Why do cat wag their tails? Annie Valuska, PhD, explains this behavioral cue and more in a dvm360 interview.

Interpreting feline behaviors, part 2

What does it mean when a cat wags its tail? In a 

 interview, Annie Valuska, PhD, principal scientist for the pet behavior team at Purina, discussed common behaviors that cat owners may typically see and what they can mean. The interview also discussed canine behaviors as well as which companion animal behaviors sometimes lead to pets being surrendered by their owners or euthanized.

of this 2-part video series about feline behaviors, Valuska discussed hissing, one of the most common behavioral cues, including misconceptions and what it really means.

 This second video addresses feline tail wagging as well as ear positioning, and how these behaviors can be interpreted.

The following is a transcript of the video:

Wagging tails are often misunderstood in cats as well [as dogs]. I think people take what they've learned or think they've learned about dogs and [think] ‘hey, a wagging tail is happy,’ which, as 

, is not necessarily the case, and assume that when a cat has a swishing tail that that also means that the cat is happy, but in most cases, it's quite the opposite. With cats, that big sweeping wag in a cat's tail is often a sign that they're feeling really physiologically aroused and stimulated, and it's probably not a good time to pet or approach that cat. Usually, cats that have that level of arousal or stimulation happening are not looking for pets at that time.

Another sign you can look for that can indicate that physiological arousal and maybe that the cat needs some space, is the cat's ear position, as those ears start to rotate towards the side and back of the head, which the internet calls ‘airplane ears’. Ears to the side and pointing towards the back is another sign that the cat might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed, overstimulated. Probably not a good idea to pet them at that time. Whereas if the ears are pointing forward, like a cat Halloween headband, and there's a lot of other body language indicating that the cat is feeling calm, like that tail being up in the air, maybe the tip of the tail swishing back and forth, the cat being willing to take up a lot of space, seeming very relaxed, their eyes in a nice neutral position, that is a cat that is probably safe to approach and open to some pets.

Crossley KC, Valuska A. Interpreting feline behaviors (Part 1). 

. December 17, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/interpreting-feline-behaviors-part-1-

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Interpreting feline behaviors (Part 2)

For many veterinarians, spays and neuters are the first surgeries that they learn and can be the most frequently performed throughout their careers. Even though this is considered a routine procedure, surgical technique has continued to evolve. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has transformed how we approach both complex and straightforward cases in veterinary medicine.

Laparoscopy has become a viable and increasingly accessible option for elective sterilization in canines and felines. As equipment becomes more affordable and training is more widespread, veterinarians can see firsthand how laparoscopic techniques can benefit patients, clients, and practices.

The core principles of MIS are to achieve the same surgical goals while minimizing tissue trauma. For laparoscopic sterilization procedures, this means using 1 to 3 small incisions to gain access to the abdomen via laparoscopic ports, insufflating with CO

 for visualization and working space, and using specialized instruments to seal and transect ovarian, uterine, and testicular structures.

Compared with traditional open approaches, laparoscopic surgery results in less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes. Patients typically require less analgesia postoperatively and can return to normal activity within days rather than weeks. For the surgeon, laparoscopic surgery allows for excellent visualization because of enhanced magnification and illumination. This is particularly advantageous when working in small or less accessible regions of the body, such as the caudal abdomen. For owners who are increasingly attuned to comfort, cosmesis, and recovery, these benefits are compelling.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a procedure in which the ovaries are removed via 1 to 3 small incisions, often with the aid of a vessel-sealing device. After insufflation, the ovaries are identified and suspended, either with graspers or a transcutaneous suture, and the ovarian pedicles are then either sealed or ligated with suture and subsequently removed from the abdomen (

Images courtesy of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons

 Ovary suspended with the use of a laparoscopic grasper during laparoscopic ovariectomy.

Several studies have shown a reduction in postoperative pain scores compared with traditional open ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Because removal of the uterus is not necessary in most young and healthy patients, ovariectomy achieves sterilization while minimizing anesthesia time and tissue trauma.

Although laparoscopic ovariectomy is the most commonly performed minimally invasive sterilization, ovariohysterectomy is also feasible and can confer some of the same benefits to the patient with regard to reduced pain and a faster recovery. Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy can be performed for cases in which uterine pathology is suspected and is appropriate for some patients with pyometra (

). This approach has been reported to be feasible, associated with a low risk of conversion, and requires less rescue analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy compared with a traditional open approach.

Pyometra treated with laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. Dilated, fluid-filled uterine horn can be retracted by the blunt laparoscopic probe.

Similar to a laparoscopic ovariectomy, this may be performed with 1 to 3 ports, depending on the surgeon's preference. The surgeon begins by grasping and retracting the ovaries and sealing or ligating the ovarian pedicle. Following this, the broad ligament is continually broken down with the aid of a vessel-sealing device bilaterally until the remainder of the uterus can be gently exteriorized. The ports are removed, the incision is lengthened to facilitate placement of a wound retractor, and the remainder of the ovariohysterectomy is performed extracorporeally.

Laparoscopy allows for excellent visualization and access to abdominal cryptorchid testicles in comparison with open approaches (

). Furthermore, open approaches may be challenging or limited, and have been reported to be associated with iatrogenic injury to the prostate, bladder, and ureters. The testes are able to be identified easily in the caudal abdomen and can be grasped directly to allow exposure to the ductus deferens and testicular vessels. These vessels are sealed and transected in a similar fashion to a laparoscopic ovariectomy and removed from the abdomen.

. Abdominal cryptorchid testicle suspended by a laparoscopic grasper during a laparoscopic cryptorchiectomy.

Although most of the early literature focused on dogs, laparoscopic sterilization is also feasible and has similar advantages in cats. Feline laparoscopic ovariectomy can be performed using 3- to 5-mm instruments in a similar fashion to dogs. Laparoscopic sterilization in cats allows the same benefits as it does in dogs, resulting in less pain, a smaller and more cosmetic incision, and a faster recovery.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy is also feasible in feline patients and allows for excellent visualization of the retained testicle. Although working space can be challenging, this can be improved by the use of smaller instruments and percutaneous sutures for retraction.

Patients that undergo laparoscopic sterilization are generally able to be treated as an outpatient and can be discharged the same day. Postoperative analgesia may include opioid medications while in the hospital, and most patients will benefit from the administration of an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug upon discharge. Patients should be exercise-restricted for 10 to 14 days postoperatively and encouraged to wear an Elizabethan collar, or potentially a surgical suit in the case of feline patients. The risk of complications following laparoscopic sterilization is low, but does include hemorrhage, infection, and dehiscence.

Articles

Laparoscopic procedures help minimize tissue trauma and allow same-day discharge.  

Minimally invasive sterilization for canines and felines

A generic product for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in canines has been approved by FDA officials. Meloxicam Oral Suspension (Felixvet) is bioequivalent to Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) at the equal amount (1.5 mg/mL) of meloxicam, the active ingredient.

“Pain relief is essential to quality of life, especially for aging pets,” Vince Palasota, president of the North America division for Felixvet, said in a news release.

 “With the approval of Meloxicam Oral Suspension, we’re providing veterinarians and pet owners with a safe, trusted treatment option backed by rigorous FDA standards.”

Meloxicam Oral Suspension is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, dispensed by prescription. The FDA has determined the drug to be safe and effective, when administered according to the label, for relieving stiffness, decreased mobility and joint pain, while improving the affected patient’s overall comfort and activity level.

OA is a leading cause of chronic pain in dogs and can have a large impact on both patient and owner quality of life. In 

a lecture at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference

 in Charlotte, North Carolina, presenter David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA, founder and orthopedic surgeon at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in Lanham, Maryland, told veterinarians that, as an inflammatory disease that can be secondary to other diseases, OA can occur in dogs at any age. He also noted that some clinical signs of OA are subtle and identifying the disease requires a patient history, physical examination and diagnostic imaging.

“OA is a total management disease,” Dycus said. “Our primary focus in patients with OA should be on modulating, mitigating, and/or eliminating inflammation.”

The generic meloxicam oral product is supplied in 32 mL and 100 mL bottles with measuring syringes. The FDA indicates initial administration of the drug at a dose of 0.09 mg/lb body weight only on the first day of treatment, and once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb body weight for all subsequent treatments.

 The drug can be mixed with food or administered directly, depending on the patient's weight and with veterinarian guidance.

Clinical results may be seen within days, according to Felixvet. “Pet owners are seeking convenient and dependable options to manage chronic pain,” Palasota said.

 “Meloxicam Oral Suspension delivers on both counts.”

Meloxicam Oral Suspension is part of a portfolio of generic products launched by Felixvet for managing canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, which also includes an injectable formulation of meloxicam.

 Additionally, the company launched Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets, a generic NSAID therapeutically equivalent to Rimadyl (Zoetis) for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs, in April 2025.

Felixvet receives FDA approval for Meloxicam Oral Suspension. News release. Felixvet. December 18, 2025. [email]

FDA. Freedom of information summary: ANADA 200-817. July 21, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/17255

Boatright K. Make a patient specific plan for canine osteoarthritis. 

. March 24, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/make-a-patient-specific-plan-for-canine-osteoarthritis

Products. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Felixvet. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://felixvetus.com/products/#non-steroidal-anti-inflammatories

Crossley KC. New generic chewable tablets are available for osteoarthritis in dogs. 

. April 4, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-generic-chewable-tablets-are-available-for-osteoarthritis-in-dogs

Felixvet's meloxicam oral suspension is bioequivalent to Metacam.

Generic drug for canine osteoarthritis receives FDA approval

Virbac has acquired Felanorm (methimazole) Oral Solution from Norbrook Laboratories, the animal health pharmaceutical company said in a statement released yesterday. Felanorm is the only FDA-approved generic methimazole oral solution for treating hyperthyroidism in cats.

Virbac said it will begin selling the product immediately in the United States under the Felanorm name, with veterinary clinics having access to the medication through veterinary distributors across the nation.

Outside the US, methimazole oral solution is sold under the brand name Thyronorm in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Virbac plans to continue selling the drug in these countries under the Thyronorm brand. According to Virbac, for now, Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to distribute the drug in Europe, with Elanco distributing it in Germany, until Virbac gradually takes over distribution.

Virbac and Norbrook were both founded around the same time, in 1968 and 1969, respectively. Following its founding, Norbrook, based in Northern Ireland, UK, went on to become a global top 20 manufacturer of animal health products.

 Virbac, also one of the world’s largest animal health companies, is present in more than 100 countries.

Founded by a French veterinarian, Virbac’s global headquarters are located in Carros, France.

The transaction was priced at approximately 100 million euros.

 In the company statement, Paul Martingell, CEO of the Virbac Group, said Virbac is looking forward to working with Norbrook in the coming months to ensure a smooth integration and to support more senior cats with hyperthyroidism.

“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to provide veterinarians with high-quality, innovative solutions that improve animal health and well-being,” Karen Lass, DVM, senior veterinary marketing manager for Virbac US, said in a news release.

 “Felanorm's oral formulation offers an excellent option for cats requiring long-term hyperthyroidism treatment, and we're committed to ensuring veterinarians and pet owners have continued access to this important medication.”

Feline hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder causing an increase in thyroid hormones due to an enlarged thyroid gland in the neck of a cat. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in felines, with approximately 10% of cats over the age of 10 years being affected.

Signs of the condition, if left untreated, include weight loss, increased appetite, increased heart rate and cardiac complications, hyperactivity and other behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor coat condition. With appropriate treatment, prognosis is generally good, although complications with other organs can negatively impact prognosis, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Felanorm is available in 30 mL and 100 mL sizes with a 1 mL dosing syringe. The drug received FDA approval in the US in July 2024.

 According to the FDA, dose adjustments should be made in 2.5 mg increments, with a maximum daily dose of 20 mg, administered in divided doses and in no more than 10 mg at a single time.

 The medication is not intended for used in pregnant or lactating queens, or cats with renal, hepatic, or hematological disorders. Additionally, the medication contains anti-vitamin K activity and may induce bleeding diathesis without evidence of thrombocytopenia, Virbac noted.

Feline hyperthyroidism: Virbac acquires Felanorm. News release. Virbac. December 17, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feline-hyperthyroidism-virbac-acquires-felanorm-302645264.html

Virbac acquires Felanorm® (methimazole) oral solution from Norbrook, strengthening feline health portfolio. Virbac. News release. Accessed December 18, 2025.

Hyperthyroidism in cats. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperthyroidism-cats

Our history. Norbrook Laboratories. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.norbrook.com/us/about/our-history/

Focusing on animal health, from the beginning. Virbac. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://us.virbac.com/home/discover-virbac/virbac-group.html

FDA approves first generic methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. News release. US Food & Drug Administration. July 9, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-generic-methimazole-treating-hyperthyroidism-cats

Virbac acquired an oral solution of methimazole, known as Felanorm in the US and Thyronorm outside the US. The drug is the first FDA-approved generic methimazole oral solution for hyperthyroidism in cats. 

Virbac acquires feline hyperthyroidism drug Felanorm in €100 million deal

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, to explore the complexities of diagnosing and managing feline and canine allergies, specifically addressing clinical markers like over-grooming, recurrent otitis, and more. 

5 common client mistakes that can be avoided with the pruritic patient

This episode is sponsored by Blue Buffalo. 

In this episode of the Vet Blast Podcast, presented by dvm360 and recorded live at Fetch Long Beach, our host, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, to tackle the "itch" that won't go away. From decoding paw licking and chronic ear infections to mastering the nuances of elimination diet trials, they share expert insights on managing allergies in cats and dogs. Plus, learn why consistent flea control is a nonnegotiable for multipet households, and more!

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

What are some best practices for doing a food trial?

Making sure it's the right time for the owner, and that sounds super simple, but I do find sometimes that people try to force it when it's not the right time, right? We are here in lovely California in December, [and people get] a lot of visitors for the holidays, right? So is it the right time to start a diet trial right now if grandma [and] grandpa are going to come over, if we're going to have 30 kids in the household, and the dog or cat's probably going to get something? We'll keep them comfortable if it's not the right time, and then come back to it in January....It sounds really simple, but I just asked owners, can you be strict the next 2 months? Because I think we forget a diet trial is a diagnostic test. If we're going to go through that test, you wouldn't do lab work when it's not the right time, right? If we're going to do that diet trial, that diagnostic test, let's make sure at the end we can feel confident that we have our answer, yes or no. 

I like to just simply ask, "Is this a good time for you to do it?" And then just talking to them about the options and the importance of using prescription diets, so many times, owners will say, "But I've taken out a certain protein," or "Well, I gave an over-the-counter allergy diet." And it's really important that they understand prescription diets go through the testing to ensure there's no other residues in the food, and we have study after study that shows—I have nothing against over-the-counter diets, there's great ones out there [but]—they're not meant to be a diet trial diagnostic test. 

It's saying if we get through those 2 months with a prescription diet, this is why it's important making sure there's no other residues in the food. And then at the end, again, we have our answer of whether they're food allergic or not.

Podcasts

Discover expert insights on managing pet allergies with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, in this engaging Vet Blast Podcast episode. 

 5 common client mistakes that can be avoided with the pruritic patient

Officials with the FDA have granted conditional approval for a combination parasiticide to treat infestation of New World screwworm (NWS) larvae in dogs. The conditional approval expands the use of lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel and pyrantel chewable tablets (Credelio Quattro; Elanco), which was previously approved by the FDA for treatment of tick, flea, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm infestations.

A drug is required to be shown as safe and have a reasonable expectation of effectiveness for it to be conditionally approved. According to Elanco, the FDA’s decision to grant conditional approval was based on a peer-reviewed study published in 

 that evaluated the efficacy of lotilaner against NWS.

This study found lotilaner administered in a single dose was 100% effective against NWS larvae within 24 hours of treatment in dogs that were naturally infested with the parasite. The doses ranged from 23.9 mg/kg to 40.9 mg/kg body weight, and were based on the minimum manufacturer recommendation for control of fleas and ticks in dogs.

“A rapid and efficient treatment is necessary to improve the recovery of affected animals and reduce the possibility of reinvasion in the areas where this parasitic fly has been eradicated,” the study’s authors wrote.

Communicating with clients about parasite protection

This study also weighed in earlier FDA decisions about lotilaner for treatment of NWS in companion animals. These decisions included issuing emergency use authorizations for 

 to treat NWS in dogs, and lotilaner chewable tablets for cats 

“Elanco’s Credelio family of brands has made significant strides in animal health and this conditional approval for treatment of New World screwworm in dogs now allows us to provide multiple treatment solutions for veterinarians, animal shelters, and pet owners should they need it urgently,” Ellen DeBrander, PhD, executive vice president of research and development at Elanco, said in a news release.

Earlier this year, NWS was confirmed less than 70 miles south of the US-Mexico border. This confirmation marked the northernmost detection of the parasite during the ongoing outbreak in Mexico. It prompted an increase in concern for animals in the US, particularly the cattle and livestock industry.

In response to the NWS threat, the USDA has opened a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico with a domestic facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, expected to open in early 2026, to help prevent infestation in the US.

“We appreciate the FDA’s commitment to preparing and providing treatment options for New World screwworm in advance of the fly entering the US,” DeBrander said in the release.

Top questions on New World screwworm: What every veterinarian should know

Elanco’s Credelio Quattro-CA1 (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) receives first FDA conditional approval for treatment of New World screwworm in dogs. News release. Elanco. December 18,2025. Accessed December 18,2025.

 Efficacy of lotilaner against myiasis caused by 

 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in naturally infested dogs. 

Bautista-Alejandre A. FDA grants emergency use authorization for lotilaner to treat New World screwworm in dogs. 

. October 24, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-grants-emergency-use-authorization-for-lotilaner-to-treat-new-world-screwworm-in-dogs

Bautista-Alejandre A. Antiparasitic receives FDA emergency authorization to treat New World screwworm in cats. 

. November 21, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/antiparasitic-receives-fda-emergency-authorization-to-treat-new-world-screwworm-in-cats

Bautista-Alejandre A. New World screwworm detected less than 70 miles from the US-Mexico border. 

. September 22, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-world-screwworm-detected-less-than-70-miles-from-the-us-mexico-border

Crossley KC. USDA opens sterile fly dispersal facility in Mexico. 

November 14, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/usda-opens-sterile-fly-dispersal-facility-in-mexico

Coppock Crossley K. FDA conditionally approves drug to prevent and treat screwworm in cattle. 

. September 30, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-conditionally-approves-drug-to-prevent-and-treat-screwworm-in-cattle

McCafferty. FDA conditionally approves topical drug for cattle to prevent and treat New World screwworm. 

. December 4, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-conditionally-approves-topical-drug-for-cattle-to-prevent-and-treat-new-world-screwworm

Credelio Quattro (Elanco) was previously approved by the FDA for treatment of infestation for 6 other parasites in dogs.