The AAFP Releases New Guidelines on Intercat Tension

The AAFP Releases New Guidelines on Intercat Tension

BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES, July 17, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- New resources to recognize, prevent, and manage tension in multi-cat households

Veterinary professionals around the globe now have access to the latest Practice Guidelines created by a Task Force of board-certified veterinary and applied behaviorists and clinical experts in feline medicine and behavior.

The "2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management" from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) support veterinary professionals in understanding social behavior between cats and, more specifically, in recognizing intercat tension, preventing or minimizing its occurrence, and managing the stressors.

In developing the Guidelines, the Task Force has modified the five pillars of a healthy feline environment to provide a framework to assist in the prevention or management of intercat tension in households with two or more cats.

Dr. Ilona Rodan, Co-chair of the Guideline’s Task Force, emphasized the importance of this work: "The AAFP’s Intercat Tension Guidelines were developed because intercat tension or conflict between household cats is common but often unrecognized because most signs are subtle. Intercat tension can occur even in two-cat households, and most frequently occurs when introducing a new cat into the home. These Guidelines aid veterinary professionals and caregivers in detecting and preventing signs of tension, thus minimizing fear-anxiety, stress-related diseases, and undesirable behaviors, and improving the wellbeing of cats."

Key content of the Guidelines include:

- Debunking the 10 common myths that have the potential to negatively impact the wellbeing of cats

- Visual examples of intercat tension

- An Appendix with several case studies

- A comprehensive table of psychotherapeutic medications

- A detailed algorithm that outlines a systematic approach to preventing, recognizing, and resolving intercat tension

- A step-by-step approach to introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats

- A range of management tools to promote caregiver education

To enhance cat caregiver assessment and education, the Guidelines offer diverse management tools, including a multi-cat home profile questionnaire, a behavior modification handout, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide for introducing a new cat(s) to a home with resident cat(s). These resources cover home preparation and proper introduction techniques and are complemented by an accompanying caregiver brochure.

Dr. Daniela Ramos, fellow Co-chair of the Guideline’s Task Force, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Guidelines: "To achieve success in managing any feline behavior problem, it is essential to understand the cats’ motivations, emotions, and development. Besides management tools, the Guidelines present a complete set of updated information on cat-cat social behavior and the process by which intercat tension arises. Equipped with these resources, veterinary professionals can effectively manage such cases using proven tools and strategies.”

"We are thrilled to announce the release of these new Guidelines addressing an all-too-common issue faced by cat caregivers,” said Heather O’Steen, AAFP’s CEO. “Tension between household cats is often displayed as subtle behavioral changes that can go unnoticed in the home. Over time, this tension can result in more overt behavioral concerns and even stress-associated disease. When this happens, unfortunately, the cat(s) may be relinquished or even euthanized. It is the AAFP’s goal that these Guidelines will provide veterinary professionals with the tools to help prevent and manage these situations to maximize harmony in every multi-cat household."

The 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management was produced thanks to an educational grant provided by Ceva, Hills, and Sleepypod. The Guidelines and supplementary materials are now available free to read for veterinary professionals worldwide on the AAFP website. Caregiver resources are available at the Cat Friendly Homes website.

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About the American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) supports its members in improving the health and wellbeing of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024 as a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for increasing the standard of care for cats through the development of practice guidelines, feline-specific education and resources, and feline caregiver resources (catfriendly.com). Home to the Cat Friendly Practice^® and Cat Friendly Certificate Programs, the AAFP encourages veterinary professionals of all levels to re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies and advance the quality of feline medicine. Learn more at catvets.com.

About the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is the official journal of the International Society of Feline Medicine and Surgery and the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is published by Sage Publishing. Learn more at catvets.com/jfms.

Jeff Pane
American Association of Feline Practitioners
+1 908-359-1184
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