The SCAAFP, which stands for Student Chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, is otherwise known as "Cat Club" at Purdue. It is a club for veterinary students passionate about feline medicine to come together to learn how to cater towards feline patients.
Examples of topics covered at meetings include feline cardiology, feline urinary diseases, and feline behavior. Past lectures covered: big cat anesthesia, common feline toxins, common feline parasites, feline respiratory disease, and emergency management of blocked cats.
The Feline Club also holds various physical examination and palpation labs throughout the year to help hone our skills on live animals. Some of the fun events outside the vet school include a trip to a local feline exclusive practice and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Indianapolis Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. The club also works with Clinton County Humane Society every year to help them prepare cats for adoption.
This club provides a great opportunity to obtain hands on experience with physical exams, blood draws, FeLV/FIV testing, fecals, etc. through early exposure to feline medicine techniques. Additionally, we work with surgical residents and feline practitioners to enhance our practical knowledge and skills.