Creative Solutions

Think cat-friendly changes are costly? Don’t have a separate waiting area for cats? No problem—there are many creative, cost-effective ways to implement the FelineVMA’s Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) program’s designation requirements—becoming a CFP calls for creativity not a construction project. Check out these simple solutions from actual CFPs!

Waiting Room/Reception Area

Fish tank waiting area divider
Credit: Shawn Clark, DVM
Shoji screen waiting area divider
Credit: Michelle Lawson, DVM
Purrrfect seating waiting area
Credit: Blair Animal Hospital
Wall decals and separate waiting areas
Credit: Aberdeen Veterinary Hospital
Kitty parking area
Credit: Paige Garnett, DVM
Cat concierge service
Credit: Roy B. Smith, DVM – Central Texas Cat Hospital
Curtain as cat-only waiting area divider
Credit: Neighborhood Pet Clinic
Use throw rugs to distinguish cat-only waiting areas
Credit: Aboite Animal Hospital
Use photos of your staff with their cats to reinforce your cats-only area
Credit: Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital
Use an inexpensive gate to block off your ‘kitty corner’
Credit: Pet Kare Clinic

Examination Room

Comfortable bedding and fluffy, warm towels can help reduce stress for your feline patients
A yoga mat can be used to make your exam table more comfortable for feline patients
Credit: Animal Medical Center

Hospitalization 

Creative method for providing a hiding place for fearful or anxious cats
Providing a disposable box allows for hiding places; Comfy towel with familiar scents were brought from home
Use of the cat’s familiar carrier and bedding as a comfy hiding place
Use of the cat’s familiar carrier and bedding as a comfy hiding place
Use of ‘hiding boxes’ for hospitalized cats helps reduce stress and makes them feel more secure
Sign distinguishes the cat ward and reminds team members to keep the door closed and loud sounds out
Use an infrared video monitor (under $100) to keep cat ward door closed and keep hospitalized cats a bit more insultated from noises or odors of the clinic

Marketing

Example of using CFP logo on a magnet, business card, and clinic folder
Credit: Moorpark Veterinary Hospital
Displayed CFP brochures have a sticker that lists the Cat Advocates
Credit: Colleen Currigan, DVM
CFP wall decal promotes the status to clients
Credit: Moorpark Veterinary Hospital
CFP marketing items displayed in the clinic
Credit: Moorpark Veterinary Hospital
Consider promoting your CFP status on clinic brochures
Credit: Moorpark Veterinary Hospital

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