Meowing My Way To The Whole Cat Workshop

I just registered for the Whole Cat Workshop, to be held on March 20th, at Tufts University. This event is coordinated by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and it’s always a fantastic day networking with other cat lovers while learning about things that help cats.

The last time I attended this event it was memorable because the people from Alley Cat Allies came and did an awesome workshop on helping feral cats. To read the details from the last workshop go to:  http://felineaficionada.com/2009/03/whole-cat-workshop/.

This year’s schedule is enhanced with extra workshops and I’m sure it will top past events in content. Tufts is offering a veterinary Feline Medicine track,(my favorite angle) and Pet Finder is offering a Feline Behavior Track, and with the ability to choose between tracks each session, I am planning on mixing it up a bit.

Here’s the list of the workshop courses that I hope to attend this year.

• 8:30-10:00am: Feline Veterinary Ophthalmology; Speaker: Chris Pirie, DVM, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists! This workshop interests me because my cats and my cat sitting clients cats have experienced eye issues like: sudden unexplained clear discharge, reddens around the eye lids, allergy-like crud, inflammation around the tear ducts, and scratches on the eye from family cat wacks! Needless to say, I’d love to explore these issues and learn the correct terminology and treatment options if possible!
• 10:15-12:45: Urinary Problems; Speaker: Mary Labato, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.This workshop interests me because I have personally experienced cats that have had what seems like mysterious issues related to urological problems. My mind ponders these types of health concerns for cats, is it a disease that causes a problem with the kidneys that causes a problem with the bladder, can organs fail and causes a problem with the bladder, how does nutrition specifically affect the urine, and what is the affect of behavior and stress in relation to urological issues? What’s a girl to do? I guess I will get an earful at the workshop!
• 12:45-2:15: Resolving Feline Inappropriate Elimination; Speaker: Nicole Cottam, MS, ACAAB. After lunch I will be switching to the behavior track. This workshop will be an eye opener and will help me, help my cat sitting clients a lot. Many of my clients have asked me why their cats poop just outside their litter boxes. Examining the family dynamics (cats and humans alike), medical issues and veterinary feedback, age, stress levels etc, one can begin to make adjustments that may help the cat get right into the box for the BM, i.e. changing litter boxes, cleaning litter boxes, adding additional litter boxes etc. Sometimes these things work and solve the problem, and sometimes they don’t. That’s why I will really enjoy exploring ways to resolve this issue and be able to share it with my clients and readers.
• 2:30-4:00pm: Common Behavior Problems in The Home; Speaker: Kathryn Wrubel, PHD. I will close the seminar on this exciting topic-Behavioral Problems In the Home!  I personally have my own tricks and my clients have implemented a few of their own. I’m really excited to explore new ideas that can help keep my feline family happy and healthy!

If you’re interested in registering for the Whole Cat Workshop, do so before March 4th. To find out more information and to register online go to: MA Animal Coalition. Whole Cat Workshop.