Old Derby Animal Hospital
Cat Friendly Practice
Why Choose a Cat Friendly Practice?
Cats deserve to feel calm and secure when visiting the vet.
As a certified Cat Friendly Practice, Old Derby Animal Hospital goes above and beyond to make sure your feline family member is getting the care they need, when they need it.
The benefits of bringing your feline to a Cat Friendly Practice include:
A less stressful experience for your cat—and for you
Knowing your cat is in the care of a knowledgeable, highly-skilled team that understands their needs
Higher quality care for your cat
What is the Cat Friendly Pratice Program all about?
The Cat Friendly Practice Program was established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) with the goal of helping more cats live longer, healthier lives. Many cats don’t see their vet as often as they should, which increases their risk of developing life-limiting illness and other issues.
Because veterinary visits can be stressful for cats, the Cat Friendly Practice Program helps veterinary teams learn and implement solutions to reduce or even eliminate stressors often found in animal hospitals. This includes loud noises, the presence of dogs, and a barrage of unfamiliar smells, for starters.
When you and your cat visit us, you can expect a more calming environment that includes:
A waiting room with a “cat only” area, with pheromone-treated towels to place over the carrier and separation from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the waiting room
Team members who can recognize and identify subtle signs of pain/illness in cats, along with specific behavioral and facial cues
Taking care to minimize noise and speaking in lower voices
Treats used as distractions and positive reinforcement to make treatment easier
Less restrictive handling techniques so our feline patients do not feel threatened or trapped
Cat-only hospitalization and boarding areas
Equipment and facilities (pain management, anesthesia, surgery, dentistry, etc.) suitable for feline care
A cat-only exam room that includes a feline pheromone diffuser to make the space less foreign
