The AAFP is proud to announce the endorsements by CATalyst Council and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians of the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) Program. The Cat Friendly Practice® program is a global initiative designed to elevate care for felines by reducing stress for the cat, their caregiver, and the entire veterinary team. The AAFP is grateful for the support of these organizations in advancing the cat-friendly movement.
The AAFP launched the Cat Friendly Practice® program in 2012 to make a difference in feline medicine and improve the lives of cats – currently with over 1100 clinics in North and South America. The program provides veterinary practices with the tools necessary to integrate a feline perspective into the practice’s physical environment and the delivery of medical care. The Cat Friendly Practice® program focuses on increasing the standard of care for felines, educating veterinary practices about feline patients’ needs, decreasing the stress of the veterinary visit for cats and their caregivers, and ensuring that each cat receives the highest quality of care that’s appropriate to that cat.
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians and CATalyst Council recognize the level of excellence associated with the Cat Friendly Practice® program and applaud the AAFP for creating a program that truly makes a difference in the health and lives of cats. “We are honored to have the support for the Cat Friendly Practice® program from CATalyst Council and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, two very distinguished organizations dedicated to animal welfare,” said Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP, Co-Chair of the CFP Committee.
In order for a veterinary clinic to become designated as a Cat Friendly Practice®, they must meet specific criteria to assure they understand a cat’s unique needs and provide an optimum level of care for cats. Cat Friendly Practices® have implemented feline-friendly standards, such gentle and respectful handling of all cats, adjusted procedures to make veterinary visits less stressful for cats and their caregivers, and trained staff to understand the individualized needs of cats.
“Visiting the veterinarian can be stressful for both cats and their caregivers. So often regular check-ups are postponed and consequently, illnesses and diseases are not caught until they are in an advanced state. The Cat Friendly Practice® program helps clinics make changes to decrease stress on cats, caregivers, and the veterinary team in order to provide a more calming environment and facilitate a better veterinary experience” said Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, MS, DABVP (Feline), Co-Chair of the CFP Committee.
“CATalyst Council connects people and organizations to transform the health, welfare, and value of companion cats through our programs focused on connecting cats to care. By endorsing the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Practice® program, we are supporting a program that is advancing feline care by providing tools and feline specific education to the veterinary community,” said Jane Brunt, DVM, CATalyst Council Executive Director.
“The Association of Shelter Veterinarians believes in advancing and supporting shelter medicine and the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Practice® program provides the structure and resources to support shelter veterinarians to ensure cats receive proper veterinary care in a less stressful environment, as well as educating those adopting cats about the importance of routine check-ups. We are proud to endorse the Cat Friendly Practice® program,” stated Elise Gingrich, DVM, MPH, MS, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice); Association of Shelter Veterinarians, President.
To learn more about the CFP Program, visit: www.catvets.com/cfp