UF’s annual cat conference scheduled for February

Calling all cat lovers: The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual conference for feline fanatics will be held all day, Feb. 2 at the Reitz Union in Gainesville.

Beginning at 8 a.m., registrants will hear presentations by UF veterinary experts and other speakers on topics ranging from feline anemia, heartworm and raw food diets to how to handle eye problems in your cat. Speakers also will discuss how to make life easier for cats with chronic disease.

The popular “parade of cat breeds” will take place during the lunch break, followed by afternoon lectures. An update on new testing and management of feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses will be given then, as well as a session addressing cat behavior during various stages of life.

A spay-neuter practice owner will present a veterinarian’s perspective about establishing a low-cost spay-neuter clinic, and will hold a feline first-aid clinic.

Tours of the college’s Small Animal Hospital will be available after the presentations and prior to an “Entrees in Expertise” dinner, which is offered for an additional fee. The dinner gives participants an opportunity to interact with speakers in a relaxed social setting.

The Cat Conference also offers associated events, such as screening clinics for polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and FeLV/FIV, to be held Feb. 1. The feral cat spay/neuter clinic, known as “Operation Catnip,” will take place on Feb. 3.

Registration is $69, or $89 for the conference plus the Entrees in Expertise dinner. Phone (352) 392-1701 to register, or sign up on-line at www.doce-conferences.ufl.edu/cat/