Educational Presentations (Cat Friendly Practices®)

November 2025

Liza Guess, DVM, Cat Friendly Practice^® Committee Chair, is kicking off our new article series where we will share tips and strategies to help make your practice even more Cat Friendly! Whether you have been a Cat Friendly Practice^® for 12+ years or are a new one, we are positive that you all have some good ideas that would benefit everyone. We invite all of you to share your tips that work for you, your staff, and your practice with us, so we all can continuously improve how we care for cats in the veterinary practice.

September 2025

In this presentation, Stacie Summers, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, translates the latest evidence on phosphate control in feline CKD into a clear, stage-based plan for everyday practice. You’ll learn when to initiate dietary phosphorus restriction and how FGF-23 testing can flag early phosphate overload, how to select and transition renal diets (with palatable over-the-counter alternatives when needed), and when to add and titrate phosphate binders without compromising appetite. Dr. Summers reviews binder options and practical pearls for safe use, addresses special scenarios—including cats at risk for hypercalcemia or those with diabetes, chronic enteropathy, or urolithiasis—and outlines a monitoring schedule to help you hit IRIS targets while preserving quality of life.

July 2025

This article provides straightforward, actionable tips you can use to showcase your Cat Friendly Practice® status—from updating your email signature with the official logo and sharing client brochures, to proudly displaying your Cat Friendly Practice® certificate, issuing press releases, and using bold signage and posters. When combined with the CFP Toolkit’s ready-to-use downloadable resources, these strategies will help you clearly communicate your commitment to exceptional feline care, draw in more cat-loving clients, and elevate the overall experience in your practice.

May 2025

In this practical presentation, Tammy Sadek, DVM, DABVP (Feline), offers essential insights into personal finance specifically tailored for veterinary professionals. Addressing common financial challenges, Dr. Sadek discusses strategic student loan repayment options, highlighting considerations such as loan forgiveness programs, along with the impacts of lifestyle decisions on financial wellbeing. She explores emotional spending triggers common among veterinary professionals, such as stress or burnout, and emphasizes automating savings and investments to build financial security. This presentation empowers veterinary teams with actionable steps to balance their financial obligations while pursuing the profession they love.

April 2025

In this presentation, Ellen M. Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-fe), demystifies tube feeding for neonatal kittens, offering step-by-step guidance to help veterinary professionals feel confident in providing lifesaving nutritional support. The presentation covers when and why tube feeding is necessary, how to select the appropriate equipment and feeding volumes, and how to avoid common complications like aspiration, overfeeding, and esophageal trauma. Ms. Carozza shares practical tips for managing special cases—such as kittens with cleft palates or poor suckle reflex—and highlights how consistent, compassionate care can support healthy growth and recovery in even the most fragile patients.

January 2025

The FelineVMA’s Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) surveys, conducted since 2013, are crucial for program improvement. This summary highlights key findings from the 2024 survey, including feedback and suggestions from your colleagues. The results are shared with FelineVMA leadership and thoroughly reviewed by the Headquarters Staff. Each year, we work to improve the CFP Program based on your feedback while staying within budget.

November 2024

Renewing your Cat Friendly Practice^® designation looks a bit different since we relaunched our website and technology platforms. This presentation guides you through the renewal process on the new website, from verifying your account to completing the CFP Checklist. Whether you’re renewing for Silver- or Gold-level status, you’ll find helpful instructions for logging in, navigating the resources, and submitting the application with required photos. Ensure your practice maintains its Cat Friendly Practice^® designation by staying up-to-date with the latest criteria and leveraging this step-by-step guide to make the process smooth and stress-free!

September 2024

In part two of this webinar series, Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (Feline) continues her presentation where she debunks pervasive feline myths, addressing misconceptions surrounding feline care. She explores beliefs such as the notion that cats should have one litter before being spayed, the impact of early spaying and neutering, and the myth that cats need to be fasted for long periods before surgeries. Dr. Scherk provides evidence-based insights into feline nutrition, vaccination protocols, and behavior, equipping caregivers with the knowledge to optimize feline health and well-being. The goal of this presentation is to ensure veterinary professionals are informed with accurate, up-to-date information, and dispelling harmful myths so they can provide best practices in feline veterinary care and educate cat caregivers as well.

July 2024

In part one of this two-part presentation, Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (Feline) debunks common feline myths that many cat caregivers often believe. Dr. Scherk addresses several misconceptions about cats, such as cats being low maintenance, the belief that indoor cats don’t need vaccines, and the risks associated with indoor living. Dr. Scherk highlights that even indoor cats require regular health checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subtle signs of illness in cats, helping practice team members understand their unique health needs. The presentation aims to provide those working with cats with accurate information and to address prevalent myths effectively.