Effort to increase more feline veterinary visits

ST. JOSEPH, MO. — Annual feline visits have been declining in recent years, surveys report, but a new awareness program hopes to reverse the trend.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI), recently unveiled a new initiative to help spur cat vists to veterinarians through the introduction of a new campaign called "Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?"

The program was created to offer veterinarians and veterinary team members new tools to foster communication about feline health care.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there's an estimated 82 million pet cats in the United States. In 2006, only 63.3 million were believed to have seen a veterinarian.

BIVI thinks there is tremendous upside to the veterinary market and improving feline health if efforts like this can help drive more visits to veterinarians.

Arne Zislin, VMD, BIVI technical manager, adds, "It's important that cats are seen as frequently as dogs for animal wellness visits and vaccinations to ensure their long-term health. The American Association of Feline Practitioners and American Animal Hospital Association recommend a minimum of one annual wellness exam for cats, with more frequent visits for senior cats."

The new program offers veterinary hospitals posters, window clings and buttons.

Participating veterinary clinics will receive a kit containing educational materials and checklists to help the veterinary team improve communication with clients. The program also features a contest for participating clinics.

To enroll in the program, visit www.haveweseenyourcatlately.com, or contact your BIVI sales representative.