Gold level cat friendly clinic
At USVC, we are proud to be an accredited Gold Level Cat Friendly Clinic and members of the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). In collaboration with International Cat Care (iCatCare), we have taken every step to make USVC the best environment possible for our feline patients.
To achieve our Gold Level Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, we meet a rigorous set of criteria established by iCatCare.
This includes:
- Handling cats with gentle care, supported by ongoing staff education.
- Adhering to the ISFM Feline Friendly Handling and Nursing Care guidelines, with a firm commitment to being a ‘Scruff-Free’ clinic.
- Investing in specialised equipment tailored to the unique needs of cats.
- Appointing a dedicated Cat Advocate to implement and oversee our cat-friendly practices.
Separate Waiting Area
Cats often feel anxious and stressed in unfamiliar environments, especially in a waiting area outside their usual territory. To help reduce their stress, we have a dedicated cat waiting area where cats can be placed high and visually isolated from other animals, ensuring they feel secure while waiting.
FELINE CONSULTATION ROOMS
We have two consultation rooms reserved exclusively for feline use. This helps to avoid the scent of dogs, which can reduce anxiety in cats. Additionally, these rooms are equipped with Feliway pheromone diffusers that release calming pheromones into the environment, creating a more soothing experience for your cat.
Feline Hospital Wards and Surgical Facilities
Our feline patients are cared for in dedicated cat-only hospital areas, offering a safe, warm, and quiet environment for all types of procedures. These facilities include separate in-patient wards, operating theatre, preparation rooms – all designed to keep cats calm, comfortable, and away from dogs.
MEET OUR CAT ADVOCATE
While all our staff are highly knowledgeable in feline healthcare, our Gold Level accreditation includes a dedicated Cat Advocate who ensures that our high standards are consistently maintained and updated with the latest feline medical and behavioural knowledge.
Marilyn Byers (QVN) has a special interest in feline care within the hospital and is passionate about educating clients on cat care at home. If you have any questions about your cat at home, our facilities, or the care we provide for your feline friends, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Simply ask for Marilyn and she will get in touch with you as soon as possible.