Calm cats, confident care: Mastering feline behaviour and handling in practice
Tracks
Stream Two - Plaza P1 & P2
| Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Plaza P1 & P2 |
Overview
Natalie Hunt
Speaker
Natalie Hunt
Cat Specialist Services
Calm cats, confident care: Mastering feline behaviour and handling in practice
Abstract
Understanding feline behaviour and mastering species-appropriate handling techniques are fundamental to delivering compassionate, effective veterinary care. Over recent years, increased research and clinical experience have reshaped how veterinary professionals approach feline patients, emphasising stress reduction and promoting positive experiences throughout hospital visits.
This presentation will delve into contemporary advances in feline behaviour science, exploring how insight into natural feline communication, stress triggers, and coping mechanisms informs improved handling protocols. Attendees will learn practical strategies to minimise fear and anxiety in cats, including environmental modifications and gentle handling & intervention techniques tailored to their unique needs.
By integrating behavioural knowledge with clinical practice, veterinary teams can enhance patient welfare, improve compliance, and foster stronger bonds between cats, caregivers, and clinicians. This session aims to empower veterinary professionals with the tools and understanding essential for elevating feline care through behaviourally informed handling.
This presentation will delve into contemporary advances in feline behaviour science, exploring how insight into natural feline communication, stress triggers, and coping mechanisms informs improved handling protocols. Attendees will learn practical strategies to minimise fear and anxiety in cats, including environmental modifications and gentle handling & intervention techniques tailored to their unique needs.
By integrating behavioural knowledge with clinical practice, veterinary teams can enhance patient welfare, improve compliance, and foster stronger bonds between cats, caregivers, and clinicians. This session aims to empower veterinary professionals with the tools and understanding essential for elevating feline care through behaviourally informed handling.
Biography
Natalie’s fascination with cats began in her childhood and has only deepened over the years. Her initial experience with animals came as a kennel and cattery attendant in her hometown in Central Queensland.
In 2010, she moved to South East Queensland to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology at the University of Queensland. Since graduating in 2013, Natalie has primarily focused on internal medicine and intensive care nursing at specialist hospitals across SEQ. Despite this, her enduring interest in feline medicine and nursing has remained a central theme of her career.
In 2019, Natalie soon transitioned into a feline-only nursing role at a veterinary referral hospital. This role confirmed her passion for feline medicine. Upon the opening of Cat Specialist Services in January 2024, she progressed into a nurse manager role where she leads a team of feline-centred nurses and technicians. Natalie has keen interest in several areas of feline care, including critical care, analgesia and pain management, nutrition, transfusion medicine, behaviour and oncology. She is a strong advocate for feline friendly interactions. Amongst working in a clinical setting, Natalie is also committed to continuing education to further enhance her skills, as well as promoting feline care to other nurses/technicians, speaking at several conferences and leading nurse based seminars within CSS.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time at home with her husband and their two cats. Her downtime includes road trips and sharing delicious food with friends and family.
