CAT FRIENDLY CLINIC

The ISFM (formerly the Feline Advisary Bureau) is an organisation that promotes excellence in health and veterinary care for our Feline Companions.  In fact we were the first practice in Rugby to be awarded this status! 

We understand that there are unique difficulties in bringing a cat to a veterinary clinic: Cats often do not travel well and feel unsafe away from their home.

• They are highly sensitive to new sights, sounds and smells.
• Most cats prefer quiet and solitude and are highly susceptible to stress.
• Most cats are highly stressed by nearby dogs in a vet clinic.
• Extra care needs to be applied to cats with regard to gentle handling in the clinic.
  

As a result of this, we have made certain changes at our practice to try and improve the service we can provide to our cat patients.  This includes:

• Separate Cat Waiting Room, a quieter room away from the hustle and bustle (and dogs!) in the main waiting room area.

• Separate Cat Hospitalisation Ward, with only Feline Patients. Each pen is private and isn’t directly overlooked by another cat, reducing the stress caused by other cats.

• We have upgraded three of our pens for our hospitalised patients that have to stay longer than one day. These pens are slightly larger, with a shelf to sit on (where appropriate) as well as a covered hiding place for privacy.
•  A dedicated nurse each day is solely responsible for our feline inpatients, improving the continuity of care for each patient.
•  We have created a “Cat Advocate”. This is a nurse with a particular interest in Felines, and helps ensure that the standards of the scheme are enforced and that the staff are adhering to the adjusted protocols for Felines under our care.  In this practice Emily Gamble RVN is our Cat Ambassador!
• The staff have promised to handle and treat cats with understanding, gentleness and respect, and to make every effort to make the visit to the clinic as stress-free for you and your cat as possible.