CVM's SCAAFP Attends Annual Charity Cat Show

On August 27^th and 28^th, members of the Texas A&M University Student Chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (SCAAFP) at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), along with their advisor, Dr. John August, professor in feline internal medicine at the CVM, were in full participation at the Houston Cat Club's 59^th Annual Charity Cat Show held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.   

The Texas A&M veterinary students staffed a booth throughout the show where they answered questions about the college's various programs in feline medicine and discussed careers in veterinary medicine with aspiring veterinarians and their parents. In addition to the veterinary student's contribution, this year the department of small animal clinical sciences and the development office at the CVM co-sponsored a show ring.  

Lauren Castilla, third year veterinary student and president of SCAAFP, led the efforts at the cat show.

"Our main purpose at the Houston Cat Show was to show support for the local community of cat owners, breeders, and shelters, as well as to promote the College of Veterinary Medicine's dedication and commitment to feline health," Castilla explains. "We let the public know about our feline internal medicine residency, the Aggie Feral Cat Alliance of Texas (AFCAT), and the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center. Members of our organization were there to answer questions about our hospital services, veterinary program, and current research endeavors." 

Castilla learned a lot from her participation in the cat show this year. Taking on this leadership role, she was able to talk with cat owners and to learn more about her field of interest.  

"It was exciting to talk with breeders and expand my knowledge about the unique breeds that were present," Castilla notes. "I enjoyed having owners share their cat experiences with us, and every person had a wonderful story to tell." 

The cat show not only educates the public on the current efforts of the feline industry, but it initiates conversations among feline enthusiasts to think about the possible future of the industry.  

"I am so excited for what the future holds for feline medicine," Castilla says. "It is so great to see the field growing with more ABVP [American Board of Veterinary Practitioners] diplomates and the increasing popularity of feline specialty clinics. The College of Veterinary Medicine is giving us a great foundation in feline medicine, and it just opens us up to so many more opportunities after graduation." 

"Our students did a great job representing the college at this year's cat show," August adds. "By having a presence and being available to the concerned cat owners, we are able to visibly demonstrate the CVM's commitment to feline health and education." 

SCAAFP is one of 16 Texas A&M SCAVMA (Student Chapters of the AVMA) - sponsored organizations at the CVM. SCAAFP's involvement represents the type of active roles veterinary students take in organizations at the CVM. This participation leads to better learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom creating better prepared professionals after graduation.

Picture Identification: From left to right Will Floyd, Lauren Castilla, Tamie Hunt, and Erin Braley

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