Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cat welfare declaration reaches 21,000 signatures
MEP Alex Mayer (centre) showing her support for the Declaration and for improving feline welfare through changes to EU policy.

Document calls for collaborative approach to improve feline wellbeing

A best-practice document which calls for a cooperative and coordinated approach to cat welfare has received a huge amount of support from vets, charities and government officials across the world.

The ‘International Declaration of Responsibilities to Cats’ was launched by International Cat Care in January to mark the organisation’s 60th anniversary. The document provides a framework for all those responsible for cat welfare and facilitates a cohesive approach between them.

Since its launch, the Declaration has gathered more than 21,000 signatures from people in 108 countries. They include the Portuguese animal welfare organisation, Animais de Rya, British MEP Alex Mayer and the EU Dog & Cat Alliance.

“This shows how many people care about cats, want their welfare to be improved and believe in a collaborative approach to achieve this,” said an International Cat Care spokesperson.

To enable individuals and organisations across the world to utilise the Declaration, it has now been translated into five languages - French, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish - with many more to follow.

In March, representatives from International Cat Care went to meet MEP Alex Mayer at the European Parliament and to talk about ways to protect cats - both stray and owned - within EU policy. The charity described the meeting as ‘a successful start’ and continues to move forward, bringing together all entities responsible for cat health and wellbeing.

To read and add your support to the Declaration, visit icatcare.org/declaration

Image (C) ICatCare

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

SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.