As a cat owner, you may have encountered the term “cat-friendly”. But what does cat-friendly mean in terms of a veterinary practice? You may think this is something you can expect from every veterinary practice. To an extent, of course, it is! However, to improve standards further, practices can gain accreditation through the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). This ensures practices adhere to a rigorous set of criteria to make them truly cat-friendly. 

Cats have unique needs, meaning they can find a trip to the vet extremely distressing. Our Yeovil practice is an ISFM Accredited Cat-Friendly Clinic. This means we are recognised for providing an exceptional standard of care to our feline patients. The environment and their experience while in our care, have been designed with their needs and behaviours in mind.

In essence, it’s about creating a space where your feline friend can feel safe, comfortable and stress-free during their visit. This includes, at the most basic level:

• Having separate waiting areas for cats and dogs
• Using pheromone diffusers to create a calming atmosphere
• and, training staff in feline-friendly handling techniques

The goal is not just about treating your cat’s health issues but also about ensuring their overall wellbeing when visiting.

Why Choose a Cat-Friendly Clinic?

Choosing a cat-friendly clinic for your feline friend has several benefits:

1. Reduced Stress: The design and practices of a cat-friendly clinic aim at reducing your cat’s stress levels during their visit. This can lead to more successful examinations as your pet is more likely to cooperate when they feel calm.

2. Improved Health Care: Veterinary professionals at a cat-friendly clinic are trained specifically in feline health care. This means they are better equipped to diagnose and treat your pet’s health issues.

3. Better Understanding of Behaviour: Understanding feline behaviour is crucial in providing effective care. Cat-friendly clinics are knowledgeable about the unique behaviours of cats. They therefore can provide advice and support to help you better understand your pet.

Our clinic is proud to be recognised as an accredited cat-friendly practice. To read more about the rigorous set of criteria we meet to maintain our accreditation, click here.