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: 30th January 2024
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

More pedigree cats in rescue centres, RSPCA says
The animal welfare charity believes that this change in figures could be a result of their popularity in social media, film, TV and advertising.
The number of ‘designer’ and ‘purebred’ cats has soared since 2018.

RSPCA has released figures revealing that the number of pedigree cats in their rescue centres has soared in the past six years.

The most common pedigree cat in RSPCA care was the Persian cat, which has seen a 92 per cent increase since 2018. This was followed by the ragdoll, which had a 61 per cent increase.

They have also reported a 22 per cent increase in Bengal cats, as well as a 300 per cent increase in Maine Coons in the past six years.

RSPCA says that many of these ‘designer’ cat breeds entering the rescue centre have exaggerated physical features, which often cause the cats pain and suffering. It can also make them vulnerable to particular disorders.

For example, Persian cats bred to have flat faces often suffer from brachycephaly, meaning they struggle to breathe, sleep or give birth.

The animal welfare charity believes that this change in figures could be a result of their popularity in social media, film, TV and advertising.

The statistics come after the RSPCA, among other charities, wrote to Universal Studios to criticise its use of a Scottish fold cat in its latest film, Argylle. Scottish fold cats are associated with a genetic disorder which causes them severe and painful lameness, resulting from arthritis that can develop at a young age.

Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We strongly believe that all those who breed cats should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.

“We know owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, and people may not realise that cats bred with exaggerated features can struggle with extremely serious health problems. We would like to see breeders doing more to ensure they are producing kittens who are happy and healthy.

“We encourage anyone wanting to add a cat to their family to visit one of our centres and rescue a cat in need of a loving home instead.”

Image © Shutterstock

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."