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Stars come out for cats in need
The donated t-shirts will be used to create cat beds for Cats Protection adoption centres.

Holly Willoughby and Deborah Meaden are among the celebrities supporting Cats Protection's 'feels like home' campaign.

With more owners than ever no longer able to afford to care for their cats, celebrities from across television, comedy and music have come together to support homeless felines.

Leading cat charity Cats Protection recently issued an urgent appeal for volunteer fosterers after research highlighted the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on cat owners.

The charity says that it has already seen its waiting list grow by 20 per cent compared to this time last year, and the problem is only expected to get worse. 

With more cats spending time in the charity's care, Cats Protection has launched a 'feels like home' appeal to encourage members of the public to become fosterers or make a small donation towards food, blankets and care. 

To help raise awareness, cat-loving stars including Holly Willoughby, Deborah Meaden, Jo Brand and Bob Mortimer have donated t-shirts and tops to illustrate how simple it is to create a warm and cosy space for cats.

Comedian Jo Brand donated the red ‘Jo’ t-shirt she wore as one of the Cheeky Girls to support Comic Relief in 2002, while Great British Bake Off star Kim-Joy contributed her oversized food-themed tees she uses to cover her clothes in the kitchen. 

The charity will use the garments to create DIY cat beds for Cats Protection adoption centres across the UK. Followers of the charity's socail media channels will also get the chance to win a celebrity t-shirt for their own cat bed DIY endeavours.

Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden said: “I love to recycle and find new uses for items, so to know it’s easy to make our cats cosy using things we already have is great.” 

TV presenter Holly Willoughby who donated a boho top added: “We all know cats need a cosy hiding spot, so I love how easy it is to make one for them out of items we all have at home.”

For more information about Cats Protection's winter campaign, visit cats.org.uk/feels-like-home

Image (C) Cats Protection.

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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. 

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.