What makes a Gold Level Cat Friendly Clinic?

We are very proud to announce that only one week after opening our doors we have received Gold Level accreditation from the International Society of Feline Medicine as a Cat Friendly Clinic. The Cat Friendly Clinic initiative is an accreditation programme designed by the ISFM to recognise vet clinics around the world that are dedicated to individualised feline specific care.

Recognising the wide-ranging needs of cats in a veterinary clinical setting was the reason the ISFM set up the Cat Friendly Clinic Standard. This is a rigorous accreditation scheme designed to demonstrate that certified clinics:

  • 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 high standards of equipment needed to investigate and treat feline diseases
  • Have a high standard of facilities and care for hospitalised cats

To become accredited, clinics must meet certain requirements regarding their hospital design, equipment and facilities. Re-accreditation is required annually to ensure standards are continued to be met. Accredited clinics must also demonstrate a very high quality of care provided to cats and all staff must be trained in the specific needs of cats.

The Cat Friendly Clinic standard involves all staff, from receptionists and nurses through to veterinarians. Each accredited clinic also has at least one ‘cat advocate’; a member of staff who ensures the cat friendly standards are adhered to.

All of this leads to a much better experience for cats and their owners and a higher quality of care.

There are three levels of certification; bronze, silver and gold. This recognises that vet clinics can vary widely in their size, location, structure, staffing and equipment. Bronze level is awarded to practices that achieve essential criteria whereas Silver level is awarded to practices that have gone beyond these essentials with respect to their facilities, equipment and staff training. The top level achievable is Gold and this is award is restricted to practices that offer the highest level of care for cats across the whole hospital including the facility’s design, the accommodation areas available for the cats, the training of the staff and the standard and type of specialised equipment available.

What does it mean for my cat and me?

The ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic scheme gives you peace of mind and reassurance wherever you are – the standard is the same across the world. It shows that your vet understands the unique needs of cats and have made veterinary visits more cat-friendly.

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