Veterinary visits can be stressful for any pet, but for felines—and their owners—the experience can be downright exasperating. If you’ve ever tried to coax a stressed-out kitty into a travel carrier, you know what we mean. 

Regular veterinary care is essential for feline health, yet statistics indicate cats are not getting annual veterinary care as consistently as dogs are. According to an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) pet ownership survey, 79% of pet owners took their dog to the veterinarian for routine or preventive care in 2016, while only 48% took their cat. 

A visit to the vet doesn’t have to be an ordeal for you and your feline friend. Certified Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) veterinary clinics like North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital ensure your cat receives specialized care tailored to their unique needs, making trips to the veterinarian a less-stressful and more enjoyable experience. Learn what to expect from a Cat Friendly Practice and how the certification can enhance your feline friend’s health and overall veterinary experience.

What is the Cat Friendly Practice Certification?

Established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM), the Cat Friendly Certification Program was created to make the veterinary environment and experience less stressful for cats, their owners, and veterinary teams. CFP certified practices demonstrate a commitment to elevating the delivery of feline veterinary care and must meet specific criteria in the following areas:

  • Staff training and continuing education
  • Veterinary practice premises
  • Handling and interactions 
  • Examination room
  • Pain management 
  • Surgical equipment 
  • Diagnostic imaging 
  • Treatment 
  • Preventive health care 

Cat Friendly Practice certification provides the following benefits:

#1: Less stressful visit for your cat

A CFP certified practice takes measures to create a peaceful environment for your cat. This can include separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, cat-only appointment slots, and feline-friendly medical equipment. The result is a calmer and more positive environment, making veterinary visits a less daunting experience for you and your cat.

#2: Preventive approach to feline health 

CFP certified practices emphasize a preventive approach to your cat’s health and wellbeing by recommending annual checkups for all cats and biannual visits for senior cats or those with chronic conditions. Cats are experts at hiding signs of pain, illness, or disease, and owners often do not realize their pet is not well until their condition has advanced. Regular wellness care with a focus on your cat’s life stage allows the veterinary professionals at CFP certified practices to catch disease as early as possible, offer more effective and less costly management options, and give your cat a longer, better quality of life.

#3: Feline-specific client education and resources

Pets’ health and wellness needs are not one-size-fits-all, and CFP certified practices can educate cat owners on feline-specific issues, including nutrition, behavior (such as appropriate and inappropriate scratching), physical and mental enrichment, diseases, vaccines, and parasite prevention. Providing tailored education for cat owners increases their understanding of their cat’s needs, strengthens the owner-animal bond, and improves the overall quality of life for cats. 

#4: Feline-friendly care 

The staff at CFP certified practices complete specialized training to understand the unique characteristics and care requirements of cats. They recognize that cats are not small dogs and need unique handling and care delivery techniques. Our team is trained to follow feline-friendly handling guidelines, which ensures your cat is handled gently and respectfully. Our team members also are trained to recognize subtle cues in feline behavior and adapt their care approach accordingly, ensuring a less stressful and more effective health care experience for your cat. 

#5: A team with a passion for feline health 

Veterinary practices are not required to be CFP certified, and those that prioritize certification share a common passion for the health and wellbeing of cats. The veterinary professionals at CFP certified practices are committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest advances in feline medicine. This dedication translates to exceptional care for your cat and peace of mind for you. 

At North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital, we love our feline patients, and we are proud of our Cat Friendly Practice certification. Our feline-focused approach helps soothe your cat’s anxiety and provide a more comprehensive, pleasant experience. By treating cats with respect and using low-stress handling methods, we ensure our feline friends are comfortable while receiving the quality care they deserve. Schedule your cat’s next wellness visit, and see the benefits of a certified Cat Friendly Practice for yourself.