Science of Nutrition Symposia

Sarah M. A. Caney, BVSc, PhD, DSAM (Feline), MRCVS

Encouraging cats to consume more water is an important recommendation in a number of situations, including conditions associated with polyuria or increased fluid loss, lower urinary tract disease, chronic constipation and advanced age. Using different cases from her practice, Dr. Caney provides suggestions for supporting patient hydration and encouraging voluntary fluid intake.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Cats are efficient at maintaining hydration. However, those cats with certain health conditions may benefit from greater total water intake. Dr. Sparkes provides a brief overview of feline hydration and the conditions in which water intake may be critical for health.

Brian Zanghi, PhD

Studies have indicated that water supplements can be highly palatable to cats. These studies demonstrated that cats not only drink more liquid, but maintained higher liquid intake when given access to nutrient-enriched water. Consequently, urine volume increased and urine specific gravity decreased. Cats that need greater hydration would benefit from a water supplement.

Antonella Muraro, MD, PhD

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

What if the simple act of feeding a cat provided more options for your cat-allergic patients? Learn about an innovative approach that neutralizes the major cat allergen at its source in the cat’s saliva.
This innovation reduces the major cat allergen while keeping the cat in its loving home – allowing you to reframe your conversations with cat-allergic patients.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

What do veterinarians need to know about human allergies to cats? Get a brief overview of the condition, including its prevalence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management. Since human allergies to cats impact cat welfare and the human-animal bond, veterinary professionals may be able to help clients reduce their exposure to cat allergens as part of allergy management.

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

Allergy to cats is one of the most common animal-origin allergies in humans and affects as many as one in five adults worldwide. Cat allergies have significant consequences for humans and cats. A novel, simple solution safely reduces cat allergens, offering an opportunity to bring cats and people closer together and benefitting pets and their owners. Explore the science behind the innovation and the research that supports its efficacy and safety.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Many factors can affect and alter the bond between owner and cat. The human-animal bond, including why people choose to own or not own a pet, is briefly reviewed. Discover what research reveals about the reasons pets, particularly cats, are relinquished.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common syndrome in veterinary practice and typically represents 4-6% of cases presented in general practice. While a number of different identifiable causes of FLUTD are recognised, studies have found that feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) accounts for 55-75% of cases. An evidence-based review of the causes and management of FIC is provided, with an emphasis on dietary management and environmental modification.