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New collaboration to empower VNs to ‘speak up for cats’
iCatCare and BVNA will work together to help veterinary nurses learn and apply their knowledge of feline medicine in practice.

BVNA and International Cat Care to champion feline health and welfare.

A new collaboration that aims to empower veterinary nurses to ‘speak up for cats’ has been announced by the BVNA.

BVNA president Alex Taylor - also known as 'The Cat Nurse' - has revealed International Cat Care (iCatCare) as her charity of choice for her presidential year.

A passionate advocate for felines, Alex believes an organisation supporting veterinary professionals and owners to improve feline welfare was a natural fit. 

Commenting on her decision, Alex said: “Selecting iCatCare as the chosen charity for my presidential year was an honour to do. Not just because of my passion for cats, but because iCatCare and their veterinary division ISFM have always supported and championed veterinary nurses.

“There are so many veterinary nurses out there who have a keen interest and passion for feline welfare, and we have a huge role to play in promoting feline wellbeing, whether that’s in a clinical environment or through cat owner education.”

She added: “I am very proud to be part of the feline veterinary nursing and BVNA communities, so this collaboration is very dear to my heart. I have no doubt that the partnership between the BVNA and iCatCare will benefit the veterinary nursing profession and help improve feline welfare for many years to come.”

The veterinary division of iCatCare, The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), provides resources to help veterinary nurses learn and apply their knowledge of feline medicine in practice. 

ISFM programme manager, Sarah Collins, said: “As an RVN, I hugely appreciate the work carried out by the BVNA to support nurses and represent and promote our profession. I am therefore delighted to be working with them to enhance knowledge of feline physical health and mental wellbeing to improve feline welfare via the veterinary nurse community.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of ISFM’s Cat-Friendly Clinic Programme and Nathalie Dowgray, who is head of the ISFM, said its success is in no small part due to the support of RVNs.

“Collaboration with BVNA will be a fantastic step in our Cat-Friendly Evolution’,” she said.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.