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Cats at Sea
Presented by Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
12 Hours of RACE-Accredited Continuing Education (CE)
Registration Fee: $575 (Limited Availability)
For centuries, cats have been cherished members of ships’ crews, playing vital roles as pest controllers. These furry companions not only safeguarded provisions and cargo from rats but also became symbols of good fortune for sailors. Having a ship’s cat was once considered essential, even providing insurance for the ship’s master.
This presentation celebrates the long-standing relationship between cats and the maritime world, exploring their historical significance and offering insights into their behavior and welfare in various environments.
Monday, August 4, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm
What Do Cats Want? Small Changes in Technique and Environment to Make Everyone Purr
Handling cats in practice can be challenging. Cats have evolved with a social structure different from ours, functioning efficiently as solitary creatures while navigating complex and dynamic social interactions. As both predators and prey, their instincts shape how they respond in a clinical setting. Dr. Margie Scherk will provide insights into triggers to avoid, along with practical applications, tips, and techniques to create an environment that supports their emotional health and well-being.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Appreciate who and what a cat is.
- Understand why cats experience stress.
- Learn small, impactful changes to make practices more cat-friendly
Pain: Make It Stop! Chronic and Neuropathic Pain in Cats
In the last decade, there has been increased awareness and research on pain in cats, particularly chronic musculoskeletal pain. This session will address both musculoskeletal pain and other types of chronic pain in cats.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Recognize subtle signs of pain in cats.
- Understand approaches to prevent and alleviate pain.
- Learn about the long-term effects of declawing on cats.
- Understand the importance of a multimodal approach to analgesia.
- Appreciate the need to eliminate pain for a sufficient duration.
- Develop an analgesic plan for a senior cat with chronic kidney disease and arthritis.
Snots & Snuffles: Chronic Feline Upper Respiratory Syndromes
Chronic feline “snufflers” are among the most challenging patients to treat. Prolonged cases can lead to severe tissue damage and significant discomfort for the patient. A logical diagnostic approach to differentiate probable causes and rule out non-viral etiologies is key to selecting appropriate treatments.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Understand when antibiotics are necessary.
- Identify the further diagnostics warranted.
- Determine effective long-term therapy.
Friday, August 8, 2025 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Feline Chronic Kidney Diseases in 2025: What’s New (and How to Use It)
Viewing renal insufficiency as a progression of various disease causes, rather than simply as end-stage failure, allows for timely and tailored therapeutic interventions. The IRIS staging system provides a framework for integrating parameters, although it has limitations.
In feline renal disease management, assumptions based on studies in dogs and other species may not always apply. This session will address the appropriateness and risks of protein restriction, emphasizing individualized nutritional therapies for each patient. With the inherent progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), therapy should target factors that slow disease progression, such as proteinuria, hypertension, metabolic acidosis, hyperphosphatemia, and azotemia.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Understand how to use the IRIS system routinely and appreciate its challenges.
- Reassess and individualize nutritional requirements for cats with CKD.
- Develop logical treatment and management plans for feline CKD.
Lower Urinary Tract Health – Metabolism and Stress
Lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) are prevalent in cats. While previous research focused on the causes and management of crystalluria, newer insights suggest that many cases of LUTD are idiopathic, with the bladder acting as the “victim” rather than the initiator of clinical signs.
This presentation delves into Pandora Syndrome, exploring the interconnected roles of metabolism and stress. Attendees will learn how to assess environmental needs and implement strategies to manage these conditions effectively.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
Understand Pandora Syndrome and its implications.
Recognize how stress influences metabolism.
Assess and address the environmental needs of cats to support lower urinary tract health.
Saturday, August 9, 2025 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
From Problem to Success: A Weight Loss Program That Grows Relationships, Not Girth
Even a modest 10% weight loss can significantly benefit a cat’s energy levels, mobility, and reduce the risk of diabetes. This session dives into effective weight loss and management strategies that go beyond simple dietary changes. It explores the neuroendocrine implications of obesity and emphasizes the importance of education, support, and consistent follow-up to achieve long-term success.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Determine the ideal body weight for an overweight cat.
- Develop a tailored weight loss program.
- Understand what clients need for success.
Feline Diabetes Update: Insights in Diagnosis and Management
Managing feline diabetes presents unique challenges. Questions around insulin selection, dietary choices, and oral therapies are common. This session addresses these challenges while exploring the usefulness of glucose curves (manual or Flash devices) for determining insulin type and dose adjustments.
Additionally, the session will discuss when and how to use SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the differing therapy goals based on patient and client needs.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Understand when to use an SGLT2i and how to monitor therapy.
- Recognize and treat euglycemic ketoacidosis.
- Recommend suitable diets or adapt to a cat’s current eating habits.
- Determine the appropriate insulin type, duration, and frequency.
- Adjust insulin doses based on glucose differentials.
The Geriatric Cat: Complex Management with Multiple Disorders
Senior cats often face multiple, overlapping conditions requiring nuanced treatment plans. This session will explore managing cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, degenerative joint disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
The discussion will focus on reconciling seemingly contradictory treatment requirements, such as using NSAIDs for arthritis in CKD patients or balancing dietary needs for diabetes and CKD. Through case studies, attendees will gain insights into managing these complex scenarios.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Identify which condition takes nutritional precedence.
- Formulate comprehensive medical plans.
- Minimize stress associated with managing multiple aspects of home care.
Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
- Founder: Cats Only Veterinary Clinic, Vancouver, BC (1986–2008)
- Board Certification: Feline Practice by ABVP (1995)
- Leadership Role: President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), 2007
- Pioneer: Introduced the Transdermal Fentanyl Patch for pain relief in companion animals
- Educator: Founder of the Feline Internal Medicine folder on Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
- Editor: North American editor for the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Dr. Margie Scherk is a private practitioner who founded Cats Only Veterinary Clinic in Vancouver, BC, in 1986, where she worked full-time until her retirement in 2008. She graduated from the University of Guelph in 1982 with her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College and became board-certified in Feline Practice by the ABVP in 1995.
Dr. Scherk has contributed extensively to the field of feline medicine. She served on the board of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) for many years, becoming its President in 2007. Since 1995, she has been a dedicated member of the AAFP Feline Vaccine Guidelines Panel.
As an educator, Dr. Scherk founded the Feline Internal Medicine folder on Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and has shared her expertise through countless teaching opportunities worldwide. She is also the North American editor for the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. One of her proudest achievements is pioneering the use of the Transdermal Fentanyl Patch for alleviating pain in companion animals.
Dr. Scherk is passionate about feline medicine and is committed to understanding her patients’ perspectives. She lives with her husband, Jim, and her four cats—Nimitz, Mr. Will, Jules, and Monty—while fondly missing her adult children.