Seeing the World Through Your Cat’s Eyes
Life is a matter of perspective. You thought your mom would understand when you didn’t call her when you said you would. It was no big deal. You were tired. To your silently brooding mother it was just another sign that you don’t respect, cherish and love her. One more example of your lack of regard for her feelings. Sound familiar?
As a veterinarian and an ailurophile (cat lover) I must admit that are so many times that I just don’t understand my feline patients or my own two cats Quidi Vidi and Zimzala. But I am getting better. I know that I am not alone.
Not understanding the world through your cats’ eyes is one of the reasons why cats receive less medical care than their canine counterparts. Why? Often it is because cat owners just can’t handle the drama and angst that surrounds bringing them in for an examination. Behavioral issues can masquerade as medical conditions such as inappropriate elimination, bite and scratch wounds from inter-cat aggression. Sadly, cats are often relinquished to shelters because of issues owners perceive to be irreconcilable differences. In reality, many could have been avoided with some patience and change of attitude. My guest is Dr. Sandra Mitchell, a board-certified veterinary practitioner in feline and exotic companion mammal medicine.
BIO:
Dr Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Since that time, she have worked with a variety of species, becoming board certified (ABVP) in Feline Medicine and Surgery, and a few years later, in Exotic Companion Mammal Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Mitchell opened and owned River Road Veterinary hospital in Orrington, Maine starting in 1997, and owned Animal Medical Associates in Saco, Maine starting in 2011. She is currently doing primarily housecalls and relief work as the owner of All Creatures Veterinary Services. Dr. Mitchell has been "owned" by cats her entire life, and learned at a young age how to "speak cat". She currently shares her life with 2 cats (and 4 ferrets, 4 ducks, 4 turkeys, 16 chickens, 1 chinchilla, and a turtle......). Dr. Mitchell finds translating problems between owners and animals to be particularly rewarding and fun.