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Four-eared rescue cat finds a home
batman
"Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

'Batman' has four ears due to a rare genetic mutation

A four-eared rescue cat named Batman has found internet fame and a new home in Pennsylvania.

The young cat was taken to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society as his owner could no longer care for him.

Batman's unusual looks are down to a rarely seen genetic mutation, which has been documented as far back as 1938 in Ohio. It is thought to be a recessive gene mutation that is required from both the mother and father in order to produce four ears.

The society's managing director Hala Nuemah commented: "As an open door shelter, we take in and care for any animal brought to us. Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

Despite his unusual looks, three-year-old Batman has been adopted by a loving new owner in Pennsylvania after spending a month at the shelter. Initially he was not ready to be rehomed as he was undergoing treatment for an upper respiratory tract infection.

Caitlin Lasky, the society's marketing communications manager, told ABC News that Batman had been adopted by a young girl and her mother. "It was fitting because the little girl like superheroes," she added. 

 

Image © Western PA Humane Society

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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
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."