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iCatCare announces new CEO
Pictured: Nicola Martin, new CEO of International Cat Care.

Veterinary surgeon Nicola Martin will be taking over the role. 

Cat welfare organisation International Cat Care (iCatCare) has announced its new CEO, Nicola Martin.

She will be taking over the role from Claire Bessant, who has been the organisation’s CEO for 28 years. 

Commenting on her new role, Nicola said: “I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of International Cat Care and look forward to working with the trustees, the passionate team and diverse and expert stakeholders to continue to improve the lives of cats worldwide.

“The charity has been close to my heart throughout my veterinary career and the opportunity to lead the next phase of its development is extremely exciting.”

Nicola, a veterinary surgeon who has a vast amount of experience working with charities, is currently chief executive of Canine Partners, and is Chair of Trustees of Assistance Dogs UK. 

As a previous trustee of Animal Welfare Foundation, and head of Pet Health and Welfare at the PDSA, Nicola has helped to develop each organisation she has been involved with, including designing the PDSA’s annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report. 

Nicola added: “Over the last 28 years, Claire and the team have worked tirelessly with all those who share International Cat Care’s vision and have made significant strides forward in so many areas of feline welfare.

“So much has been achieved for cats, but there is still so much to be done and I look forward to taking on the baton and finding new and innovative ways to work with others to make a real difference to the mental and physical wellbeing of cats worldwide.”

 

Image (C) iCatCare

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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.