Chattering with iCatCare

In the October open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, Dr Kelly St Denis is joined by Dr Joseph Evans and Dr Ronald Li to explore the clinical approach to feline haemostasis, clotting disorders, and thrombotic risk in general practice.

They review the traditional phases of haemostasis, why cats are uniquely predisposed to hypercoagulable states, and how thrombotic conditions commonly present. Joseph and Ronald also discuss the rationale behind dual-pathway antithrombotic strategies, practical tips for troubleshooting automated platelet clumping, and essential sample-handling techniques to prevent artificial test results when sending samples to external laboratories.

For...

In the September open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, sponsored by Elanco, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by feline specialists Natalie Finch and Sam Taylor to introduce the new consensus guidelines on feline chronic kidney disease. Reflecting on a decade of progress, the conversation explores how our approach to diagnosis, risk factors, and long-term care has evolved.

They discuss why standard SDMA cutoffs can be misleading in older patients, the crucial distinction between two commonly confused renal stone conditions, and how certain renal diets might unexpectedly trigger hypercalcaemia. Natalie and Sam also highlight novel therapeutic op...

In the August open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by veterinary nutritionist Marge Chandler to explore the critical concepts of sarcopenia, cachexia, and frailty in older cats. The conversation focuses on shifting our approach to feline geriatrics, moving beyond the simple concept of the "thin old cat" towards proactive clinical management and preserving quality of life.

They explore the key clinical distinctions between sarcopenia and cachexia, why measuring frailty is vital for feline well-being, and how concepts like anabolic resistance challenge traditional dietary advice for senior cats. Marge also addresses co...

In the July open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined once again by feline specialist Nicki Reed to continue navigating the high-pressure world of feline medical emergencies. This second part shifts focus towards managing other challenging, high-stakes medical crises frequently encountered in general practice.

They explore how to optimise positioning for the seizuring patient, why certain clinical markers can predict severe hyperkalemia in blocked cats before catheterisation, and how to spot the elusive signs of antifreeze toxicity. Nicki also breaks down the unique challenges of managing euglycaemic DKA following the rise of...

In the June open access episode of Chattering With iCatCare, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by Mariana Lopes and Joanna Morris to explore feline oncology and the practical roadmap for using oral chemotherapy agents in general practice.  

The conversation focuses on providing realistic treatment options for patients where referral may not be accessible, highlighting how oral protocols can achieve efficacy and maintain quality of life within a primary care setting. They also discuss why cats must not be treated as small dogs regarding drug toxicity and the specific challenges of monitoring feline patients who often hide sid...

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 ma...

In the April open access episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, Kelly St Denis is joined by Dr Amanda Coleman and Dr Bianca Lourenço to explore feline comorbidities, focusing on the relationship between cardiovascular and kidney disease.

Together, they discuss the concept of the cardiorenal axis and the challenges of recognising and managing cases where these systems interact. The conversation highlights key considerations around diagnosis, treatment decisions, and balancing fluid therapy in complex patients.

For further reading material please visit:

Feline comorbidities: cardiovascular and kidney diseases

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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.

In the February open access episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías is joined by Sandra Guillén to discuss her latest JFMS article entitled ’Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes in cats: a comparative clinical review.’

Together, they explore how certain feline skin presentations can act as early warning signs of internal disease, discussing key clinical patterns, diagnostic reasoning, and why these cases are so easy to miss. The conversation highlights practical take-home messages for recognising when a dermatological problem may be signalling something far more serious beneath the surface.

For fur...

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...

In the December episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we focus on two essential areas of feline practice: oral and dental health, and parasite prevention.

Firstly, Kelly St. Denis and Heidi Lobprise, co-chairs of the new JFMS Oral Health and Dental Care Guidelines, explore key themes in clinical decision making and how best to support caregivers in maintaining good oral health for their cats.

Then, iCatCare’s Sam Taylor speaks with Ian Wright about risk-based parasite prevention, exploring how lifestyle and regional factors influence practical choices in everyday veterinary practice.

For further re...

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 to...

In this special episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, sponsored by Orion Animal Health, iCatCare’s Yaiza Gómez Mejías and Laura Watson are joined by Dr Sarah Heath to explore the clinical relevance of emotional health in feline practice.

Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Heath outlines the principles of the Heath Model - a framework that integrates emotional, cognitive, and physical health as core components of veterinary care. Using accessible tools she offers practical ways to identify emotional bias and arousal in cats, even within time-limited consults. The conversation moves from subtle behavioural cues...

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...

In the September episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we bring together two conversations on how innovation and teamwork shape feline medicine.

First, Yaiza Gómez Mejías speaks with Morgane Debuigne, winner of the JFMS Resident Best Paper Award 2024, about her article on feline supraglottic airway devices. What does the latest research reveal about their role in anaesthesia and where do they fit alongside established practice?

Then, Dr Kelly St. Denis continues her discussion with Mary Ellen Goldberg on feline rehabilitation. In this second part, they explore th...

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 Y...

In the July episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, we explore what happens when the clinical picture doesn’t tell the whole story and why feline care often hinges on context as much as condition.

Ann Hohenhaus joins host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías to reflect on her widely read JFMS article about non-regenerative anaemia in cats. But beyond the lab values, what makes this condition so difficult to spot? The conversation touches on overlooked clinical signs, unexpected owner observations, and the real-world decisions veterinarians face when managing anaemia in everyday practice.

Then, Dr Kelly St...

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 fi...

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...

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 dise...

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 nutrit...

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, highl...

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 r...

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...

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...

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 artic...

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...

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...

This month is all about feline feng shui and how to defuse tension in multi-cat households. We will be discussing International Cat Cares' new carer guidelines on encouraging cats to drink and AAFP’s Inter-cat Tension Guidelines. Please see the links below to read these guidelines.

Dr. Yaiza Gomez Mejias sits down with the winner of the RCVS Inspiration Award, Alex Taylor, to address the issues surrounding feline hydration and offer practical tips for encouraging water intake in cats. 

Dr. Kelly St. Denis then speaks with Drs Ilona Rodan and...

This month Nathalie Dowgray is joined by Clare Rusbridge for part two of their conversation about neuropathic pain in cats. We then join Kelly St Denis and Julien Guillaumen as they discuss recent advances in feline aortic thromboembolism.

Our episode begins with Professor Clare Rushbridge sharing her expertise on managing neuropathic pain in cats. We discuss the burdens that caregivers face as well as the various tools and medications that she has found to be helpful with her patients.

Dr Kelly St Denis is then joined by Dr Julien Guillaumen to discuss his latest JFMS...

This month our focus is on recognising feline pain. Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Beatriz Monteiro to discuss the feline grimace scale. Clare Rusbridge then joins Nathalie Dowgray to discuss neuropathic pain in cats.

Our episode begins with Yaiza interviewing Beatriz about her findings from a large bilingual global survey assessing if cat caregivers reliably assess acute pain in cats using the Feline Grimace Scale, an innovation that led to Monteiro winning the JFMS Best Resident Paper Award. The method allows both veterinarians and cat caregivers to evaluate pain based on facial expressions, aiming to bridge the...

This month Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Cecilia Villaverde to discuss feline nutrition. We are then joined by Kelly St Denis who interviews some of the authors of the 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats.

Our first conversation between Yaiza and Cecilia features a discussion on feline nutrition, specifically protein requirements in cat diets. The conversation highlights the importance of animal tissue in a cat's diet due to essential nutrients and compares raw, homemade, and commercial food options.

Our next conversation delves into the 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus...

This month Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Dr Ryane Englar who has published two articles on 'Recasting the gold standard' that were published in the JFMS special collection on Accessible veterinary care. We also continue our discussion about the treatment of invasive fungal infections with Nathalie Dowgray and Prof. Vanessa Barrs.

Our first conversation between Yaiza and Ryane features a discussion on the continuum of care in veterinary medicine, emphasizing a shift from the gold standard approach to more tailored and patient-centred care. Additionally, it delves into strategies for initiating conversations with clients about healthcare options and...

This month Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, talks with Vicky Halls from iCatCare about her work focusing on unowned cats and the new developments in the Cat Friendly Homing program. Later in the episode, Dr Chris Scudder is invited to discuss hypersomatotropism-induced diabetes in cats as part of our JFMS clinical spotlight series.

Vicky talks us through the work she has been leading on unowned cats over the past few years and they discuss the exciting Global Enablers Grant received from Battersea which will aid in the expansion of this program. Vicky's role as Head of Unowned...

This month Nathalie Dowgray is joined by Dr Charalampos Attipa, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh who has been investigating the causes of the FIP outbreak in Cyprus. We also feature our monthly JFMS Clinical Spotlight interview in which Nathalie discussed the diagnostic approach to invasive fungal infections with Professor Vanessa Barrs.

2023 saw a large spike in cases of FIP amongst Cypriot cats. Dr Attipa has been part of an international collaboration investigating the cause of this increase in cases and explains how and why FCOV-23 is different.

We are then joined by Prof...

Our focus this month is on the JFMS Special Collection about accessible veterinary care which is available for you to read using the link below.

Firstly, Nathalie Dowgray sits down with Dr Linda Jacobson, our special guest editor of the collection. We discuss how the collection came to be, the barriers preventing cats from receiving veterinary care and the work she is doing with the Toronto Humane Society to help both cats and caregivers who are struggling.

Nathalie is then joined by International Cat Care’s Head Of Unowned Cats, Vicky Halls, and they speak wi...

Welcome to this bonus episode of Chattering with ISFM, brought to you in collaboration with IDEXX and Purina. In this episode, Nathalie Dowgray is in discussion with Dr. Zoe Belshaw about senior wellness clinics.

Our conversation goes beyond wondering if prevention is better than cure and expands into a discussion about best practices when setting up a wellness clinic, the importance of contextualised care and examines the relationship between the veterinarian, the caregivers and the cat itself. We hope you enjoy this episode!

For further reading material please visit:

https://www.catcare4life...

This month Nathalie Dowgray is speaking with Dr Kelly St. Denis about her study on the benefits of being a Cat Friendly Practice. We also feature our monthly JFMS clinical spotlight interview in which Nathalie discusses surgical management of biliary tract disease in cats with Dr. Daniel Low.

To begin our episode, Nathalie speaks to Dr. Kelly St. Denis about her study on the benefits of being a cat friendly practice in regards to laboratory testing and improved diagnosis of common feline conditions. Dr. St. Denis discusses her collaboration with AAFP and IDEXX in conducting the study...

This month Nathalie Dowgray is speaking with Dr Panayiotis Mavrikios about the 2023
FIP outbreak in Cyprus. We also feature our monthly JFMS clinical spotlight interview in which Dr. Kelly St Denis discusses the AAFP/IAAHPC Feline Hospice and Palliative care guidelines with Diane Eigner and Katrina Breitreiter.

To begin our episode, we sit down with an ISFM academy member from Cyprus, Dr
Panayiotis Mavrikios, as he shares what it has been like seeing this volume of FIP cases,
how diagnostics are being selected and what treatment is now available to vets in
Cyprus.<...

This month Dr. Yaiza Gomez-Meijias talks to Dr. Jenny Brown about perioperative
anaesthesia complications. We're also featuring our monthly JFMS clinical spotlight
interview in which Dr. Kelly St Denis discusses inhalational therapy for feline
inflammatory airway disease with Dr. Michael  Barchilon (See More…)

To begin our episode, we sit down with our ISFM 2023 Delegates Choice Award Winner, Dr Jenny Brown, as she shares the results of her abstract entitled 'Perioperative Anaesthetic Complications In Healthy Cats Undergoing Anaesthesia For Neutering In First Opinion Practice'.

We are then joined by Dr Michael  Barchilon, to disc...