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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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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.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."