Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th January 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

The purr-fect remedy for 'Blue Monday'
Cat and human
Cats are not just great company - they can be good for you too!
A cat's purr can be good for you

Cats Protection have released recordings of cats purring to relieve the stress of 'Blue Monday' (January 19), said to be the most depressing day of the year.

Widely recognised as having therapeutic benefits for humans, the charity says that a cat's purr can help fight the inevitable January gloom brought on by cold weather, failed New Years' resolutions and overhanging debt from Christmas.

Furthermore, curling up with a feline friend is even known to lower blood pressure - possibly because the reassuring hum is generally associated with calmness and gentle communication, or perhaps it is because the frequency of the vibration is in the range that can stimulate healing.

The recommendation is supported by a survey which revealed that almost 90 per cent of cat owners felt that their cat had a positive impact on their wellbeing, whilst just over 75 per cent said that they could manage everyday life much better thanks to the company of their feline friends.

Fifty per cent of the cat owners surveyed felt that their cat's presence and companionship helped them most, followed by a third of respondents describing stroking a cat as 'helpful' and 'calming'.

You can listen to the relaxing sound of Phoenix, Buddy and Maddie purring at www.soundcloud.com/cats-protection

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."