APBC Annual Feline Conference 2012

 
APBC Annual Feline Conference 2012
 
Kettering Conference Centre
20 October 2012 - 10am until 4pm
Programme- please check back for updates
 
1) Practicalities of problem behaviours -
a) aggression: Caroline Bower BVM&S, MRCVS
b) nervousness: Jon Bowen BVetMed DipAS(CABC) MRCVS
 
2) FLUTD – a condition where medical and behavioural approaches converge
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is widely regarded as an under-recognised condition. Unless they develop acute signs, a medical emergency that cannot be ignored or unacceptable problematic behaviour, many cats continue to suffer painful episodes, which are never properly investigated, diagnosed or treated. The majority of cases of FLUTD represent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a complex and challenging condition where stress has been identified as a major contributing factor. This is often related to owners’ lack of understanding of feline natural behaviour, species’ and individual needs and poor or insensitive management. The best outcomes for cats suffering from FIC are undoubtedly achieved therefore when veterinarians and behaviourists work together, combining their knowledge and skills not only in the interests of their individual patients but also in an attempt to raise awareness of this complicated and distressing condition.
 
3) An indoor only lifestyle or access to the great outdoors – what are the welfare implications for our cats?
Cats have never been more popular as pets while in many ways the world has never been so risky. Consequently more owners than ever are electing to keep their valued feline companions indoors for most, if not all, of the time. Is this simply a question of caring and responsible ownership or do such decisions give rise to valid concerns about compromised welfare? Assessing the pros and cons in the light of our current understanding of feline natural behaviour and the risks associated with different physical and social environments is not only illuminating but essential if good lifestyle decisions that safeguard the wellbeing of individual cats are to be made.
Francesca Riccomini BSc(Hons), BVetMed, CCAB, MRCVS, DipAS(CABC)
 
4) Obesity and behaviour
Jon Bowen 
5) Research project presentations:
i) Perceptual biases in the domestic cat (Felis catus), which takes priority -vision or olfaction?
As both vision and olfaction play an important role in the life of the cat, Evelyn's project looks at whether odour or colour is more salient to the cat when discriminating environmental stimuli. The method involves training cats to a positive colour and odour which are in compound against a negative compound colour and odour in a T-maze. The test involves interchanging the stimulus elements so the cat is presented with positive colour and negative odour and positive odour and negative colour and has to make a choice.
Evelyn-Rose Mayes
 
ii) Randomised placebo-controlled trial of behaviour therapy in the treatment of feline idiopathic cystitis
A previous case control study (Seawright et al. 2009) identified a range of stress inducing environmental factors (e.g. movement blocked by other cats, moving house) as risks for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). In this study we investigated the effect of a programme of behavioural therapy on subsequent occurrence of disease in affected cats using a randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Anna Seawright
 
iii) Individual variation in developmental milestones within the kitten and their consequences for long term behavioural development.
Research into behavioural milestones in the domestic cat suggests there is considerable individual variation in kitten behaviour, even within the same litter. However the causal basis of such variation has received comparatively little attention. This initial research project was designed to improve our understanding of kitten development using an applied approach, focusing on kittens reared within a home environment. It highlights a number of possible factors that influence both physiological and behavioural development within the kitten.
Rachael King
 
With thanks to Gold Sponsor: Ceva
Silver Sponsor: The Kong Company
Media Partner: Your Cat Magazine
Fees and conditions
Early-bird price: £50 (booked and paid for prior to 1 August 2012)
Standard non-member price: £60

APBC members receive 10% discount from fees.
FEES INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS AND A PACKED LUNCH
Please note that other than assistance dogs, the venue does not permit dogs on the site.
Please note that no refunds for cancellations can be given after 1 October 2012. Cancellations prior to 1 October 2012 are subject to an £8 cancellation fee. The organisers reserve the right to replace speakers in necessary.
Bookings are made online - if you prefer not to make an online booking please call Pauline Appleby on 01386 750534 to make a telephone booking.
 
Final joining information for registered delegates.
This information has already been sent to all registered delegates by email. Please click here for a copy of the letter and directions if you cannot locate the email. If you are unsure as to whether or not you have registered, please email pauline [dot] interface [at] virgin [dot] net