We are a Cat Friendly Practice!
The Cat Friendly Practice Program was established by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association to help meet the health care needs of cats and cat owners. This is done by reducing the stress associated with a veterinary visit, increasing the quality of veterinary care, and helping veterinary team members better understand cat's unique behavior and needs.
In order to earn Cat Friendly Practice certification, veterinary practices must implement a number of performance criteria and demonstrate that they are qualified and dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary care for cats. Performance criteria are provided for the following hospital areas:
- Staff training and continuing education
- Regular whole-clinic training on how to handle feline patients in a safe and less stressful manner. How to read cats' body language, and understanding their emotional needs.
- The veterinary facility and waiting room
- Maintaining a clean, odor free, and quiet environment. Providing a dog free experience to help reduce fear.
- Feline friendly handling and client interactions
- Understanding how to handle a cat during a physical exam or treatments to reduce stress. This includes no "scruffing" and no dragging or dumping cats out of their carriers.
- The exam room and clinical records
- Exam rooms are clean and quiet, and a space is provided for patients to "hide" during their visit (this may include allowing them to stay in their carrier as much as possible, or providing a basket). Medical records must meet more stringent standards, including recording of body condition and any pain at each visit.
- Wards facilities
- Kennels must meet standards for size, comfort, and odor control. Again, cats will not be able to see any dogs while housed in our clinic.
- Pain management
- Extra attention is paid to making sure each patient is assessed for pain (even when not obvious) and a plan is in place to manage pain.
- Surgical and dental equipment
- Equipment must be maintained in good working order and sterilized appropriately.
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory equipment
- Minimum standards for availability of testing equipment and imaging equipment must be adhered to. This includes taking full mouth dental x-rays on every dental patient.
- Treatment/Health & Safety
- Protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety not only of patients, but of veterinarians, staff, and pet owners.
- Preventative care by life stages
- Different guidelines for preventive care are in place for kittens, adults, senior, and geriatric patients.
We are one of only a handful of Gold-Level Cat Friendly Practices in the state of Michigan. Designation as a Gold-Level Cat Friendly Practice means that our practice has taken the extra steps to ensure that we are meeting the unique needs of our feline patients, and that we have implemented feline-friendly standards. Our certification shows that we have demonstrated a high level of commitment and excellence in feline medicine.
For more information about the Cat Friendly Practice program, you can read the following brochure for pet owners: FelineVMA_Cat_Friendly_Practice-Web.pdf 3 MB
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