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iCatCare promotes cat carrier training for vet visits
An iCatCare survey found that 50 per cent of cat owners struggled to get their cats into carriers.

The charity is marking International Cat Day with the programme. 

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is celebrating International Cat Day 2021 (8 August) by promoting cat training in order to reduce the stress of veterinary visits.

In an initiative supported by Zoetis, iCatCare has chosen the theme '#BeCatCurious – Training for Cats and their Humans' to mark International Cat Day 2021. 

A recent survey by iCatCare found that 50 per cent of cat owners struggled to get their cat into a cat carrier, whilst 95 per cent of cat owners felt that they would like more advice on how to train their cat. The survey found that struggling to get a cat into a carrier was a major barrier for some owners in getting their cat to the veterinary practice.

Responding to this, iCatCare has launched a free programme of events to help cat owners to train their pets to be more comfortable with cat carriers, in order to train their cats to voluntarily enter a cat carrier to limit the stress of vet visits on the cat.

Nathalie Dowgray, Head of the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), commented: “Regular visits to the vet are important for maintaining a cat’s physical health but getting them into a cat carrier isn’t always easy. Training cats to be happy and comfortable with entering and traveling in a cat carrier is key to helping both cats and their owners reduce the stress of transport to the vets.”

In support of the programme, Chief medical officer at Zoetis Dr Michael McFarland said: “Cats are intelligent animals and we want owners to know that they respond well to training. The ICC survey found that owners who use positive training and rewards find it much easier to get their cats into a carrier, so we are delighted to support the #BeCatCurious campaign this year.

“Encouraging owners to be more curious and to learn something new with their cat can not only strengthen the bond between them but also make life easier and healthier for cats and their owners.

“By adopting ICC cat-friendly principles we can help ensure that cats stay healthy and live the best life possible.”

The programme of events began on 19 July and will continue up to International Cat Day on 8 August. Materials and information are accessible at icatcare.org/international-cat-day

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.