Cat welfare champion honoured by pet charity

The Blue Cross Welfare Award, part of this year's Petplan Awards ceremony, has been presented to the chief executive of the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB), Claire Bessant, for her substantial contribution to feline welfare over many years.

Dr. Andrew Edney MA DVetMed MRCVS, a former governor of The Blue Cross, presented the award at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress yesterday.

The FAB was founded in 1958. When Claire took the helm in 1995, it was relatively unknown, but Claire transformed it into an active organisation dedicated to advancing feline health and welfare. Current FAB initiatives include funded university posts at veterinary schools, an extensive range of cat care leaflets and a polycystic kidney disease screening scheme.

John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross said: Claire's energy, knowledge and experience combine for the benefit of all cats and cat owners.  We are delighted to present her with The Blue Cross Welfare Award in recognition of her impressive contribution to feline welfare.

Claire coordinated the foundation of the Cat Group and the European Society of Feline Medicine. She is also the editor of the BVA journal, In Practice, and has written a number of books about cats.

Media contact: Sam Cordwell
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Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Photo available on request