We are a Certified Cat Friendly Practice, Bronze Level
What is a Cat Friendly Practice?
With more than 86 million cats in American households, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has initiated a program to improve the health care and overall well-being of the growing feline population. A Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) is committed to learning ways to make visits more pleasant for your cat and to help you learn ways that you can contribute also. A Cat Friendly Practice has adapted an environment that is less stressful to cats and meets the cat’s unique needs. We are aware of ways we can interact 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 cats’ needs and help you learn what you can do at home to ensure your cats get the care they need.
Cat Friendly Practices have completed a self-assessment checklist that shows they have incorporated the standard criteria for their practice to be cat friendly. Program standards for the delivery of care to the feline population are research-based and represent the highest standards of feline medical care. To be considered for approval into the program, the practice has met the criteria on the checklist, attended special training, reviewed educational materials, and designated a Cat Advocate. Some changes we have implemented include: a cat-only waiting area; a cat-only exam room with feline pheromone designed to calm cats, with a window seat and fleece blankets to avoid a slippery surface; staff education about cat behavior and best handling techniques; pain management; and preventative care by life stages. The Cat Advocate will ensure that the high standards of feline care in the hospital are maintained as well as act as the point person for information.
Staff training and continuing education are key parts of the Cat Friendly Designation. Our staff is well trained in alternate techniques to calm an anxious cat and ensure that exams and procedures do not escalate anxiety. We also provide additional comfort to cats who are hospitalized for illness or surgery by providing a place to hide, a key component in cat comfort.
The decision to seek out a Cat Friendly Practice is an important step in finding a veterinary practice that is expertly suited to address your cat’s unique needs and to provide you with advice and information that is critical to your cat’s health. For more information or to speak with our Cat Advocate, please contact us at (937) 372-6391. You may find additional resources at the American Association of Feline Practitioners, including this video with tips on how to make your cat’s veterinary visit easier on both you and your cat. See also: Cat Friendly Practice Benefits brochure.
Cat Friendly Practices have completed a self-assessment checklist that shows they have incorporated the standard criteria for their practice to be cat friendly. Program standards for the delivery of care to the feline population are research-based and represent the highest standards of feline medical care. To be considered for approval into the program, the practice has met the criteria on the checklist, attended special training, reviewed educational materials, and designated a Cat Advocate. Some changes we have implemented include: a cat-only waiting area; a cat-only exam room with feline pheromone designed to calm cats, with a window seat and fleece blankets to avoid a slippery surface; staff education about cat behavior and best handling techniques; pain management; and preventative care by life stages. The Cat Advocate will ensure that the high standards of feline care in the hospital are maintained as well as act as the point person for information.
Staff training and continuing education are key parts of the Cat Friendly Designation. Our staff is well trained in alternate techniques to calm an anxious cat and ensure that exams and procedures do not escalate anxiety. We also provide additional comfort to cats who are hospitalized for illness or surgery by providing a place to hide, a key component in cat comfort.
The decision to seek out a Cat Friendly Practice is an important step in finding a veterinary practice that is expertly suited to address your cat’s unique needs and to provide you with advice and information that is critical to your cat’s health. For more information or to speak with our Cat Advocate, please contact us at (937) 372-6391. You may find additional resources at the American Association of Feline Practitioners, including this video with tips on how to make your cat’s veterinary visit easier on both you and your cat. See also: Cat Friendly Practice Benefits brochure.
To learn more about the cats, visit the American Association of Feline Practitioners YouTube channel.
