2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines

The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension the AAFP–AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published 2010. guidelines simultaneously Journal Medicine Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211–233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) American Animal Hospital Association 57, 2, 51–72, 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from earlier is division cat’s lifespan into five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature senior) as well end-of-life stage, instead previous six. This simplified consistent how pet owners generally perceive their maturation aging process, provides readily understood basis for evolving, individualized, lifelong healthcare strategy. include comprehensive table on components wellness visit that framework systematically implementing individualized life stage approach to healthcare. Included recommendations managing most critical health-related factors relation stage. These further explained following categories: behavior environmental needs; elimination; nutrition weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses human safety; recommended diagnostics based discussion overcoming barriers veterinary visits cat offers practical advice one challenging aspects delivering regular