether the system is having any emotional or physical impact.

Three groups of volunteers will be required to take part in the study – a control group of cats free to wander outside their home without a containment system; a household that has been using a cat containment system for more than one year; and a household where a decision has been made to use a cat containment system, but it has not yet been introduced.

To be eligible, cats should be neutered and between one and 15 years of age. To find out more, contact Dr Kasbaoui by email.

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.