5 Features That Define a Cat Friendly Practice
Cats can find veterinary visits particularly stressful. Recognizing this, the Cat Friendly Practice program, a global initiative by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), was created to help veterinary clinics elevate the standard of care for cats, reducing stress and making visits easier for both felines and caregivers alike.
At Oz Animal Hospital, we are proud to embrace these principles. But what does being “Cat Friendly” really mean when it comes to your visit? You can find out in the following blog.
The Pillars of a Cat Friendly Practice
Becoming a Cat Friendly Practice isn’t simple, but essentially, it involves creating an environment and employing techniques that minimize anxiety and enhance a cat’s well-being.
We achieve this via…
- Understanding Feline Behavior & Gentle Handling:
Our team members have the specialized training to understand nuanced feline behavior.
- We learn to recognize subtle cues of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in cats, like flattened ears, a twitching tail, or dilated pupils.
- This understanding allows us to approach and handle your cat in a gentle, empathetic, and caring manner, using low-stress techniques that avoid forceful restraint and make exams as calm as possible.
2. Creating a Calmer, Cat-Centric Environment:
The typical vet clinic can be an overwhelming sensory experience for a cat, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of other animals (especially dogs!). As a Cat Friendly Practice, we take steps to create a soothing atmosphere. This might include considerations like:
- Minimizing wait times in areas with other animals.
- Using Feliway® (a synthetic calming cat pheromone) in exam rooms or on towels.
- Providing comfortable, non-slip surfaces and even hiding spots within the exam room. The goal is to reduce triggers that can escalate feline stress.
3. Feline-Specific Equipment & Treatment Areas:
Cats have different needs when it comes to medical equipment and even the setup of an exam room. A Cat Friendly Practice often invests in:
- Appropriately sized equipment (like smaller blood pressure cuffs or scales).
- Exam rooms designed to allow cats to explore or hide if they choose, rather than being immediately placed on a cold, slippery table.
This attention to detail contributes significantly to a cat’s comfort level.
4. Preventative Care Tailored to Cats:
Our commitment to feline well-being extends to our approach to preventative care. We understand that cats have unique health needs throughout their lives. We emphasize:
- Feline-specific vaccination protocols.
- Tailored parasite prevention strategies.
- Nutritional counseling appropriate for cats.
- Proactive screening for common feline diseases.
This ensures your cat receives the most appropriate and effective preventative care.
5. Educating and Empowering Cat Owners:
A crucial part of being Cat Friendly is partnering with you, the cat owner!
- We strive to provide you with the information and resources you need to make vet visits less stressful, from tips on carrier training to understanding your cat’s health needs at home.
An informed owner is a cat’s best advocate!
Why Choose Cat Friendly Vets?
A Cat Friendly Practice like ours is defined by one goal above all others: providing the highest quality of care for your cat in a way that respects their unique nature and minimizes stress. Just one more way we strive to be the vet that your pet would choose!
And remember, if you’ve got questions about your cat and its veterinary needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team would be happy to help.
At Oz Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier veterinary care that goes beyond traditional standards. For exceptional service that prioritizes both your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind, schedule your appointment or contact us today.