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Move to open access set for JFMS
"The AAFP is enthusiastic and eager for more veterinary professionals to receive access to the leading publication for feline scientific and veterinary research" - Heather O'Steen, AAFP.
Popular feline medicine publication will no longer be behind paywall.

The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) has announced that the journal will join the open access movement.

Owned by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the majority of the journal's articles are behind a paywall, and can be accessed only by ISFM and AAFP members and JFMS subscribers.

In a move designed to further the IFSM and AAFP's united goal of improving cat welfare by empowering the veterinary community to provide outstanding cat care, JFMS will become a Gold Open Access journal.

This means that all papers published by the journal will be freely available to read by anyone immediately following publication.

Claire Bessant, chief executive of ISFM's parent charity International Cat Care, said: “It will be so wonderful to make this vast resource of information available to all veterinary professionals who see cats.

“Making JFMS open access will contribute hugely to International Cat Care’s mission of enabling more people to act in a cat friendly way to improve cat welfare.

“We know that veterinary training in feline medicine and surgery is sometimes not a priority, yet cats are becoming more popular as pets worldwide and owners want good veterinary care for their pets.

“We are all continually learning about cats and being able to share JFMS more widely is very exciting.”

Alongside the journal becoming open access, the full JFMS archive will be made free to view, with more than 2300 papers currently archived.

The IFSM and AAFP will also continue to produce their Clinical Review articles, published open access from 2023 onwards.

Members of each organisation will still receive unique benefits, with the IFSM and AAFP offering exclusive resources such as podcasts, videos and interviews. Members will also receive monthly emails that summarise the most clinically relevant research.

CEO of the AAFP, Heather O'Steen, added her support and excitement for the move to open access: “The AAFP is enthusiastic and eager for more veterinary professionals to receive access to the leading publication for feline scientific and veterinary research, helping to advance the standards of feline medicine worldwide.”

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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.