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iCatCare announces new CEO
Pictured: Nicola Martin, new CEO of International Cat Care.

Veterinary surgeon Nicola Martin will be taking over the role. 

Cat welfare organisation International Cat Care (iCatCare) has announced its new CEO, Nicola Martin.

She will be taking over the role from Claire Bessant, who has been the organisation’s CEO for 28 years. 

Commenting on her new role, Nicola said: “I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of International Cat Care and look forward to working with the trustees, the passionate team and diverse and expert stakeholders to continue to improve the lives of cats worldwide.

“The charity has been close to my heart throughout my veterinary career and the opportunity to lead the next phase of its development is extremely exciting.”

Nicola, a veterinary surgeon who has a vast amount of experience working with charities, is currently chief executive of Canine Partners, and is Chair of Trustees of Assistance Dogs UK. 

As a previous trustee of Animal Welfare Foundation, and head of Pet Health and Welfare at the PDSA, Nicola has helped to develop each organisation she has been involved with, including designing the PDSA’s annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report. 

Nicola added: “Over the last 28 years, Claire and the team have worked tirelessly with all those who share International Cat Care’s vision and have made significant strides forward in so many areas of feline welfare.

“So much has been achieved for cats, but there is still so much to be done and I look forward to taking on the baton and finding new and innovative ways to work with others to make a real difference to the mental and physical wellbeing of cats worldwide.”

 

Image (C) iCatCare

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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.

 

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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.