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.
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

Schoolgirl battles severe anxiety with help from her two kittens
Amy’s confidence and happiness slowly started to return as her bond with her new pets grew.

Rafiki and Zazu were adopted from the charity Mayhew

A young schoolgirl battling severe anxiety has had her life turned around by two rescue kittens.

Twelve-year-old Amy suffered a shattering loss of self confidence and severe anxiety after being bullied at school. Things eventually deteriorated so much that she was signed off school by her GP.

Amy’s mother Sophie felt helpless, with no idea how to turn things around. When her daughter was signed off school, it was a relief to have some respite from the bullying, but Sophie worried that Amy would spiral even further into worry and sadness if she was at home all day with no friends to interact with.

However, the family had recently adopted two kittens - Rafiki and Zazu - from the charity Mayhew. The pair quickly became Amy’s best friends, and a positive force in her life.

Amy’s confidence and happiness slowly started to return as her bond with her new pets grew. Her general mood was significantly improved and her panic and anxiety attacks became far less frequent.

Sophie said: “Amy was bullied at school, which led to her developing mental health issues including anxiety. She’d even suggested ending her own life, and it was a terrifying time for the family. Luckily, we had just adopted two rescue kittens from Mayhew, and when the doctors signed Amy off school, their bond just grew.

“The kittens gave Amy a reason to get up in the morning, and a reason to smile. She now laughs at their funny games and gives them cuddles; and she is already a much happier person all round. Having the kittens to love has made a huge difference to Amy’s mental health, and we are both so thankful to Mayhew, Rafiki and Zazu.”

Image © Mayhew
 

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

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com