The number-1 cause of death for cats is something veterinary teams are not treating nor educating clients about: euthanasia. And the most common reasons for euthanasia in cats is behavior problems. Sadly, these are problems animal health pros understand, know why the behaviors happen and what cats need to minimize or eliminate them.
Liz Bales, DVM, issues a call to action referencing the five pillars of feline environmental enrichment from the AAFP. She urges veterinary teams to inform owners as well as shelters of the importance of environmental enhancement and to provide them resources.
Source: DVM 360, November 18, 2020. Link.
The evidence is clear. Failing to meet cats’ needs in the indoor environment results in more than just euthanasia. It makes them sick by contributing to obesity, lower urinary tract disease, gastrointestinal disease, dermatologic disease, endocrine disease, and more.” – Liz Bales, DVM