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National Cat Awards to include Vet of the Year category
Last year's winner Zebby with his owner Genevieve Moss.
Nominations open on 13 February.

This year’s National Cat Awards, organised by Cats Protection, will include a Vet of the Year category for the first time.

When nominations open on Tuesday, 13 February, cat owners and colleagues will have the chance to nominate veterinary surgeons who have provided outstanding cat care.

There are also four categories for owners to nominate their cat:
  • Family cats – For cats who provide companionship, amusement, or comfort and support when times are tough
  • Incredible cats – Recognising cats who have done something heroic or extraordinary, such as surviving against the odds or saving a life
  • Senior cats: Celebrating cats older than 11 years
  • Connected cats: For cats that make people smile, whether on social media or in the local community.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony in London on 18 September. The Cat of the Year 2024 will be selected from the four feline category winners.

Last year, Zebby, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, won the overall award in recognition of the support he provides his deaf owner.
 
Catherine Cottrell, Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser, said: “We’ve launched this new award to recognise the amazing contribution of vets across the country who make a difference to the quality of cats’ lives.

"Whether they’ve embarked on studies or research to improve understanding of feline medicine, gone out of their way to help a cat in need, or shown outstanding care in complex or difficult situations, we want to celebrate their dedication and skill.”

Nominations will close at noon on Tuesday, 26 March.

Image © Cats Protection

 

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.