Do you have a geriatric cat? Have you noticed any changes in their behavior or health? In this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Mary Gardner about her new book "Nine Lives Are Not Enough: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Geriatric Cat". The two discussed the importance of recognizing and addressing the health issues of older cats, and the need for better communication between pet owners and veterinarians regarding the care of geriatric cats.

Dr. Gardner highlights the top risk factors for arthritis in dogs and cats, which are obesity and age, respectively. She emphasizes the need to convince pet owners of their cats' arthritis, as older cats often do not receive the medical attention they deserve. Dr. Gardner's new book aims to change this by providing practical guidance on caring for geriatric cats.

The episode also discusses the importance of a triad of care between pet owners, veterinarians, and the cat. Dr. Gardner recommends creating a senior or geriatric questionnaire that is emailed to the family before their visit to the clinic. This questionnaire should ask questions about the cat's health and behavior, which gives the family time to observe their pet and note any changes or concerns they may have.

Dr. Gardner also notes that many pet owners may not recognize subtle signs of health issues in their cats, such as cognitive dysfunction or osteoarthritis. She suggests that veterinarians need to communicate more effectively with pet owners and highlight the importance of addressing these issues early on.

Finally, Dr. Gardner emphasizes that addressing health issues in older cats is not always about medication. Simple changes to the cat's environment, such as using ramps or different grooming products, can also make a difference.

If you want to learn more about caring for your geriatric cat, we highly recommend listening to this episode. Dr. Gardner provides valuable insights and practical tips for pet owners and veterinarians alike.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [02:04] Dr. Gardener talks about how her new book can help fight myths about cats 
• [05:47] Recognizing discomfort in cats 
• [06:33] Things pet owners and vets should ask as the cat ages
• [09:36] Dr. Gardner discusses the need for an osteoarthritis checklist for older cats
• [11:28] Owner’s attitude towards the cat autonomic behavior 
• [14:58] Ad Break- Our veterinary leadership program 
• [17:21] Doctors not recommending products 
• [21:49] Dr. Gardner and Brendan discuss the importance of being cautious with pet products
• [26:16] importance of quality of life assessment for geriatric cats and how it differs from dogs
• [29:59] Marketing to cat owners
• [33:45] Episode wrap up
• [34;23] The end