It is relatively common for "stray cats" to be presented at our surgery. Concerned owners will often feed any cats that they consider to be homeless.The handsome silver tabby featured to-day is no exception.

Unfortunately, with no microchip to identify his rightful owners, his future remains uncertain.

In this instance, the clients who brought him to us have made the effort to treat him for fleas, worms and ear mites and accepted the associated expense that goes with ridding him of his heavy parasitic burden.

I have also explained to them that, because he is an entire male, there is some potential risk to their own cats should they consider adopting him completely. Entire Toms have a characteristic behaviour pattern that brings them into conflict with many other cats over a very wide area.

Territorial and "matrimonial!" disputes are often settled with nasty bite injuries. This results in the transmission of not only suppurative producing bacteria but also several serious viruses. Therefore Tom cats are considered a high risk group with regard to a number of life threatening conditions. Consequently Feline Leukaemia and Feline AIDS which are relatively widespread in the UK are more frequently found in Tom cats.

It would be very important to ensure, through blood testing, that any stray, Tomcat or otherwise, was not harbouring these viruses before bringing them into close and direct contact with your own cats.

This unfortunate patient is sadly a good example of the major benefits of castration, vaccination and microchipping! Nevertheless, now that his situation has been brought to light perhaps his future may be more optimistic!

Terry Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS

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