The British Veterinary Association’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which polled over 800 companion animal vets across the UK, has found that 90 per cent of vets have treated cats for injuries caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs), falling from a height and walking on hot surfaces.

Almost all (94 per cent) of vets surveyed had seen cats injured by RTAs – with one vet alone seeing 99 cases during a 12-month period. The survey revealed that, on average, vets treated twice as many cat RTA injuries as cases of similar dog injuries. The next most common cat injuries that vets saw through their practice doors were caused by cats falling from height, airgun injuries and burns.

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz said: “Vets are seeing a shocking number of cat injuries in their surgeries. These statistics should make owners stop and think about whether their homes and gardens are safe enough for their cats.

“Cats are agile and adaptable animals, but their nine lives are a myth. The good news is that cat owners can take some simple steps to protect their pets from the most common accidents and injuries, including using reflective collars, keeping cats indoors overnight, and being careful in the kitchen and with open windows.”