The Cat Doctor

19/03/2025

It’s like magic~

08/02/2025

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11/01/2025

PLEASE READ: Update on avian flu from the Cornell Feline Health Center

January 10, 2025

Dear friends,

In March of 2024, a group of scientists from the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center, in collaboration with other veterinary diagnostic labs, reported on the discovery of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (H5N1) infections in dairy cattle and cats on dairy farms in Kansas and Texas. Based upon the genetic similarity of the H5N1 strains found in affected cats and cows (and their milk) and epidemiological information collected in the affected farms, the presumption was that the affected cats most likely became infected by drinking raw milk from infected cows.

In April of 2024, the CDC confirmed what is believed to be the first documented case of H5N1 transmission from a mammal to a human in a dairy farm worker.

By end of 2024, H5N1 had been detected in 916 dairy farms across sixteen states, and sporadic cases of presumed dairy cow-to-human H5N1 infections have been reported. Numerous domestic and wild feline H5N1 infections have also been documented, including the unfortunate loss of twenty big cats in a sanctuary in Washington.

Clearly, vigilance regarding the incidence of H5N1 infections in dairy cows, cats, other wildlife, and people continues to be vital to protect animal, human, and ecosystem health and welfare.

In December of 2024, the Oregon Department of Health and the Los Angeles County Office of Public Health issued warnings prompted by the death of two indoor-only domestic cats (one from each locale) that died after eating commercial raw cat foods that were subsequently tested in State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories and found to contain the same strain of H5N1 virus that was identified in the deceased cat in each case. The case from Oregon had consumed a turkey-based raw food produced by Northwest Naturals and the case from Los Angeles had eaten a raw food of unreported type that had been produced by Monarch Raw Pet Foods.

These recent reports have prompted a voluntary recall of 2 lb. bags of Northwest Natural Feline Turkey recipe with best by dates of 5/21/26 B10 and 6/23/26 B1. While Los Angeles Public Health has advised consumers against feeding their cats Monarch Raw Foods pending further investigation, no product recalls have been announced by Monarch Pet Foods.

These reports highlight two important issues regarding H5N1 as it pertains to feline health. The first is that careful monitoring for infections and effective response through strategic collaboration among veterinary professionals, regulatory/public health officials, and an informed cat-loving public is crucial. The second is that feeding cats raw foods is not worth the risk of exposure to potential contaminants that might be present in these products, which include disease causing bacteria, parasites, and the recently demonstrated H5N1.
You can find out more about the current US H5N1 avian flu situation by visiting our resource page below, and staying up to date by following us on social media.

RESOURCE PAGE:

An update from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on H5N1 Avian influenza In March of 2024, a group of scientists from the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center, in collaboration wit

03/01/2025

30/10/2024

PLEASE VOTE and get your ballot in the mail. While you are filling out your ballot, we ask you to please VOTE NO on Proposition 129. Thank you.

By retracting their endorsement of Proposition 129 and aligning with the overwhelming majority of veterinarians and veterinary hospitals who strongly oppose the measure, The Durango Herald editorial board revealed a critical truth: what may sound beneficial on paper is actually detrimental in practice.

As the Herald stated, “At face value, the initiative sounds good. Digging a little deeper, it contains significant flaws.”

This shift is significant, as it reflects the voices of many experts who raised concerns. Addressing its readers, the editorial board explained their decision:

“Dear readers of the opinion pages, Because of several thoughtful commentaries about Proposition 129 that have crossed our desks, the editorial board is reversing its position on the creation of a new level of professional veterinarian.”

The article outlines key problems, such as how the proposed position’s training and education requirements are tied to an academic program that doesn’t yet exist, and that contrasts sharply with the standards of highly qualified veterinarians. Additionally, the new role would overlap and undermine the vital work already being performed by veterinary technicians.

The board’s reversal makes clear that Proposition 129 would lower the standard of care for Colorado pets without offering any genuine benefits. As the Herald concluded:

“It’s no wonder 3 out of 4 Colorado veterinarians and the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association oppose the initiative. For the sake of our pets, so should you.”

Link to article: www.durangoherald.com/articles/our-view-no-to-prop-129-for-the-sake-of-our-pets/

25/10/2024

Please vote NO on 129!

The AVMA, in partnership with the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, has voiced strong opposition to the new midlevel practitioner called a “Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA)” proposed in Colorado. Multiple other veterinary organizations have voiced their opposition to a VPA and the list continues to grow.

For the latest information on this proposed role that poses considerable risks for animal health and safety, public health, and client trust, visit https://www.avma.org/advocacy/workforce-what-best-safe-quality-animal-care/colorados-proposed-vpa

15/10/2024

Why does Proposition 129 terrify Colorado veterinarians, the very professionals entrusted with the vital care of our animals? In a recent feature in the Grand Junction Sentinel, Dr. Tracy Turner, a Colorado-licensed veterinarian and CSU alum, explains the reasons behind this concern. Spoiler alert: the severe lack of hands-on training for Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs) is a major reason Dr. Turner and other Colorado vets are strongly opposed to Prop 129.

Link to article: www.gjsentinel.com/opinion/columns/proposition-129-is-a-dangerous-step-backward-for-veterinary-care/article_58fce470-8598-11ef-b547-f38d37934af6.html

08/10/2024

Don’t you want somebody that is not only fully trained to do routine surgery on your pet, but that also knows immediately what to do if that procedure goes sideways?
Please vote NO on proposition 129.

https://youtu.be/cuZ9ZUkd8XA

08/10/2024

Another reason we DON’T need VPA’s. Please vote NO on Prop 129

A recent analysis of the drivers of supply and demand for veterinary services in the U.S. shows that the number of graduates from existing U.S. veterinary colleges is likely enough to meet demand to 2035.

08/10/2024

We are fielding more and more questions regarding Proposition 129 on this year’s ballot that pitches the creation of a position somewhere between a technician and a veterinarian called a VPA. This is NOT like a human PA. This is something being cooked up by corporations (primarily PetsMart) to pay staff less than they do for veterinarians while having their supervising veterinarians liable for all actions of VPAs. Three out of four veterinarians would not hire a VPA, us included.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, and the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians all oppose this action as well.

We urge you to vote NO on 129.

For more information regarding the pitfalls, please see www.keepourpetssafe.com

20/09/2024

Colorado, we must fight to protect the quality of animal care in our state. Proposition 129 allows minimally trained individuals, called Veterinary Professional Associates, to perform surgeries after a mostly online program and one-semester internship. Don’t put your pets at risk. Vote NO on 129.

16/09/2024

She was 33!

The world’s oldest cat, Rosie, has just bid farewell to her last and final ninth life, passing away at 33 years old in her home in Norwich, Norfolk.