Improving Cat Welfare Through Communication And Genetics

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 Life Genetic Testing: practical dos and don'ts for cats View The Transcript Here 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, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and JFMS Author