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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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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.