A NEW study has found that animal charities remain a hit with the public while also highlighting some of the issues the sector faces. Specialist market research company Vision One Research surveyed 3,000 people across the UK as it created its Charity Brand Barometer. By looking at charity brand equity, brand strength and brand momentum, it is designed to provide an independent measure of how charity brands are perceived by the UK public.

AN AWARENESS campaign has been launched to highlight the dangers of accidental topical hormone exposure. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) says the naturally curious and affectionate nature of pets makes it easy to transfer hormones from owner to animal. Evidence suggests that animals may absorb oestrogen or testosterone by coming into contact with areas of human skin where hormone gels and creams have been applied.

AWARD-winning children’s poet James Carter has released a new book which explores the domestication of animals. The latest in a series of poetry picture books about the natural world, the new work's fun and factual rhymes are illustrated by James Munro. From caveman with wolves, Egyptians and their cats to farming animals, and even animal deities, Us and Them explores how our relationship with many different creatures across the world changed from around 40,000 years ago.

IN the narrow backstreets of Hoi An, away from the UNESCO World Heritage yellow-walled tourist centre, sits a quiet home that houses 112 cats. This is the headquarters of Vietnam Cat Welfare (VCW), a UK registered charity that operates Jack’s Cat Cafe. It is not a typical 'cat cafe' designed for human entertainment; it is a working sanctuary for animals that have often faced hardship on the local streets.

A LEADING pet health company has unveiled its new and consolidated range of digestive products. Nutravet has brought together all its digestive-focused goods - designed to deliver complete 360° gut health support for cats and dogs - under the Nutrabio brand name. The new range reflects the firm's continued commitment to advancing pet health through science-led nutrition and targeted supplementation.

A RANGE of soft cat toys filled with organic catnip is challenging throw-away culture with its signature Royal Collection. The Catnip Queen, a UK-based family business, says the line is designed to be durable and sustainable. Among the toys available are The Count’s Moustache, Royal Catch and Royal Clutch, which combine purple and gold colours to symbolise royalty.