Boehringer Ingelheim launched the first-ever Catvocacy Forum and brought together veterinarians to elevate cat care nationwide. The forum aimed to raise the standards of feline care in the Philippines, empowering vets to provide compassionate, quality care.
It was noted that 48.3 per cent of Filipino households own cats with a population of over 2.74 million, highlighting the growing need for veterinarians trained in feline care. Cats often conceal pain, hide illness, and react strongly to stress, making specialized veterinary care essential for early detection, treatment, and prevention.
“Veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring animal health, food security, and public safety,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, head of animal health of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.
“The Catvocacy Forum brings the Going Beyond campaign to life, showcasing veterinarians’ dedication and advancing the broader goal of elevating veterinary standards and safeguarding animals and communities,” he said.
The forum also introduced the Going Beyond campaign, a global initiative launched during World Veterinary Day 2024, celebrating veterinarians’ vital yet often unseen role in providing expert care, safeguarding animal welfare, and supporting communities.
“Caring for cats goes beyond treating illness—it’s about understanding their behavior and ensuring their well-being,” said Dr. Vincent Casimero, head of companion animals of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.
Key speakers included Dr. Chantal Davina Celindano, director of Paws-Fire Mobile Vet and Feline Veterinarian at Monier Veterinary Clinic; Dr. Linda Jane Tong, senior medicine registrar at Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Specialty; and Dr.Banawa. Dr. Celindano is accredited by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), a global organization that advances cat health and welfare through education and best practices.
The forum equipped veterinarians to deliver tailored care using feline-friendly handling techniques, stress-reduction strategies, and specialized medical protocols. It strengthened understanding of feline behavior to improve clinical outcomes, trained professionals in early disease detection, and emphasized preventive care using quality vaccines and dependable parasiticides.
The speakers covered common conditions such as feline idiopathic cystitis, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, and cognitive decline, providing veterinarians with practical strategies for early detection, treatment, and prevention.
Through the Catvocacy Forum, Boehringer Ingelheim underscored the critical need for specialized veterinary care.
