In the May episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías introduces two expert-led conversations that bring the internal workings of the cat into sharp focus - from complications at birth to techniques for examining the feline fundus.

First, Dr Petra Černá and Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore discuss their JFMS article on dystocia and kitten mortality in pedigree cats. They describe the most common types of dystocia, reflect on breed-related risk factors, and share practical considerations from both clinical and breeding perspectives.

Then, Dr Natalia Giannakopoulou and Dr Ben Blacklock offer hands-on advice from their recent Clinical Spotlight article on fundoscopy in cats. They cover how to build confidence with the ophthalmoscope, recommend suitable lenses for general practice, and explain how to approach the feline fundus methodically to avoid common diagnostic pitfalls.

For further reading material please visit:

Feline dystocia and kitten mortality up to 12 weeks in pedigree cats

Fundoscopy in cats: a practical guide and common findings

For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host:

Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator

Speakers:

Petra Černá, PhD DACVIM (SAIM) MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), Feline medicine specialist, PhD candidate at Colorado State University, FIFe International and allbreed judge.

Danièlle Gunn-Moore, BSc (Hon), BVM&S, PhD, MANZCVS (feline), FHEA, FRSB, FRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine, The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh

Natalia Giannakopoulou, DVM, PGCertSAO, MRCVS, Resident in Veterinary Ophthalmology (The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies)

Ben Blacklock, BVSc, DipECVO, SFHEA, MRCVS, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthamology

In the April episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías introduces two conversations that highlight just how complex feline diagnostics can be.

First, Dr Llibertat Real Sampietro discusses her JFMS Open Reports case study on fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in an otherwise healthy cat. She outlines the parasite’s transmission, the clinical signs that may raise suspicion, and the value of serology and PCR in confirming infection.

Then, Dr Kelly St Denis is joined by Dr Frane Banovic to discuss the first of two JFMS Clinical Spotlight articles on immune-mediated skin disease in cats. Together, they explore how to recognise key patterns of disease and the practical role of cytology in reaching a diagnosis.

For further reading material please visit:

Fatal disseminated Toxoplasma gondii infection in a cat from Madrid, Spain

Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One)

Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two)

For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator

Speakers:

Llibertat Real Sampietro, DVM Acre AVEPA in Feline Medicine, Clínica Veterinaria Ayavet, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain

Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada

Frane Banovic, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECVD, Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology in the Department for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine

In the March episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías explores the nutritional management of comorbidities in cats and the specialisation of feline medicine.

Yaiza interviews Dr Rachel Korman about the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists’ feline chapter and its recognised postgraduate qualification. Dr Korman discusses the chapter’s objectives, examination format, preparation strategies, and global reach.

The episode also features Dr Cecilia Villaverde, who examines the challenges and strategies involved in dietary management for cats with multiple health conditions. She emphasises the importance of a thorough nutritional assessment and the complexities of balancing dietary needs in these cases.

For further reading material please visit:

ANZCVS Membership Exam on Medicine of Cats UK

Feline Comorbidities: A nutritional approach to management

WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit 

For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host: 

Yaiza Gómez-Mejías,LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F), Veterinary Community Co-ordinator

Speakers:

Rachel Korman, ​​BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine 

Cecilia Villaverde, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN, DACVIM (Nutrition), Diplomate (Nutrition) of the ACVIM (Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®), Diplomate ECVCN (EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition)

In the February episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías discusses the new consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline lower urinary tract disease in cats with authors Sam Taylor and Rachel Korman. They discuss the challenges and nuances of developing these guidelines and emphasize the importance of comprehensive history-taking for accurate diagnosis.

Additionally, Sarah Ellis interviews Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, the winner of the International Cat Care Welfare Research Award, about her study on the Home Feline Stress Score (HFSS). Gajdoš explains how her research, inspired by a previous study, highlights the connection between physical and mental health in cats, advocating for a holistic approach to feline veterinary care.

For further reading material please visit:

2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats.

Development of the home feline stress score as a tool for assessing owner perception of stress in their cats at home (Pg 6 / e440) - This study inspired Noema and explores how owners can evaluate stress in their cats

For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator

Speakers:

Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS, Feline Medicine Specialist and ISFM Academy Lead

Rachel Korman, ​​BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine 

Sarah Ellis,BSc, PGDip, PhD,Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.

Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, MVDr., PhD, Researcher at University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice

In the January episode of 'Chattering with International Cat Care,' host Yaiza Gomez-Mejias interviews Emma LaVigne about her award-winning research on the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) with GS and the effects of co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FELV). Emma shares her personal journey and motivation for the study, as well as the methods and results showing equivalent survival rates. 

The episode also revisits a discussion with Tamsin Durston on the stages of motivational interviewing, emphasizing pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, and how veterinarians can support clients throughout these stages.

For further reading material please visit:

Human Behaviour Change for Life

If you're interested in reading Emmas full abstract, please contact [email protected] 

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator.

Speakers:

Tamsin Durston, RVN, CAB, MSc Psych, Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Human Behaviour Change Practitioner

Emma LaVigne, DVM, Small Animal Internal Medicine Resident at University of Florida & 2024 winner of Best Feline Abstract at the ISCAID Symposium

In the December episode of Chattering with ISFM, host Nathalie Dowgray explores how advancements in communication strategies and genetic science are shaping feline welfare.

Yaiza Gomez-Mejias and Tamsin Durston discuss the benefits of positive psychology in veterinary care, highlighting how effective client communication and behaviour change can enhance the wellbeing of both animals and their caregivers. This episode features the first part of their conversation, with part two to follow in a future episode.

In the second segment, Kelly St. Denis interviews Leslie Lyons about feline genetic testing. Their conversation uncovers the role of DNA variants, the importance of resources like OMIA for genetic insights, and the validation needed to ensure accurate testing. Together, they explore how these innovations contribute to tackling breed-specific health challenges and improving feline welfare overall.

 For further reading material please visit:

Human Behaviour Change for Life

Genetic Testing: practical dos and don'ts for cats

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK 

Speakers:

Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician

Tamsin Durston, RVN, CAB, MSc Psych, Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Human Behaviour Change Practitioner

Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada

Leslie Lyons, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and JFMS Author

In the November episode of Chattering with ISFM, we’re diving into the complexities of feline pain management to help you feel more empowered and informed. Our episode highlights the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) Special Collection 2024 on pain and pain management in cats, bringing together some of the latest research, insights, and expert perspectives in the field.

To start, Yaiza Gomez-Mejias speaks with Sabrine Marangoni, who shares key findings from her award-winning study on pain behaviours in kittens undergoing ovariohysterectomy. They discuss the importance of recognizing subtle pain indicators in young cats, the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia approaches, and the broader implications of untreated pain.

In the second half, Kelly St. Denis sits down with Mark Epstein, Co-Chair of the AAHA/AAFP 2014 Pain Management Guidelines Task Force, to explore the progress made in feline pain management. They discuss how the field has evolved, the persistent challenges veterinarians face in assessing and managing pain in cats, and what the future holds in terms of new research and treatments.

For further reading material please visit:

2024 ISFM FELINE CONGRESS ABSTRACTS

Cat Pain Management: YouTube Channel

JFMS Special Collection 2024: Pain and Pain Management In Cats

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK 

Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician

Sabrine Marangoni, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician

Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada

Mark Epstein, DVM, DABVP, CVPP, Education Co-Chair at International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, Co-Chair of the AAHA/AAFP 2014 Pain Management Guidelines Task Force

In the October episode of Chattering with ISFM, host Nathalie Dowgray presents two detailed discussions on important feline health topics - gastrointestinal and renal health.

First, Yaiza Gomez-Mejias interviews Sina Marsilio on feline chronic enteropathies, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal lymphoma and the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing small cell lymphoma from IBD. Marsilio discusses recent advances in the field, drawing from her recent work on the ACVIM consensus guidelines for ‘diagnosing and distinguishing low-grade neoplastic from inflammatory lymphocytic chronic enteropathies.’ 

Later, Kelly St. Denis speaks with Jonathan Stockman about his JFMS Clinical Spotlight article, ‘Dietary Phosphorus and its Impact on Renal Disease in Cats’. They examine phosphorus metabolism, the risks associated with high-phosphorus diets, and effective strategies for managing phosphorus levels to support feline kidney health.

 For further reading material please visit:

ACVIM consensus statement guidelines on diagnosing and distinguishing low-grade neoplastic from inflammatory lymphocytic chronic enteropathies in cats

Dietary Phosphorus and Renal Disease in cats: Where are we?

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK 

Speakers:

Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician

Sina Marsilio, Dr.med.vet., PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, Assistant Professor of Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis.

Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada

Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences & JFMS Author.

In this episode of Chattering with ISFM, Nathalie Dowgray interviews Dr Hugo Swanstein about his JFMS Clinical Spotlight article on Feline-Friendly Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). We also return to Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Daniel Mills for Part Two of their conversation on the use of pheromones in cats.

Dr Ellis and Dr Mills delve into the methods of delivering pheromones in veterinary care, how to use them effectively, and the scepticism surrounding these products. They clarify the differences between pheromones and odour therapy, while touching on the industry's lack of regulation.

Later, Dr Dowgray and Dr Swanstein discuss the practical application of feline-friendly POCUS, with Dr Swanstein explaining its differences from formal ultrasound exams. He shares tips for integrating POCUS into daily practice, emphasising its value beyond emergency cases and how it can be mastered with brief, regular practice. He also addresses concerns about time and cost, highlighting POCUS's efficiency and affordability, and advocates for training the entire veterinary team, including technicians, in its use.

 For further reading material please visit:

Pheromonatherapy: Theory and applications

Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour

JFMS Clinical Spotlight Article: Feline Friendly POCUS, How to implement it into your daily practice

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host: 

Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK 

Speakers:

 Sarah Ellis, BSc, PGDip, PhD, Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.

Daniel Mills, BVSc PhD CBiol FRSB FHEA CCAB Dip ECAWBM(BM) FRCVS, Professor of veterinary behavioural medicine & RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour

Hugo Swanstein, Cand Med Vet, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & JFMS Published Author

Join us as we discuss the fascinating world of feline communication, exploring howcats use chemical signals to interact with their environment and each other. Additionally, we shall shed light on a rational approach to using gastroprotectants in cats, providing invaluable insights for veterinary practitioners.

In Part One of our discussion, Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Daniel Mills talk about thecomplexities of pheromone use in cats, emphasising the differences between scents and pheromones and their impact on emotional processing. They also highlight the importance of understanding pheromones in assessing feline behaviour. Part Two of their discussion will be available in next month's episode, so make sure you're signed up to Chattering With ISFM on your preferred podcast platform if you don’t want to miss out!

Following this, Dr Kelly St. Denis and Dr Katie Tolbert discuss Dr Tolbert's JFMS Clinical Spotlight article on the rational use of gastroprotectants in cats. They cover the risks of using these medications, especially the differences in how cats and dogs metabolise drugs, and the potential benefits of soluble fibres in preventing GI ulceration. They also address the careful use of gastric acid suppressants and gastroprotectants in clinical practice, with a focus on patient comfort and proper administration.

For further reading material please visit:

Pheromonatherapy: Theory and applications

Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour

JFMS Clinical Spotlight Article: A Rational Approach To The Use Of Gastroprotectants In Cats

For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org

Host:

Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Speakers:
Sarah Ellis, BSc, PGDip, PhD, Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.

Daniel Mills, BVSc PhD CBiol FRSB FHEA CCAB Dip ECAWBM(BM) FRCVS, Professor of veterinary behavioural medicine & RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour

Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada

Katie Tolbert, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (SAIM, SA nutrition), Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal & Comparative Gastroenterology & JFMS Author.