The Chemical Language of Cats: Pheromones and Wellbeing

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 BehaviourJFMS 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.