AAFP-AAHA FELINE LIFE STAGE GUIDELINES

摘要

Cats are currently the most popular pet in America and are considered a family member by many cat owners. Despite these facts, cats do not receive the veterinary care they need; in 2006, only 64 percent of cats (compared with 83 percent of dogs) visited a veterinarian.1 Reasons include the misconception that cats "can take care of themselves"; the fact that signs of illness are difficult to detect since cats are masters at hiding illness and pain; and the stress and fear associated with the carrier,car, and veterinary visit. Cat owners cite other reasons: they did not know the care was necessary, the veterinarian did not recommend it, and that the need or benefit was not well explained.2 In light of this troubling information, the CATalyst Council,a national initiative to champion the cat, identified the need for Feline Wellness Guidelines to improve client communication and education about the benefits of regular veterinary care and how to facilitate getting the cat to the veterinarian to improve feline health care. The goals of the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines are to provide: 1) optimal health-care recommendations for cats throughout different life stages, and~2) practical suggestions and tools to facilitate improved veterinary visits and to enhance the client-veterinarian clinical encounter.