Researchers at the University of Bristol are undertaking a new and exciting questionnaire-based study designed to help improve the health and welfare of cats and we need your help.

If you are at least 18 years old and live in the Bristol area (with a BS postcode) and have a cat aged 8 - 16 weeks, please visit our website Bristol University School of Veterinary Science - ‘Bristol Cats’ study for more information, or phone 07827 981412 to request information by post.

Jane Murray

How interesting! Any reason why it is only the Bristol area that you are collecting participants from (are you really expecting geographical differences?) considering that this is mainly a questionnaire study and samples of hair etc can be sent in? Otherwise I would happily volunteer my new BSH kitten.

So so interesting though and I would love to see the results.

I use the BCS and Millennium data in my work all the time, and I think a similar feline database is going to be of real value!

The main reason why we have chosen to restrict our recruitment to the Bristol area, is so that we can concentrate our recruitment efforts, and thus theoretically recruit a higher percentage, and more representative sample, of the population of eligible kittens.

However, depending on the success of our recruitment this year, it may be that we expand our area of recruitment in 2011. Therefore, any owners of 8-16 week old kittens from other regions who would like to take part can complete a questionnaire; however, I cannot guarantee at this stage that we would use the information on these kitten; however, I will be able to confirm the situation by the end of the year.

Thanks very much for your interest in this unique and exciting study!

I live in Bristol but don't have a kitten at the moment I'm afraid. Unless I can persuade OH that we really do need a couple of NFC girls to keep Kalle and Kyrre company .