This Saturday, April 25, Alley Cat Allies observes World Veterinary Day by recognizing veterinarians and their crucial role in protecting cats. Veterinarians not only serve their communities by providing care and treatment for cats, they are also vital sources of information about cats and cat health.
This year’s World Veterinary Day theme is “Vector-Borne Diseases with a Zoonotic Potential,” which is a subject veterinarians are often asked about regarding outdoor cats. As experts, veterinarians are uniquely positioned to answer questions from the public and dispel common myths about zoonosesmyths and undue fear that can cost cats their lives. Veterinarians can use their knowledge and experience to help people understand that outdoor cats are healthy members of the community.
For example, the enormous success of rabies vaccination and prevention in the United States is illustrative of the impact of veterinarians and their support for effective, humane programs like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for community cats, which are often the largest providers of rabies vaccinations in communities. The fact is there has not been a single cat to human rabies transmission in the United States in 40 years, and this impressive record is due in large part to veterinary practice and education, as well as the growth of TNR programs nationally.
We support veterinarians by providing them with the information they need to respond to and educate community members on cat health and dispelling common misconceptions and myths about community cats. We also sponsors trainings throughout the country to provide hands-on experience for veterinarians in high-volume spay and neuter procedures, as well as teaching veterinarians how to respond to the unique needs of community cats.
Get involved this World Veterinary Day:
- Share our Veterinary Resource Center with your local veterinarian.
- Get the word out: Community cats are healthy members of the community.
- Veterinarians: Show your support for Trap-Neuter-Return.
Read the press release.