VN August 2022

Vetnuus | August 2022 4 Cats have mesmerised people for centuries and centuries. They began their unique relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. In this geographic region, some of the earliest developments in human civilisation occurred (encompassing modern- day parts ofWest Asia). Thought to have descended from the African wildcat and used to catch vermin, the domestic cat canbe tracedback to ancient Egypt 4,000 years ago (andperhapsbeyond).TheEgyptians quickly regardedcats as sacred creatures because they helped reduce disease and protect crops. I can confess that I am a cat person, but that would not be entirely true. I amananimalperson.Catsjustformpartofthewideranimalgroup.When selecting a theme, I am always a little apprehensive about whether I will get enough articles to fill an edition. But this month, I was completely blown out of the water. I want to thank the contributors who made my inbox overflow. Articles include Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), how to reduce the trauma for the vet, cat and owner during a vet visit, what to do if an owner brings a ferret to the practice, and drug combinations for wild felids, Urolithiasis in cats and many more. I want to thank all the contributors from the bottom of my inbox. By the quality of the articles received, I realise howmuch effort and time goes intowriting them. And to do that on top of day-to-day work. August is not only the official last month of winter (I know, I know) but alsoWomen'smonth. I want to salute all women within the veterinary industry. There are many significant roles to fill within the field. When attending the RUVASA congress earlier the year, it struckme thatmost of the attendants weremales over 50. But then you see them, the younger female vets, passionate about large animals and safe and secure meat production. In every facet of the industry, they aremaking a difference. Happy women's day on the 9th of August. May you go with care and compassion into the world and make the difference youwant to see. For everyone who either works with or just love cats to bits, have a happy Cat August! "Time spent with cats is never wasted." – Sigmund Freud. Regards, Andriette v From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Andriette van der Merwe