Veterinarians have a great opportunity to save pets’
lives by recognizing that behavioral medicine is as
important as any other field of veterinary medicine,
and can routinely be incorporated into each veterinary
visit. Because most veterinarians never received education in veterinary school about feline behavior, and do
not have the time and resources to study all the latest
research and develop behavior protocols, the panelists
have worked to develop a concise, updated and “user
friendly” document that can be easily implemented.
The guidelines include the following information:
• Emphasis is on prevention, from pre-adoption or the
first veterinary visit, through senior life. Preventing
behavior problems should be an important part of total
wellness care. A list of behavior questions intended for
inclusion in the medical history questions used at each
appointment is provided to aid in early detection and
intervention of behavior problems.
• An outline is provided for guidance regarding how to
create realistic expectations about living with a cat. This
will encourage cat owners to provide positive outlets to
allow normal behavior, but in ways that clients will consider acceptable.
• Several of the appendices can be used for both prevention and treatment and can be made into client
handouts; these will delegate client education to the
veterinary support team and be used to facilitate the
veterinarian’s role in client education.
• A developmental table specifying home and veterinary
care needed at different stages of life is included. This
can serve as an excellent poster or client information
handout to help clients understand their responsibilities for home and veterinary care.
• Detailed information on behavior and environmental
enrichment is included to help prevent many of the
most common behavior problems.
• Suggestions regarding prevention and treatment of
obesity, the most common consequence of domestication of cats, are provided.
• To help veterinarians better handle routine behavior
concerns (eg, inappropriate elimination) a rational first
approach to the problems seen day-to-day is included.
• Behavior counseling and treatment, including behavior
modification and environmental enrichment, are discussed in detail. For cats needing medical treatment,
important drug information including dosing and
tapering of medication is provided. Information on
where to refer if needed is also provided.
• Information is provided that will promote comprehensive, state-of-the-art, holistic care that incorporates
both the physical and psychological well-being of our
feline patients.
• These guidelines will help veterinarians raise client
awareness that they should turn to the veterinary profession for advice regarding behavior, just as they do
with any medical concerns.