V-Gel (Docsinnovent) is a supraglottic airway device (pictured above right) for cats which enables a clear airway to be obtained quickly, efficiently and effectively for general anaesthesia and emergency resuscitation purposes without the need for traditional endotracheal intubation.International Cat Care has announced the winners of its 'Easy to Give' and 'Cat Friendly' Awards 2016. 

The Easy to Give Awards are designed to recognise the commitment made by pharmaceutical companies in making it easier to give prescription-only medications to cats; recognising that medicines which are easier to give make life less stressful for vets, owners and cats alike and ensure better compliance.

Each Easy to Give Award is decided by a feline expert veterinary panel taking into account feedback from their clients. And the winners are ...

These companies will be granted the use of the Easy to Give logo on advertising to the veterinary world. These bring the total number of Easy to Give awards presented, since their inception in 2005, to 39.

  • Amodip Chewable Tablets for Cats (Ceva)is the first ever cat-friendly amlodipine licensed for veterinary use for the treatment of hypertension in cats.
  • Benazecare 5mg Tablets (AnimalCare) act to reduce the protein lost in urine in renal disease and increase the appetite and quality of life of cats with chronic kidney disease.
  • Noraclav Chewable Tablets for Cats and Dogs (Norbrook) contain amoxicillin and clavalanic acid; because antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, having routinely used antibiotics in an easy to give and palatable formulation for cats is very important.
  • V-Gel (Docsinnovent) is a supraglottic airway device (pictured above right) for cats which enables a clear airway to be obtained quickly, efficiently and effectively for general anaesthesia and emergency resuscitation purposes without the need for traditional endotracheal intubation. 

International Cat Care also announced the winners of the Cat Friendly Awards, which recognise other products that have made a real difference to cat wellbeing and welfare.

  • Lick-e-Lix (Webbox) provides a great method to help give prescription medications to cats. Owners reported that its different flavours were great for disguising and giving pills and even made this a rewarding experience.
  • Feliway Friends Diffuser (Ceva) contains a synthetic copy of the cat appeasing pheromone naturally produced by a nursing mother for her kittens after birth, helping kittens feel safe and secure. This product aims to reduce tension and conflict in multicat households.
  • Kittyrama Cat Collars (Kittrama)are designed to be lightweight, slim, durable and very comfortable. They also have a buckle for accurate fitting and a safety opening mechanism if the collar gets caught.
  • Beco Cat Bowls (Beco Pets) are made of recyclable waste plant materials and are wide with low sides so that the cat's sensitive whiskers are not bent while eating.

For more details on the work of the charity go to www.icatcare.org.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.