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: 8th November 2016
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

Cat meditation video 'the ultimate stress buster'
cat with person meditating
The video's feline cast is made up of homeless cats and kittens being cared for by the Blue Cross.

Rescue cats featured in unique mindfulness video
 
An animal charity has teamed up with mindfulness experts to deliver what they believe is the ultimate stress-busting routine - an at-home meditation video featuring clips of rescue cats.

Meditation is widely thought to be beneficial to human health. Research also suggests that watching cat videos and listening to purring sounds can reduce stress. With this in mind, The Blue Cross has launched the world's first meditation class with cats.

Put together with the help of experts at the Mindfulness Project, the six-minute video class, 'Karma Kitties', combines the essential principles of mindfulness with imagery and sounds of rescue cats purring, playing and snoozing. It encourages the viewer to focus on the sensations, thoughts and emotions evoked by the animals.

Alexa Frey, co-founder and director of the Mindfulness Project, said she was excited to get involved in the unique venture. "There's so much research showing the calming influence of cats on humans and so it marries really well to the principles of mindfulness.

"We hope the class brings calm and tranquility to people across the country and encourages people to bring a rescue cat into their lives."

The video was trialled at a one-off event in London, where it proved popular with cat lovers. Christina Moore, 30, said she felt "incredibly happy" after watching it.

"Everyone loves cat videos, me included and as this combines the cuteness of cats and helps with my wellbeing, it's definitely something I want to get involved with," she added.

The video's feline cast is made up of homeless cats and kittens being cared for by the Blue Cross. The charity hopes it will not only be therapeutic for humans, but also raise awareness of the plight of rescue cats.

Laura Boyle, rehoming centre manager for Torbay, said: "This year, we have seen so many kittens and cats come to our centres in need of a new home. Owning a rescue cat can bring enjoyment, happiness and fulfilment to both owner and pet, so we hope this video will have benefits to both pets and people."

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.