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Royal aspirations for six unwanted kittens
kittens
Battersea is betting the royal baby will be bundled up in blue and has named six unwanted kittens in honour of the birth.

Battersea names litter after bookies' outsider names for the royal baby

As the birth of the royal baby looms, there have been some pretty weird and wonderful name guesses - including Chardonnay, Romeo and Boris. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have entered into the spirit by naming a litter of unwanted kittens after the bookies' outsider names.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to go into labour within the next two weeks, meaning the birth of the royal baby coincides with 'kitten season'. Due to the warmer weather, Battersea is currently inundated with pregnant cats and litters of kittens.

A litter of six recently abandoned kittens have been named Chardonnay, Olympia, Joffrey, Winston, Romeo and Boris.

Head of the charity's cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, says: “We’ve had a long association with the royal family and excitement is building here at Battersea about the second royal baby.

"We can’t wait to find out if her baby will be a boy or a girl – our kittens are certainly waiting for their own royal seal of approval.

"We care for hundreds of kittens, especially over the warmer months, so it will be nice to celebrate the birth with our own new arrivals."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.