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Battersea admits heaviest cat on record
titan
Titan weighs a colossal 10kg - more than double his recommended weight.
A recent rise in the number of overweight cats being admitted is a cause for concern 

Battersea has recently taken on its heaviest cat on record, marking a current peak in morbidly obese felines being admitted. 
 
Housing an average of 250 cats across its three centres at any one time, Battersea is accustomed to a variety of shapes and sizes. However staff were surprised when nine-year-old black feline Titan came in, weighing over double the recommended weight for a domestic short-haired cat of his size.
 
SuiLi Weight, the team leader of Battersea’s Cattery said: “Titan has definitely been living up to his name in the past and enjoying the fat-cat lifestyle, but his new found title is not one to be proud of.
 
"We have been putting Titan through Battersea boot camp to help him shed a few pounds, including a special diet and encouraging him to exercise through lots of playtime…
 
"His hefty weight, though comical to some, is a real health problem and may put off potential owners who will have to work to help continue his weight loss.”
 
Battersea has taken in 16 cats in the overweight category over the past year.  The quality of life for these cats is poor, as they struggle to move and play as a normal cat would. Battersea staff hope that this recent spate is not indicative of a growing trend for fat felines in the future.
 
SuiLi added: “It is understandable that people like to spoil their pets every once in a while, but we are not talking about the odd treat or two. Overweight cats like Titan...are obese due to over-feeding and under-exercising from owners who may not be aware they are doing anything wrong.”
 
Those with concerns about their cat are advised to seek veterianary advice to check its size and to discuss its recommended healthy weight. 
 
Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.