Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Votes are in for Britain's first Purr Minister
Kevin
Kevin, Britain's first Purr Minister.

Kevin is Westminster's cat of the year

The search for the top cat of Westminster is now over - after weeks of voting, Britain's first ever Purr Minister has been elected.

MPs and Lords from across the country began nominating their cat companions at the start of the month, with each hopeful submitting a "Manifursto" to the charity's website.

Following a 16-year career in eating and sleeping, Kevin has been crowned Purr Minister, winning 29.8 per cent of the vote.

Far from apathetic about voting, members of the public were impressed by Kevin's strong sense of purr-pose and eye-catching Manifursto.

Lindsey Quinlan, Battersea’s head of cattery, said: "Here at Battersea we know the British public love their cats and we’re so pleased to see that our politicians do too.

"The inaugural competition was certainly memorable and we hope Kevin enjoys his exciting year as our first Purr Minister and we wish him well!"

Kevin's election as Purr Minister coincides with the third anniversary of former Battersea cat Larry being appointed chief mouser at No. 10 Downing Street.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
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.