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National Cat Awards finalists announced
Marley lives in a home for women escaping modern slavery.
Cats Protection will celebrate the bonds cats make with people.

Cats Protection has revealed the finalists in its annual National Cat Awards competition.

Voting has already launched for the competition, with cat lovers having until 30 August to vote for their favourite finalists.

There are four categories in this year’s competition: Connected Cats, Family Cats, Senior Cats and Incredible Cats. The category winners and the overall National Cat of the Year, which is decided by a panel of judges, will be announced during a ceremony at London’s One Marylebone on 18 September.

There are 11 cats nominated for awards.

Among the nominees is Marley, who lives in a home for women escaping modern slavery. There is also Cilla, a stray who moved into a primary school, who calms pupils before their SATs and has raised £5,000 to restock the library.

Also in the running is Marmaduke. Marmaduke has been providing his owner with support as they recover from the trauma of working as an emergency ambulance technician at the Manchester Arena during the 2017 attack.

The category winners will be presented with a prize package which includes a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher and a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine.

The National Cat of the Year will also be presented with an overall winner trophy.

Last year’s National Cat of the Year was Zebby. Zebby was recognised for the support he gives his deaf owner, Genevieve Moss, by alerting her to noises around the home.

This year’s winners will be announced by Dawn O’Porter, a best-selling author and TV presenter.

Ms O’Porter said: “I’m so pleased to be back to present the National Cat Awards again this year, I love hearing the amazing stories about the nominated cats and learning how these incredible animals have made lives better for their families.

“It really is the ultimate event for cat people.”

Catherine Cottrell, marketing and income generation director from Cats Protection, said: “The National Cat Awards is an annual celebration of the nation’s love of cats and this year we received over 1,500 entries. Some of our finalists have shown incredible intuition in understanding their owners’ needs; others are total extroverts, becoming local celebrities.

“Then there are the plucky pusses like William, undaunted by losing a leg, and Miss Dave Mittens who is (nearly) as sprightly as a kitten at the grand old age of 21. The central message of all the stories is that cats are cherished family members who add so much love to their owners’ lives. I can’t wait to see who the public chooses as their winners.”

For a full list of finalists, and to vote for your favourite, visit the voting page.

Image © Cats Protection

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.