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Cat Friendly Veterinarian Certification

Rebecca Schmidt • Jan 25, 2013
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has developed a 
certification for veterinary practices to become “feline friendly”. There are specific criteria that a certified Cat Friendly Practice must meet. Cat friendly veterinarians have met a standard of practice including the environment, equipment, handling, and treatment of cats that has been determined by leaders in the field of feline medicine.

Cat Friendly Practices :

Understand the unique needs of cats and have made veterinary visits more cat friendly.
Understand how to approach and handle cats in a gentle, empathetic and caring manner.
Have an appropriate standard of equipment needed to investigate and treat feline diseases.
Meet a standard for facilities and care for hospitalized cats.

The Cat Friendly Practice standard lets you know that the practice has achieved certain standards and the practice staff understands the specific needs of cats.

A Cat Friendly Practice is committed to learning ways to make the visit more pleasant for your cats and to help you learn ways that you can also contribute. A Cat Friendly Practice has created an environment that is less threatening to cats and meets the cat’s unique needs. The staff at this practice is aware of ways they can interact with and handle your cat so that examinations and procedures will be less stressful. A Cat Friendly Practice also values your contribution to your cat’s healthcare plan and will make every effort to help you understand your cat’s needs and help you learn what you can do at home to ensure they get the care they need. 

How did the practice achieve this standard? 

The crucial elements are listed here :

Premises are of a good clinical standard.
Staff are knowledgeable about and understand cats.
Staff have a gentle, caring and empathetic approach to handling cats. 
The practice has a cat friendly waiting room and cat friendly exam rooms.
The practice has the ability to hospitalize cats in a comfortable setting to meet their unique needs.
The practice has appropriate equipment for cats including anesthesia and x-ray.
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