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Last chance to nominate your favourite felines
Cat lovers have until the 28 February to submit their nominations.

National awards to celebrate extraordinary cats.

With less than two weeks until nominations close, Cats Protection is calling on the public to enter their extraordinary cat into this year’s National Cat Awards.

The National Cat Awards is an annual celebration that highlights stories of courage, devotion and companionship, showcasing the unique role felines have in their owners' lives.

Cats Protection’s advocacy & influence Director Jeff Knott said: “We’re looking for truly remarkable cat stories – tales of cats who have changed lives, shown incredible resilience or formed deep, unshakable bonds with their humans. Every year, we’re amazed by the inspiring entries and we can’t wait to hear about the cats who have made a real impact to people’s lives.”

The deadline for nominations is the 28 February. Owners can nominate their cat in one of the folllowing five categories, including a special category to recognise veterinary professionals who go the extra mile to care for cats:

 •    Family Cats: For cats who make a family complete – whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort and support in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.
 
 •    Incredible Cats: Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.
 
 •    Senior Cats: Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special. They may have led an action-packed life, been by their owner’s side through life’s ups and downs or embraced a new lease of life in their golden years.
 
 •    Connected Cats, supported by Sure Petcare: For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide. They might play a big part in their community, have their own social media following or add their own brand of magic to a workplace.
 
 •    Vet of the Year 2025: For vets who have provided outstanding cat care, going out of their way to support cats and their owners.

Cats Protection will select the 2025 Cat of the Year from the four category winners.

Novelist Dawn O’Porter, who is returning as event host for the third year running, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this incredible event once again. I can’t wait to hear all the heartwarming, hilarious and awe-inspiring stories about extraordinary cats and their devoted owners.

“This is the perfect chance to celebrate the amazing ways that our feline friends have changed our lives – so if you know a cat that deserves to be recognised you must enter them for a National Cat Award, it’s the tops for top cats!”

To submit a nomination, visit cats.org.uk

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

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.