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National Cat Awards 2019 finalists announced
Chi helps his owner Finley, who has autism, cope with everyday life.

Winners to be revealed at a star-studded ceremony in London

An intuitive puss who raised the alarm when his owner suffered a diabetic seizure and a loving moggie who helped his owner overcome serious mental health issues are among the finalists in the 2019 National Cat Awards.

Organised by Cats Protection, the National Cat Awards celebrate heroism, survival and companionship in the feline world. The finalists are all in the running to be crowned National Cat of the Year, which will be announced at a star-studded ceremony in London later this year.

Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “From young children to pensioners, cats have a very special place in the hearts and homes of all sorts of people. The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate everything we love about cats and the positive effect they have on our lives.”

The finalists in this year’s Awards include:
 
    •    Monty, the caring puss who helped young newly-weds cope with the final few months of a tragic battle with terminal cancer.
 
    •    Intuitive Walter, who raises the alarm when his owner suffers a diabetic seizure
 
    •    Jethro, who helped his owner overcome serious mental health issues to lead an independent life against the odds.
 
    •    Loving Chi, who helps an eight-year-old boy with autism cope with everyday life.
 
    •    Cisco, who has helped his 14-year-old owner cope with anxiety and move forward with life after being the victim of a mugging.
 
    •    Loyal Sparky, who helped her owner cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after she was blinded in one eye during a random attack.

The winners will be selected in five categories - Hero Cat, Most Caring Cat, Furr-Ever Friends, Outstanding Rescue Cat and PURINA Better Together - before one receives the top honour of National Cat of the Year 2019.

Taking place at London’s Savoy hotel on 8 August, the awards ceremony will be attended by entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and Dancing on Ice star Frankie Seaman.

Each winner will receive a trophy, a £100 pet store voucher, a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine and a three months’ supply of cat food.

Image (C) Cats Protection.

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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.