08/08/2025
As we are celebrating "International cat day" today, we thought we would interview Charlotte Dye - feline medicine specialist at Pride Veterinary Referrals to give our clients an insight in to exactly what her role entails and why we approach our feline patients with different considerations.
Can you tell us a bit about your role as a feline medicine specialist at Pride Veterinary Referrals?
As a Feline Medicine Specialist, I have a varied and deeply rewarding role. My day-to-day focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of complex medical conditions in cats. This involves a comprehensive approach starting with detailed physical examinations and moving to more advanced diagnostics to develop tailored treatment plans. An important aspect of my work is also to provide a truly 'cat-friendly' environment. Pride Veterinary Referrals is a gold-level ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) Cat Friendly Clinic, meaning we have dedicated cat-only waiting areas, consulting rooms, hospitalisation wards, and specialised equipment, all designed to minimise stress for our feline patients. I work closely with other specialists in areas such as neurology, ophthalmology and oncology, and alongside a team of dedicated veterinary nurses to provide holistic care for our feline patients.
What inspired you to specialise in feline medicine?
My inspiration to specialise in feline medicine stemmed from a growing appreciation for the unique behaviours and physiology of cats. Compared with dogs, cats often present with more subtle signs of illness, and their more complex behavioural responses to clinical environments can make diagnosis challenging. They have distinct diseases, metabolic pathways and psychological requirements that warrant specialised knowledge and a tailored approach. Very early in my career I developed a deep curiosity about the specific needs of cats and how to optimise their care. I enjoyed the clinical challenge they posed, and I found the satisfaction of seeing the benefits of a feline-focused approach incredibly motivating.
Why is it important for cats to be seen by a specialist with specific training in feline medicine?
Cats are masters at hiding illness. Their evolutionary history as both predators and prey means they instinctively mask signs of weakness, making early detection of disease particularly challenging. A feline medicine specialist is trained to understand these subtle cues and behaviours, recognising nuances that might be missed in a general practice setting. Furthermore, they have advanced knowledge about feline-specific diseases and the unique metabolic differences of cats, ultimately leading to optimised diagnosis and effective treatments. Importantly, feline specialists are also highly focused on appropriate management and handling techniques that reduce stress and anxiety, ultimately leading to the best possible experience for cats when they require veterinary care.
What are some of the unique challenges that cats present compared to other species?
Cats present several unique challenges. Firstly, the stress of being moved from their home environment, and to the unfamiliar smells and noises of the veterinary clinic, commonly triggers fear responses that are far more exaggerated than those encountered with dogs. This induces significant behaviour changes which can make examinations, investigations and clinical interpretations extremely challenging. It can even alter some diagnostic results. Secondly, their metabolism differs greatly from dogs, meaning certain medications that are safe for dogs can be toxic or have more adverse effects in cats. Thirdly, their clinical signs are often subtle, so taking a good history from owners and appreciating the importance of small changes in behaviour is crucial. A slight decrease in appetite, a minor change in litter box habits, or a subtle shift in demeanour can often be the only indicators of a serious underlying condition. Lastly, handling tends to be more challenging in cats than in dogs. Traditional restraint methods are usually counterproductive and tend to increase fear, making examinations difficult and stressful. Instead, gentle, respectful handling techniques along with the provision of a safe, quiet environment is essential.
How does a feline-focused approach improve outcomes for patients?
A feline-focused approach dramatically improves outcomes, and this comes from understanding the unique behaviours and communication of cats. By creating a calm and quiet environment, using feline-specific handling techniques, and by having trained staff who can pick up on subtle behavioural clues, we can reduce stress and provide the best possible veterinary experience for cats. As well as reducing patient stress, this enhances our ability to perform comprehensive physical examinations and clinical investigations. Ultimately, a feline-focused approach fosters trust with the cat, encourages owner compliance with treatment plans, and allows for earlier interventions, all contributing to better long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
What types of cases do you most commonly see at Pride?
At Pride Veterinary Referrals, we see a wide range of complex feline medical cases. These include gastrointestinal disorders (such as inflammatory bowel disease), endocrine diseases (such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus), respiratory issues (such as asthma and bronchitis), urinary issues (such as cystitis and bladder stones) and kidney disease. We work closely with our other specialists to optimise the treatment of conditions such as feline cancer, neurological conditions, heart disease and ophthalmic problems, and we also have support from our surgeons when orthopaedic or soft tissue procedures are required.
What specialist diagnostics or treatments are available for feline patients at the practice?
Pride Veterinary Referrals is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities tailored for feline patients. Our diagnostic equipment includes advanced imaging (including CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, digital radiography and ultrasonography) and a well-equipped endoscopy suite (with small-diameter endoscopes for rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, and gastrointestinal endoscopy). We are also lucky enough have an on-site laboratory which enables us to obtain many results (such as blood work, urinalysis and other specialised tests) within only a few hours. The fact that we are a multidisciplinary referral hospital also means that collaboration with other specialists is largely done on-site, making it a convenient, quick and easy process. We offer many medical treatments including a wide variety of drugs, pain management protocols, fluid therapy, blood transfusions and chemotherapy, all using a feline-specific approach to ensure optimal comfort and safety for cats. When required, we also use interventional techniques such as placement of chest drains, urinary catheters and feeding tubes, and our surgical team are always on hand to offer more advanced surgical procedures.
How does the referral process work for general practitioners who want to refer a feline case to you?
The referral process is designed to be as smooth as possible for both general practitioners and pet owners. Typically, a general practitioner will contact us to discuss a case they believe requires specialist attention. They will then send us the cat's full medical history, including any previous diagnostic results. Once we have reviewed the case, we contact the owner directly to schedule an appointment. For urgent and emergency cases, we can also arrange immediate same-day transfers. We strive for clear and consistent communication throughout the process, ensuring the referring vet is kept fully updated on their patient's progress and treatment plan. Following the specialist assessment and initial treatment, follow-up care may be managed by the general practitioner with ongoing support and guidance from our team, or in more complex cases, continued specialist care is provided.
Are there any exciting developments or advancements in feline medicine you’re particularly interested in right now?
Feline medicine is a dynamic field and there are continuous exciting advancements. A fairly recent breakthrough was the long-awaited development of a successful treatment for FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). This disease predominantly affects young kittens and, without treatment, is invariably fatal. It is a fantastic accomplishment that, after many years of having no effective treatments, we are finally able to save these cats with a drug that is well-tolerated and has few side effects. Another area of interest is the continued refinement of non-invasive diagnostic tools to help us identify conditions earlier before they start to cause severe illness.
What advice would you give to vets in general practice when it comes to recognising when to refer a cat?
My advice to general practitioners regarding referring a cat is to trust your instincts and recognize the unique nature of feline presentations. Referral can be considered in a number of different situations and the decision should involve general practitioner, patient and owner considerations. For example, it may be that the diagnosis is elusive despite a thorough initial work-up so, if standard diagnostics have been completed and the clinical signs persist or are atypical, a specialist's expertise can be invaluable. Alternatively, the condition may require specialised equipment or procedures such as advanced imaging or minimally invasive endoscopy that might not be available in general practice. On other occasions, the required treatment protocol may be complex or require specialised monitoring, for example in conditions such as complicated diabetes or certain cancers. Another consideration is that the cat's stress levels may be significantly impacting the ability to perform diagnostics or provide care, and a cat-friendly referral environment may make all the difference in these situations. Lastly, owners themselves may seek referral for reassurance that all available investigative and treatment options have been considered, and the pros and cons thoroughly discussed. In summary, there are many different reasons for referral, but all share a common commitment to providing the best possible care for feline patients by accessing specialised knowledge and resources.
