Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.