In a thought-provoking celebration of International Cat Day, Solihull College & University Centre was delighted to host its own Director of Business Development, Nadia Davies, as a guest lecturer.
Alongside her role at the College, Nadia is an Educator in Feline Welfare & Behaviour and the founder of “More Purrs” – a blog dedicated to helping cat owners better understand their feline companions. This special lecture, part of an annual tradition, provided first-year Veterinary Nurse Apprentices with enlightening insights into the fascinating world of feline behaviour and welfare.
The session focused on the intricacies of feline behaviour, the value in training cats, and the significant benefits of adopting International Society for Feline Medicine’s (ISFM) Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation. ISFM are the veterinary division of the pioneering cat welfare charity International Cat Care (iCatCare). As custodians of International Cat Day, iCatCare are inviting cat professionals and enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the estimated 600 million cats globally, by coming together and sharing their love for this incredible species.
Students were immersed in discussions about how their future roles as veterinary professionals can profoundly impact the welfare and wellbeing of cats and their owners. Nadia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Veterinary Nurse Apprentices, noting: “Their compassion and respect for cats as a species have huge potential to positively influence feline welfare & wellbeing. As such, to teach them is such a privilege.”
The lecture was particularly poignant given the growing body of research highlighting the direct links between feline physical health and emotional wellbeing. Addressing these often-overlooked aspects of clinical training, Nadia emphasised the critical need to close these gaps, ensuring that the next generation of veterinary professionals is fully equipped to provide holistic care to cats.
In a show of commitment, the students made pledges to uphold ISFM’s Cat Friendly Principles for Veterinary Professionals throughout their careers, a testament to the lasting impact of the lecture and their dedication to advancing feline welfare.
Dr Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM commented: “It’s inspiring to see the next generation of veterinary professionals’ commitment to upholding Cat Friendly Principles from the moment they step out in practice. Their impact as advocates will not only benefit the physical health and mental wellbeing of the cats in their care but inspire others to evolve their approach to feline practice.”
The Veterinary team at the College deserve commendation for their forward-thinking approach in recognising the value of integrating this vital component into the students’ education. By championing cat-friendly practices, they are setting a high standard for the veterinary field and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence in feline care.
