Category: AVMA

Happy Cat Month 2011

I was hoping to get this post written earlier in the month to help kick off Happy Cat Month, but as usual the days have gotten away from me so I’m determined to get it in today before the month is behind us.  For me and likely others who are cat people, we consider every month Happy Cat Month.  We understand the importance of keeping our cats happy. Cats have a way of making you very aware when they are unhappy and they are usually not shy about sharing their true feelings!  On a more serious note though, Happy Cat Month is more than just keeping a smile on your cat’s face. 
Happy Cat Month is a movement “dedicated to finding ways to keep our feline friends happy, healthy and purring all year long.”  It is supported by CATalyst Council, which is a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations and corporations to champion the cat. Recent statistics released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show an increase in the cat population coupled with a decline in veterinary visits for cats which is quite disheartening.
Despite the popularity of cats as household companions, they don’t seem to get the same respect that dogs do when it comes to healthcare.  I saw it time and again when I was in practice, the cat that had lived in the household as a loved pet but had not been to the vet for any healthcare since it was a kitten.  Sadly, the cat was now a geriatric with multiple, serious health issues. I heard countless reasons from owners why this occured including everything from “I didn’t want to stress him out” to “he’s never been sick before so why take him.”  Anyway, like their counterpart the dog, cats require annual care too.  The most important reason is to have the annual exam.  This gives the veterinarian an opportunity to look at the teeth, listen to the heart and assess for any other significant health problems.  This may also include vaccines, blood work, or a fecal exam  all of which are usually tailored to the cats lifestyle and age.  Cats do develop dental disease (sometimes requiring tooth extraction), heart disease, and arthritis.  Cats are also experts at hiding when they are sick which can lead to life threatening illness if not caught right away.  Conditions identified early can often be treated with a good outcome and significant improvement to the cat’s welfare.  There are several other factors that play a part in a cat’s happiness as well. The environment, enrichment, stress, etc. can all have an affect on the daily life of a cat.  As a cat owner, it is important to understand the multifaceted approach to keeping a cat happy throughout it’s life. 
The AVMA and CATalyst put together a great video discussing important tips on keeping your cat healthy and happy. 

In addition to offering tips about cat health and advice to keep them happy, the Council is encouraging anyone without a cat to adopt from a local shelter.  Celebrate Happy Cat Month by saving a life and enriching yours!
 
Additional Happy Cat Month resources:
10 Tips on Making Cats Happy
Cats & Carriers: Friends not Foes
Cats Enrich Our Lives
Adopt Cats in Pairs

Animals and Nature’s Fury

It has been quite a year so far in the realm of natural disasters that are affecting our globe.  As with anything, there are many theories as to why there are monster killer tornadoes and plantet changing earthquakes and tsunamis.  My personal theory is that we have finally, completely pissed off Mother Nature and she is punishing her kids.  But whatever the reason, humans undergo great suffering during and after these major disasters.  Often overlooked during these tragic times are the animals that are affected by these situations.  This includes pets that become injured and sometimes separated from their owners as well as farm animals which could ultimately affect the local food supply secondary to major disease outbreaks or loss .  I can only imagine what a terrifying experience people undergo during these times who not only have to worry about their own survival but also their pets who may be lost or injured or even dead.  I would be a total basket case.
Disaster preparedness has been a long time interest of mine.  I’m not sure what really sparked it for me. Maybe it was the rescue of my family and pets from our house to escape rising flood waters years ago or my long time illogical fear of tornadoes.  Whatever the reason, I have become involved in organized disaster preparedness on the animal front.  This area has really exploded in the last several years especially following in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  Fortunately, there is an army of people that have a passion for this and have become involved by raising awareness, organizing relief efforts and sending aid to affected areas.  There are many levels at which people can become involved.  Being  a veterinarian or veterinary technician is not a requirement as there are many jobs that need filled during disasters.  In addition to medical care, rescue of animals and housing of displaced animals is a necessity that can filled by people with many different skills sets.  This army of people falls into many different groups which include federal, private and state organized teams.
The federally organized National Veterinary Response Team  (NVRT) provides assistance in identifying the need for veterinary services following major disasters, emergencies, public health or other events requiring Federal support.   VMAT is the Veterinary Medical Assistance Team supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.avma.org/).  These teams serve as first responders to ensure high-quality care of animals during disasters and emergencies.   VMAT is funded through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (http://www.avmf.org/) which is the charitable organization of the AVMA. Other large team efforts include The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® Field Investigations and Response team (ASPCA) and The American Humane Association Red Star Animal Emergency Services (American Humane Association).  Animal disaster preparedness efforts at the state and local level vary widely between states.  For example, Ohio has 8 organized animal response teams that would be called on during a county or state emergency. 
As a member of the disaster preparedness committee for my state veterinary association, I’m learning that this is a complex, multi-faceted area that takes tremendous planning to ensure efforts are carried out  effectively in the face of disaster.  You don’t have to join a team to help in disaster relief efforts. Planning ahead and taking some simple steps to  prepare your family can help you and your pets remain safe in the event of a disaster.  There are many resources available online that help animal owners develop a plan that includes necessary supplies, shelter, and evacuation.   Disasters usually strike quickly and often unannounced so preparation is a key part of  keeping the family and pets safe during these times.  Donations to groups such as AVMF that fund disaster relief efforts, is also another way you can help.  If you are truly passionate, then joining a response team will give you the hands on satisfaction of helping both animals and the people to whom they belong. 
For more information: