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Secret Life of Cats sparks sales boom

Amazon reports soaring sales of pet tracking devices

Following BBC Two's recent Secret Life of Cats broadcast, it seems the nation's pet owners are eager to find out what their own furry friends get up to in secret.

Amazon's newly released G-PAWS GPS Data Recorder, which went on sale on June 15, has seen a 350 per cent increase in pre-orders since the programme aired on June 13.

The Secret Life of Cats revealed the findings of researchers at the University of Lincoln, who studied the activities of 50 cats over a 24-hour period, using GPS collars and cat-cams.

The device from Amazon also uses GPS technology to track the movements of cats and dogs, allowing owners to observe their wanderings online, from an aerial or street-level map.

"Pet GPS tracking devices are a fun way to find out about the secret lives of your pets," said Xavier Garambois, Vice President of EU Retail at Amazon.

Paul Dore from Amazon's Pet Supplies store, added: "Interest in GPS devices for animals has recently soared. This is the fastest pre-ordering pet technology item we have had in the store to date."

 

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The secret life of cats

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.