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Initiative to tackle growing problem of unowned cats
There are an estimated 300 million unwanted cats worldwide, and the figure is rising.

iCatCare launches free virtual library of resources and advice.

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is launching a new initiative to help people working with unowned cats, kickstarting with a free, certified course on the 5 December.

Currently, there are an estimated 300 million unwanted cats worldwide. This number accounts for more than half the predicted global population of domestic cats and is rising year on year.

In a bid to tackle this problem, iCatCare has launched a virtual library of resources, bringing together latest research and expert knowledge. Entitled Cat-Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats (CFSOC) the information is freely accessible to established professionals, volunteers and organisations, or those who are simply interested in the subject.

To launch the project iCatCare has created a free, certified introductory course called ‘Bringing Cat-Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats to Life’. Through uplifting and emotional stories of three very different cats, users will be able to learn the principles of the CFSOC and test their knowledge as they progress.

The CFSOC also aims to create a community for those working with unowned cats to share their knowledge, ideas and experiences with like-minded people across the world.

Vicky Halls, cat-friendly homing project manager at iCatCare and CFSOC lead, said: “We strongly believe that collaboration, mutual support and care are needed for us to provide all cats with the best possible life experience.

"Be loud and proud about what you have achieved already but, for the sake of cats, aspire, with the support of others, to evolve from great to even better, as even little changes can make a difference to the species we all care about so much.”

For more information about CFSOC and to take the course when it becomes available on 5 December visit https://bit.ly/2KH4FYP

Image (C) iCatCare

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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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.