Feline friendly practice manual
Image: Steve Burden Photography
The editors of a new manual for feline friendly practices have spoken at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress 2013.
Sev Tasker and Andrea Harvey, who together edited the BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice, said the aim is to minimise stress for feline veterinary patients.
While giving veterinary surgeons the skills to deal with common problems to a high standard, the manual considers more than just the treatment and medication of cats.
"[We're] trying to raise the level of feline care across the board," explained Andrea, adding that the manual touches upon various topics, rather than one in-depth area.
Andrea also said that pictures are used instead of diagrams, for quick and easy reference.
"We very much wanted the manual to be used patient-side," she commented.
As such, Feline Practice focuses on common issues, making it useful for any small animal practice. It includes advice on the best way to approach cats, as well as the best way to hold them.
Futhermore, the manual explains the best position to place them in to minimise stress and how to make the experience better for both the practitioner and the patient.
"We can learn all the time," commented Sev, who added that veterinary nurses are integral to the feline friendly practice and helped to write the manual.
The editors said the idea for a feline friendly practice originated with International Cat Care (formerly the Feline Advice Bureau), which started a campaign to give vets tips.
Sev and Andrea explained that cats are becoming increasingly valued as pets, with owners expecting higher standards of care from the veterinary practice – both with handling and treatment.
They added that new measures, such as separating cat and dog kennels in practice, has seen great success in reducing feline stress.
Sev concluded: "If cats can be happier, they will go to the vets more often and be healthier. That's why I became a vet."
Sources for further information on feline friendly practice can be found in the manual.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
