How to be cat-friendly: 10 tips for vets
Improving a veterinary clinic’s cat friendliness does not necessarily require huge investments and work. Some tweaks to the environment and easy changes to procedures show great results. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to make feline patients feel at ease at your practice. These insights are based on in-house veterinary expertise, consultations with a group comprising independent feline healthcare specialists, as well as Boehringer Ingelheim’s collaboration with CatCareforLife and Cat Friendly Clinic.
Prior to any check-up, advise cat owners on how to safely take their cat to the vet clinic. To name some examples: Having a carrier that’s big enough, Letting the cat get used to the carrier by leaving it open at home like regular bedding, covering the carrier during transportation, gentle handling and securing of the carrier with a safety belt in the car.
Adapt your waiting room, if possible. Separate the waiting area between dogs and cats. In the area for cats, put in elevated places for the cat carrier (cats like to have an overview of their surroundings).
When you take the cat to a consultation room, give it time to get out of the carrier. It may be a bit hesitant at first, but you can always count on its curiosity!
Less is more when it comes to cats: The less you restrain a cat during examination, the more you get in terms of cooperation.
Even on a stressful workday, take the time to listen to cat owners, engage, and connect before starting the examination. This builds trust.
While you’re examining the cat, explain to the owner what you are doing. This turns the consultation into a collaborative experience.
Make every check-up a valued memory in cat owners lives.
Explain what cat owners can expect in terms of visible health improvements, especially when it comes to chronic diseases. Point out ways in which cat owners can optimize their cat’s quality of life.
Reassure self-conscious cat owners that they are doing the best they can for their darling.
After the visit, continue the conversation with your cat owners. Be present on social media, give updates via e-mail if pet owners consent to it, and maybe start a blog on your website. You’d be surprised at how much you can achieve by educating and creating understanding.
We partner with feline veterinary associations worldwide to promote improved healthcare for cats:
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Boehringer Ingelheim is commited to support best-in-class preventive healthcare, and is now the exclusive pharmaceutical company worldwide partner of CatCareforLife.
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