Speaker Biography

Diane Delmain

DVM, DABVP-Feline

Dr. Delmain

Associate Professor, Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Diane Delmain is an Associate Clinical Professor of Community Practice, joining the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 after many years in private feline practice. Her interests include feline medicine and behavior and clinical communication.

Certifications:

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Feline
  • Advanced Certificate in Feline Behavior – International Society for Feline Medicine

Read more about Dr. Delmain

Lectures

  • Thursday, October 29, 2026 1:30 - 2:20 p.m. Auditorium

    Cats and Medications: Reaching Peaceful Coexistence Small Animal I

    Administering medication to cats can feel less like a medical task and more like an extreme sport. This presentation explores why cats are so famously resistant—covering feline sensory quirks, common caretaker struggles, and how poor medication experiences can quietly erode the human–animal bond. Using real-world survey data and behavioral insights, we’ll share practical, cat-friendly strategies to make medications less stressful (and less dramatic). Attendees will leave with tips to improve compliance, protect relationships, and keep both cats and caregivers on speaking terms.

    Learning Outcomes

    After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

    • Identify key behavioral, sensory, and caregiver-related factors that influence medication compliance in feline patients.
    • Apply evidence-informed strategies to improve medication acceptance while minimizing stress and damage to the human–animal bond.
    • Tailor medication plans by integrating cat temperament, caregiver capabilities, and drug characteristics to improve treatment success and adherence.
  • Thursday, October 29, 2026 2:30 - 3:20 p.m. Auditorium

    Uncovering Veterinary Cattitudes to Provide Better Care Small Animal I

    Veterinary professionals care for both dogs and cats—but do we feel the same way about them? This engaging presentation explores surprising and sometimes uncomfortable differences in veterinary preferences, confidence, experience, and education related to canine versus feline patients. Drawing on survey data from veterinary faculty, staff, and students, the session highlights how cats consistently lag behind dogs—and why that matters for feline welfare, client relationships, and professional satisfaction. Attendees will leave with insight into how training, experience, and even personal factors shape species attitudes, along with practical ideas for closing the feline confidence gap and improving care.

    Learning Outcomes

    • By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:
    • Recognize key differences in veterinary professionals’ confidence, preferences, and educational exposure when working with dogs versus cats, and understand how these disparities may influence clinical care and feline welfare.
    • Evaluate how professional experience, training, and personal factors contribute to species specific attitudes among veterinary professionals.
    • Apply strategies to increase confidence and comfort in feline care through targeted education, clinical exposure, and reflective practice.