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Last chance to nominate your favourite felines
Cat lovers have until the 28 February to submit their nominations.

National awards to celebrate extraordinary cats.

With less than two weeks until nominations close, Cats Protection is calling on the public to enter their extraordinary cat into this year’s National Cat Awards.

The National Cat Awards is an annual celebration that highlights stories of courage, devotion and companionship, showcasing the unique role felines have in their owners' lives.

Cats Protection’s advocacy & influence Director Jeff Knott said: “We’re looking for truly remarkable cat stories – tales of cats who have changed lives, shown incredible resilience or formed deep, unshakable bonds with their humans. Every year, we’re amazed by the inspiring entries and we can’t wait to hear about the cats who have made a real impact to people’s lives.”

The deadline for nominations is the 28 February. Owners can nominate their cat in one of the folllowing five categories, including a special category to recognise veterinary professionals who go the extra mile to care for cats:

 •    Family Cats: For cats who make a family complete – whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort and support in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.
 
 •    Incredible Cats: Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.
 
 •    Senior Cats: Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special. They may have led an action-packed life, been by their owner’s side through life’s ups and downs or embraced a new lease of life in their golden years.
 
 •    Connected Cats, supported by Sure Petcare: For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide. They might play a big part in their community, have their own social media following or add their own brand of magic to a workplace.
 
 •    Vet of the Year 2025: For vets who have provided outstanding cat care, going out of their way to support cats and their owners.

Cats Protection will select the 2025 Cat of the Year from the four category winners.

Novelist Dawn O’Porter, who is returning as event host for the third year running, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this incredible event once again. I can’t wait to hear all the heartwarming, hilarious and awe-inspiring stories about extraordinary cats and their devoted owners.

“This is the perfect chance to celebrate the amazing ways that our feline friends have changed our lives – so if you know a cat that deserves to be recognised you must enter them for a National Cat Award, it’s the tops for top cats!”

To submit a nomination, visit cats.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."