Chattering with iCatCare

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 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/20551169241298746] Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One) [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1098612X251323413] Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two) [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1098612X251323424] For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. [https://portal.icatcare.org/login] To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org [https://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 [https://www.anzcvs.org.au/membership/medicine-of-cats-uk/] Feline Comorbidities: A nutritional approach to management [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X251320877] WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit  [https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit-English.pdf] 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 [https://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 [https://go.jfms.com/2025_GLs_urinary_tract_disease]. Development of the home feline stress score as a tool for assessing owner perception of stress in their cats at home [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1098612X221118780] (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 [https://hbcforlife.org/] If you're interested in reading Emmas full abstract, please contact communications@icatcare.org [communications@icatcare.org]  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 [https://www.omia.org/home/] 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 [https://hbcforlife.org/] Genetic Testing: practical dos and don'ts for cats [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1098612X241303603] 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 [https://cvm.missouri.edu/research/feline-genetics-and-comparative-medicine-laboratory/], B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and JFMS Author