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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

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.

 

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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."