Chattering with iCatCare

In the May open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by feline specialist Nicki Reed to navigate the high-pressure world of feline medical emergencies. This episode focuses on the critical first seconds of triage and the stabilization of cats in respiratory and circulatory distress.Together, they explore why the "piecemeal" exam is a vital tool for the dyspneic patient and how the latest RECOVER guidelines have updated our approach to feline CPR. Nicki highlights the specific ways cats differ from dogs in shock and explains how point-of-care tools can help you make life-saving decisions before a full workup begins.For further reading material please visit:Rational approach to feline medical emergencies: part 12024 RECOVER GuidelinesView the TranscriptNote on Feline CPR: A quick clarification - while standard RECOVER guidelines recommend 2-minute cycles, the guest notes that the two-thumb encircling technique can be physically demanding. If you find your hands fatiguing after 1 minute, it is best to swap early to ensure high-quality, effective compressions are sustainedHost:Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeaker:Nicki Reed, BVM&S CertVR CertSAM DipECVIM-CA DSAM(Feline) FRCVS, Internal Medicine & Feline Specialist

In the March open access episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by Dr Mark Lowrie to discuss his recent Clinical Spotlight Review in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery on epileptic seizures in cats.Together, they explore how signalment, careful neurological examination, and thorough metabolic screening shape the diagnostic pathway. The conversation highlights common pitfalls - including interpreting postictal changes, differentiating seizures from syncope or paroxysmal dyskinesia, and deciding when advanced imaging is warranted - offering practical guidance to help clinicians approach seizuring cats with clarity and confidence.For further reading material please visit:Epileptic seizures in cats: practical approaches to diagnosisView The Transcript HereHost:Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeaker:Mark Lowrie, MA, VetMB, MVM, DipECVN, MRCVS, Director at Movement Referrals and Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

In the January episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we explore two distinct but equally important areas of feline health: welfare research and clinical cardiology.First, Sarah Ellis speaks with Morgane Van Belle, recipient of the iCatCare Welfare Research Award 2025, about her research into social behaviour in multi-cat households. They discuss why understanding and describing feline interactions matters, and how this work can support better welfare outcomes for cats living together.Then, Kelly St. Denis is joined by Sonya Gordon to discuss the practical use of pimobendan in cats. Together, they explore key considerations around evidence-based decision making and how clinicians approach treatment choices in real-world practice.For further reading material please visit:Development of the Ethogram of Feline Social Interactions (EFSI) to study intraspecific interactions between cats in multicat householdsUse of pimobendan in cats: a practical evidence-based reviewView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost:Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Sarah Ellis, BSc, PgDip, PhD, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at iCatCare, Feline Welfare Consultant, Educator and WriterMorgane Van Belle, DVM, MVSc, PhD Student at Ghent University & ECAWBM Resident (AW Science, Law & Ethics)Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports & Guideline co-chairSonya Gordon, BSc, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVIM, Professor at Texas A&M University

In the November episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we explore two sides of feline health: global strategy and practical clinical decision making.First, Severine Tasker reflects on her first few months as iCatCare’s Veterinary Strategic Lead. She talks about what drew her to the role, the international challenges shaping feline welfare, and why understanding context and caregiver realities can change the way we help cats.Then, Sam Taylor joins us to discuss the newly released iCatCare Diabetes Guidelines. We explore what has shifted since the previous update, how new treatments and monitoring tools are influencing practice, and the considerations that matter most when supporting diabetic cats and their caregivers.For further reading material please visit:iCatCare 2025 consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in catsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost:Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Severine Tasker, BSc BVSc(Hons) PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FHEA FRCVS, Veterinary Strategic Lead at International Cat CareSam Taylor, BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM FRCV, Veterinary Specialist Consultant and Veterinary Specialist Lead at iCatCare

In the October episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we spotlight progress and innovation in feline clinical medicine through two compelling conversations.First, Sam Taylor speaks with Gabriele Ratti, winner of the ABCD Young Scientist Award, about his research into emerging infectious threats in cats. They explore the shifting landscape of feline infectious diseases, the challenges of studying both unowned and wild felids, and the critical role of prevention and biosecurity across species and settings.Then, Kelly St. Denis is joined by William Whitehouse and Katrina Viviano to discuss their recent JFMS article on feline clinical therapeutics. Together, they unpack new developments in pain management, drug therapies for conditions like FIP, HCM, and chronic kidney disease, and what these advances mean for veterinary teams and cat caregivers. From once-untreatable diagnoses to evolving best practices, this conversation highlights how ongoing research is reshaping feline care.For further reading material please visit:Molecular Detection of Feline Coronavirus in Captive Non-Domestic Felids from Zoological FacilitiesFurther Research From Gabriele RattiClinical therapeutics in feline medicine: updates for old and new drugsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost:Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Sam Taylor, BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM FRCV, Veterinary Specialist Consultant and Veterinary Specialist Lead at iCatCareGabriele Ratti, DVM, PhD, ECVM resident, Veterinary microbiologist with experience in diagnostics and research focused on infectious diseasesKelly St. Denis, DVM, Dipl.ABVP, Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports and board-certified feline specialistWilliam Whitehouse, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), Assistant Professor of Small Animal Internal MedicineKatrina Viviano, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP, Head of Small Animal Internal Medicine

In the August episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we explore how feline care often requires thinking beyond the obvious - especially when clinical signs don’t match expectations.First, Yaiza Gómez Mejías speaks with Annamaria Tiozzo Ambrosi about her award-winning JFMS Open Report on hypokalaemic myopathy associated with iatrogenic hypercorticism. The case, involving long-term steroid use in a cat with subtle but serious symptoms, highlights the diagnostic value of persistence, good history taking, and knowing when the usual differentials don’t quite add up.Then, Katie McCallum and Giulia Cattaneo join Yaiza to discuss their JFMS Clinical Spotlight review on feline enteropathogens and molecular diagnostics. They explore common risk factors for enteric disease, from shelter environments to raw feeding, and unpack how genetics, co-infections, and gut ecology influence both testing decisions and clinical outcomes. For further reading material please visit:Hypokalaemic myopathy associated with iatrogenic hypercorticism in a catFeline enteropathogens and molecular diagnostics: benefits, limitations and clinical applicationsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost: Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), iCatCare Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Katie McCallum, BVM, BVM&S, BSAVA PGCertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, FHEA, MRCVS, Clinical Veterinarian and Affiliated Lecturer in Small Animal MedicineGiulia Cattaneo, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, Senior Clinical Training Scholar (Small Animal Medicine) & ECVIM Resident in Small Animal Internal MedicineAnnamaria Tiozzo Ambrosi, DVM, Medical Consultant & Winner of JFMS Open Reports Practitioner Best Paper Award

In the June episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías continues two insightful conversations from earlier this year, revisiting complex topics in feline internal medicine and dermatology through the lens of recent clinical guidelines and case experience.First, Sam Taylor and Rachel Korman return to discuss further aspects of the 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline lower urinary tract disease. Building on their previous conversation, they explore how clinical decisions are made in practice and reflect on how guideline recommendations translate into everyday patient care. To hear the first part of this discussion, listen back to our February 2025 episode.Then, Dr Kelly St. Denis is joined once again by Dr Frane Banovic to complete their discussion on immune-mediated skin diseases in cats, drawing on the second of two JFMS Clinical Spotlight articles. Together, they consider some of the key challenges in recognising and managing these conditions, and share insights into treatment options informed by both evidence and experience. For the first half of this conversation, revisit our April 2025 episode.For further reading material please visit:2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in catsFrane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One)Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two)View The Transcript HereHost: Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS, Feline Medicine Specialist and ISFM Academy LeadRachel Korman, ​​BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine 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, CanadaFrane 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 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, SpainFrane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One)Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two)View The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost: Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Llibertat Real Sampietro, DVM Acre AVEPA in Feline Medicine, Clínica Veterinaria Ayavet, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, SpainKelly 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, CanadaFrane 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 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 catsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost: Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinatorSpeakers:Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS, Feline Medicine Specialist and ISFM Academy LeadRachel 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 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 LifeGenetic Testing: practical dos and don'ts for catsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost: 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 ClinicianTamsin Durston, RVN, CAB, MSc Psych, Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Human Behaviour Change PractitionerKelly 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, CanadaLeslie Lyons, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and JFMS Author

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 catsDietary Phosphorus and Renal Disease in cats: Where are we?View The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost: 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 ClinicianSina 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, CanadaJonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences & JFMS 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 applicationsStress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical BehaviourJFMS Clinical Spotlight Article: A Rational Approach To The Use Of Gastroprotectants In CatsView The Transcript HereFor 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.orgHost:Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UKSpeakers: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 behaviourKelly 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, CanadaKatie Tolbert, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (SAIM, SA nutrition), Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal & Comparative Gastroenterology & JFMS Author.