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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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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.