Pulse - September 2024 - 13

Heroes of the Australian Firefighters Calendar were at CatCon to autograph and sell their calendars benefiting animal rescue charities - and to pose for
photos with event-goers. Attendees were encouraged to dress up as much or as little as they desired. Photo credit: Marilyn Iturri
* My veterinarian didn't tell me we should
come in more often. (2024 CATalyst Report:
State of the Cat: Wellness and Nutrition)
When veterinary professionals feel the need
to learn more about cats, there are many options.
" Veterinarians have access to so much more
information today, largely due to published
guidelines in the Journal of Feline Medicine
and Surgery, " Dr. Brunt said.
" The 2022 Guidelines on Cat Friendly
Veterinary Interactions and Handling, and
Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment along
with their corresponding cat-owner resources
are critical first steps to understanding cats in
order to care for them. "
She said veterinarians can take specific
steps to get more cat owners into their clinics.
The council's 2024 State of the Cat report
suggests:
* Educating and training veterinary teams on
successfully transporting cats so they can
guide clients.
* Educating cat owners on the need for a physical
examination once yearly at a minimum.
* Providing a written and printed summary
of physical exam findings.
The council released its State of the Cat:
Wellness and Nutrition 2024 report in
PULSE
SEPTEMBER 2024
August. The council reported that its new
and first-of-its-kind data set provides relevant
information on feline wellness and nutrition
that provides insights for animal health professionals
across all sectors.
The report is based on surveys conducted
with more than 400 veterinarians and 1,900
pet cat owners across the U.S.
" [This] is the most comprehensive report
on feline health in our industry, " said Gina
Fortunato, CATalyst Council president. " I
am positive it will benefit animal health companies,
shelter and adoption organizations,
and the veterinary community broadly while
helping to increase needed care to companion
cats across the country. "
To learn more or to purchase the report,
visit catalystreport.org.
Cat Friendliness Makes
Things Better
When a cat is removed from its environment
to go to the vet, it can be overwhelmed by loud
noises and strange smells. It doesn't feel safe,
and becomes very stressed. At that point, the
owner becomes stressed as well.
And that assumes the owner can get the cat
out of the house in the first place.
As president-elect of the American Association
of Feline Practitioners, Ashlie Saffire,
DVM, DABVP (feline), said its Cat Friendly
13
Ten Topic Areas in the
Friendly Practice Checklist
1. Staff training and continuing education
| Client communications
2. Veterinary practice premises |
Waiting area
3. Feline handling and interactions
with clients
4. Examination room(s) |
Clinical records
5. Hospitalization and
boarding of cats
6. Pain management | Operating
room and anesthesia
7. Surgical equipment | dentistry
8. Diagnostic imaging |
Laboratory facilities
9. Treatment | Health and safety
10. Feline preventive healthcare individualized
by life stages
From catvets.com

http://www.catalystreport.org http://www.catvets.com

Pulse - September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pulse - September 2024