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Search for nation's favourite cats gets underway
Owners are invited to nominate their cats in one of four categories.

The National Cat Awards 2025 celebrates exceptional felines.

The search for the nation's favourite cats is about to get underway, highlighting stories of courage, devotion and companionship that showcase the unique role felines have in our lives.

The National Cat Awards 2025 kickstarts on 15 January, with owners invited to nominate their pets in one of four categories: Family Cats, Incredible Cats, Senior Cats, and Connected Cats. Colleagues or owners can also put forward a vet who has gone above and beyond in providing care for a cat in the 'Vet of the Year' category.

Supported by a host of feline-loving celebrities, this annual celebration, organised by Cats Protection, aims to showcase the UK's most incredible cats - from those providing comfort in tough times to felines with an active role in their communities.

Catherine Cottrell, director of Cats Protection, said: “Cats are one of the nation’s favourite pets, and bring fun, comfort and companionship to millions of people. They live alongside us in all sorts of ways, from the sociable cat who greets all the neighbours to the homely lap-cat on our sofa. There are the super-friendly cats who thrive in the company of busy workplaces, or within their communities, and even those solitary, shy cats who prefer to keep their distance can bring us great joy.

“The National Cat Awards is all about celebrating every cat, and what they bring to our lives. We’re looking forward to sharing some amazing, heart-warming and inspirational stories to showcase the special role cats have in our lives.”

A public vote will decide the winners of each category, while a panel of judges will decide on 'Vet of the Year'. The winners will be announced during a ceremony in London later this year.

Cat of the Year 2025 will be chosen from the four category winners. Last year's winner was Marley, who helps women who have been trafficked, enslaved or exploited in London. 

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.