Words by Ruth
Historically, cats within veterinary practice were treated the same as dogs, even through they are very different species with very different needs! In the late 1950’s the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) launched a charity call International Cat Care (icatcare) which funded in-depth research into the health and wellbeing of our feline friends. The close involvement of the FAB with the veterinary industry lead to the launch of the international Society of Feline Medicine (ISM), and in 2012, the Cat-friendly clinic scheme was launched.
At Royston Veterinary centre we always strive to do our best for our patients, and now we are settled into our fantastic purpose-designed new building at Flint cross we are better able to seek accreditation as a cat-friendly clinic. This will mean we demonstrate actively all the steps we take to reduce stress to our feline patients when they come to visit, be it for a 10 minute consult or for a few days as an inpatient.
The cat-friendly scheme requires a few minor changes, including setting up regular felinefocused staff training, and making sure our designated cat waiting area and consult room are both fully operational. To date we have purchased some lovely blankets which are available for you to cover your cat carriers with to reduce stress, and have included hiding places in our kennels, (as I type these are being well used by our current feline inpatients!). We currently planning staff training sessions and working on a few more changes, and longer term have exciting plans for bigger changes such as new luxurious cat kennels that will really help our patients feel comfortable.
References:
Bessant, Doweray et al, ISM’s Cat Friendly Principles For Veterinary Professionals.
Journal of Feline.
Medicine and Surgerv, (2022). 24. p1087-1092
Useful web links:
What is a cat friendly clinic? https://catfriendlyclinic.org/cat-owners/what-is-a-cat-friendlyclinic
