September 28, 2015 by The Pet Experts

Garfield to the vetFor the vast majority of cat owners, taking their cat to the vet is an extremely stressful event; both for the person and the kitty. Trying to get your cat in his or her carrier, followed by a noisy car ride… and don’t even get started on what happens once you get your cat up on the examination table. All this likely explains why, although there are millions more domesticated cats than dogs in the U.S., cats visit the vet far less frequently than dogs.

The Pet Experts at Wheaton Animal Hospital want our feline patients to have the same access to quality medical care as their canine counterparts. It’s our deep commitment and concern for feline wellness that led us to participate in the Cat Friendly Practice program and earn our Cat Friendly Practice certificate from the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

What Is A Cat Friendly Practice?

In order to earn the Cat Friendly Practice designation, a clinic must prove that specific steps have been taken to ensure that it is able to meet the unique needs of cats.

A Cat Friendly clinic must meet the following criteria:

  • Creation of a cat-only waiting room/area, which curtails anxiety by reducing or eliminating unfamiliar smells, noises, and other pets
  • Creation of a cat-only/cat-centric examination room
  • All areas of the clinic that may be visited by cats have been assessed for appropriate equipment, tools, and procedures
  • Staff is trained in the specific needs of felines, including proper feline handling techniques
  • Staff is kept up-to-date on current feline research and handling guidelines
  • Doctors and technicians are trained to recognize early warning signs of fear or anxiety in subtle facial or behavioral cues and adapt as needed
  • Ability to develop a plan for your cat based on his or her specific needs and personality, and to incorporate you as a valuable member of your kitty’s wellness team with education on proper home care

    • The Pet Experts at Wheaton Animal Hospital are dedicated to making sure that every cat experiences the least amount of stress possible while visiting our clinic. We are confident that the Cat Friendly Practice certificate can lead to more frequent and higher quality wellness care for our feline patients.

    Please don’t hesitate to call us with further questions about our Cat Friendly Practice designation or to schedule an appointment for your kitty!

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