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Sunglasses make cat social media star
Bagel wearing sunglasses
The fashionable feline is a social media star, known to thousands on Instagram as ‘Sunglass cat’.

Feline suffers from debilitating eye condition

Vets in California have come up with an unusual way to treat a cat who was born with a debilitating eye condition.

Two-year-old Bagel suffers from eyelid agenesis which makes it impossible to produce tears or blink.

So far Bagel has had three sessions in surgery to treat the condition, but without eyelids her owner, Karen Mcgill, is required to apply eye drops several times a day.

Together with her vet, Karen came up with the novel idea to get Bagel a pair of sunglasses to protect her sensitive eyes.

Lined with glamorous jewels, the shades help to protect Bagel’s peepers from debris, which could damage her cornea and lead to blindness.

Now and again Karen will remove Bagel’s glasses so that she can have a wash. But out and about in Los Angeles, she is rarely seen without them.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Karen said: “Bagel is the most loving, gentle, calmest and kindest cat that you'll ever meet. Everyone always wants to touch her as well as hold her.

“They want to stop and talk to me about her sunglasses, which I always do since it's so rare to see a cat in glasses, and I tell them why she's wearing them as well as her condition. People are always amazed at how calm she is.”

The fashionable feline is also a social media star, known to thousands on Instagram as ‘Sunglass cat’.

Karen, who adopted Bagel when she was just a kitten, hopes that her cat's new found fame will encourage others to adopt and care for pets with special needs.

“If I didn't adopt Bagel she probably would've been returned and euthanised due to her special needs - I couldn't fathom Bagel not being here,“ she said.

“She has touched so many people as well as helped numerous people through situations in their lives. As long as I can put a smile on someone's face, make them have a better day, look at life differently because of our posts, then her Instagram account is successful.”

Image: screen shot taken from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_2fdV34WN0 published by Caters TV.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
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The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.