Why are “Cat Friendly” Clinics so important

Visits to the veterinary clinic are essential to maintain a cat's health, but many factors can make a visit or stay at the clinic a negative experience for them.

The impact of these negative experiences can be significant, including stress or a longer than normal recovery. It also affects the veterinary team, with a higher risk of misleading test results, possible injuries and more difficulties handling the cat on future visits.

In general, the cat's veterinary experience includes its journey to the clinic, its interactions with the staff, the social environment (other animals in the waiting and hospitalization areas), as well as the physical environment of the center. It's important to mention that these animals' first visits to a clinic can affect them for the rest of their lives.

These aspects are covered in the guide: Cat Friendly Interaction Guidelines 2022 AAFP/ISFM: Approach and Handling Techniques, where it is recognized that the animal's mental well-being is just as important as its physical health.  

Tips for making your clinic more “cat friendly”: 

• Before the appointment, advise owners on how to bring their cats safely to the veterinary center. Offer advice on your website, social media or by telephone on how best to handle them and prepare them for the journey.  

• As far as possible, adapt the waiting room by separating the cat and dog areas. In the cat area, provide high places for the carrier to be placed safely upon (felines like to have an overview of their surroundings) and you can use a feline pheromone diffuser. Finally, try to avoid loud noises and sudden movements in this area.  

• Take the time to listen to the owners, interact and connect with them before you start examining their cat. Use a low tone of voice and let the cat remain in the carrier until necessary.  

• During the appointment avoid cold and slippery surfaces (you can use non-slip blankets to make the exploration more comfortable) and try to prepare this   beforehand so as not to generate noise.  

What are the advantages of having a cat-friendly clinic?  

• It's important that cats have all the resources and amenities they need to feel protected and safe during their hospitalization or stay at the clinic as so promote cooperative behaviors. This starts by creating a good atmosphere in the waiting room and continues at the appointment.  

• Increasing client satisfaction and greater retention, gaining the owner's trust by making visits to the veterinary clinic positive. 

Why is feline medicine important in veterinary medicine?  

Feline medicine has become increasingly important in veterinary medicine due to the growing preference for cats as pets. Cat owners are therefore looking for specialized

services in this area. At Improve Veterinary Education, we offer 100% online Postgraduate Certificate program in Feline Practice. The program is approved by RACE for 192 CE credits and supported by the best teaching team. The program enables you to work towards the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate and the Postgraduate Certificate validated by Harper Adams University. 

AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) members, benefit from our partnership and enjoy a 20% discount on our online Postgraduate Certificate in Feline Practice. Contact the AAFP for details.