Many updates to these Guidelines can be found in more detail in other Practice Guidelines such as:
- 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management
- 2023 AAFP/IAAHPC Feline Hospice & Palliative Care
- 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques
- 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines
- 2021 Feline Senior Care
- 2021 Feline Life Stage
- 2015 Pain Management
- 2014 Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats
- 2013 Environmental Needs
The veterinary profession has the privilege and responsibility of caring for both animals and people. The benefits of living with a pet are now well-recognized. By preventing and treating behavioral problems, we have the opportunity to protect and strengthen the human-pet-veterinary bond and increase the quality of life for both pets and pet lovers.
The goal of the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ (AAFP) 2004 AAFP Feline Behavior Guidelines is to support veterinarians by providing practical information and client educational materials to successfully incorporate feline behavioral medicine into every practice that offers feline healthcare.
Update: The Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association’s video, “Kitten Kindy™” referenced on pg. 24 is no longer in production.
The Task Force members include Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB, ABS, Co-chair; Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-chair; Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DACVB; Hazel Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine and Feline); Sharon Crowell-Davis, DVM, PhD, DACVB; Nicole Hird, VMD, DABVP (Feline); Sandra Kudrak, DVM, DABVP (Feline); and Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, DVM, DABVP (Feline).
The Guideline development was supported by an educational grant to the AAFP from:
