Cat Friendly Practices are sensitive to cats’ distinct characteristics and equipped to address their physical and behavioral needs. CFP’s educate cat caregivers on the importance of routine preventive care and how to reduce the stress of transporting their cat, thereby increasing veterinary visits and ultimately improving the health care of cats.
Practices that achieve Cat Friendly Practice status have assessed their physical environment and the delivery of medical care provided. Staff are trained on the distinct needs of cats and develop the experience with a cats’ perspective in mind. Each CFP has at least one ‘Cat Advocate’ on staff – a knowledgeable professional leader who ensures feline-focused standards are met and being followed.
What to Expect From a Cat Friendly Practice?
CFP’s keep the cats’ unique needs in mind in the waiting area and examination room, handling of feline patients, knowledge of staff, and the comfort and concern for cats and their caregivers. At a CFP-designated clinic, cat caregivers will experience cat-friendly features such as:
- Skilled Staff – Within a CFP, clients will find that the staff is well-versed in feline-friendly handling techniques and can expertly treat frightened cats. Furthermore, the staff is well-trained in alternate techniques to calm an anxious cat and ensure that examinations and procedures do not escalate anxiety.
- Individualized health care plan – As with humans, health issues change as aging occurs. The practice will create a health care plan that is specific to your cat. Regular exams can help avoid medical emergencies since veterinarians can often detect conditions or diseases that may affect your cat’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat.
- Low-stress environment – One obvious advantage of a CFP is a physical environment that is all about the cat including special waiting areas or waiting accommodations, feline-sensitive examination rooms and hospital facilities, and equipment specifically designed for cats.
Other areas that are vetted for cat safety and comfort include the operating room and anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, laboratory facilities, and dentistry.
Referenced from Cat Friendly Practice (by the American Association of Feline Practitioners)