While most cats come into our practices when they are first adopted, many don’t return until they become sick. Why is this? Cats don’t like coming in to the clinic, clients don’t like bringing them in to the clinic and, sometimes, we don’t like seeing them. How can we change this? Understanding why cats get stressed - What is the essence of being a cat? Why do they react the way they do? We will look at the basic inherent need for self-defense in this small predator and how that translates into how they behave. Small changes to make in the practice to make it more friendly for cats - What things in the clinic stimulate the fear response and how can we reduce those triggers? These inputs include smells, sounds, sights, sensations and tastes. Learn how to identify and reduce these stimuli and how to approach and handle these frightened, reactive individuals through empathic caring, rather than through “processing” our patients. Communicating why (and when) they should bring them back: Many clients do not recognize the subtle signs of sickness. Many don’t understand the benefits of preventive care. Often they are concerned about being able to perform the treatments we recommend. We will talk about these critical points of communication and education.
In case you have missed this webinar, you have the opportunity to watch a recorded version here
Speaker:
Margie Scherk
Margie Scherk DVM, Dip ABVP (Feline Practice)