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Jenny Frost Spots the Signs of Cat Pain

A new report has revealed that over three quarters of cat owners cannot recognise the signs that their pet is in pain.
Health, Home - 11 October 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Jenny Frost and Pete Wedderburn| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

A new report has revealed that three quarters of cat owners cannot recognise the signs that their feline friend might be in pain.

Unlike dogs, cats rarely cry out, limp or show any outward signs of pain, instead preferring to hide away or shy away from contact, thus making it difficult for owners to pick up on the tell tale signs.
Although cat pain can often be down to old age, cat obesity is increasing the problem. A third of pet owners describe their cat as overweight and nearly 40 per cent of cats diagnosed with arthritis were also overweight. Cats over the age of eight are considered by vets as being ‘senior’ and more at risk of developing conditions such as arthritis. Despite an ageing cat population, more than three quarters (78%) of cats have never been taken to the vets for an old age check up.

Postman Pat has recently been thrust into the limelight after announcements that he will star in a Hollywood blockbuster, and his sidekick Jess – the nations favourite celebrity cat – is also dipping his paw into show business with an exclusive online movie premier, supporting a new cat health campaign, ‘Spot the Signs’!

. Introduction:

Just like with humans, advances in medicine mean we have an ageing cat population which is leading to an increase in age-related health issues such as arthritis. Although cat pain is often caused by old age, cat obesity is increasing the problem, with new research revealing that the majority of cat owners would not know if their cat was in pain. Many of Britain’s geriatric cats have never had a check up once they pass their tenth birthday and are suffering in silence, but a new awareness campaign, fronted by Postman Pat’s iconic sidekick Jess the Cat, is aiming to make pet owners aware of the tell tale signs that their cat is in pain.

So, just how can we ‘Spot the Signs’ that our feline friends are in pain?

Joining us to discuss this further is ex-kitten and media personality Jenny Frost and TVs most loved vet, Pete Wedderburn.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the new report show about people’s awareness of cat pain in our area?

What are the consequences of letting our cats suffer in pain?

What are the main symptoms of cat pain?

Tell us a bit more about ‘Spot the Signs’.

What advice do you have for any cat owners who might be listening who are worried their cat may be in pain?

Where can our listeners go to find out more information?