In our new article series, Cat Friendly Practice® Pro Tips and Strategies, we will share practical guidance to help you on your journey toward a Cat Friendly Practice®! In each installment, we’ll share tips from established Cat Friendly Practices® and seasoned teams to help spark ideas to benefit everyone at your practice.
Cat Friendly Tips Toward Creating a Cat Friendly Culture
Veterinary Staff Team Members
- Ask the veterinary team members who are skilled in Cat Friendly handling to demonstrate their techniques to other staff. It is important that they see gentle handling in action so they can see how the cats and caregivers respond.
- When appropriate handling techniques are used, cat bite injuries and claw injuries decreased. Everyone’s stress level decreases!
- Discuss with staff why cats may feel the emotions of fear-anxiety at the veterinary practice.
- Empower your Cat Advocates to intervene when needed and help come up with new approaches for difficult situations.
- Listen to staff’s concerns so they feel heard and part of the learning process. This can help alleviate fears and make it easier for reticent staff to embrace the change in handling.
- Provide all staff with treats for cat visits. Being able to distract a cat with a treat can help lower the stress level for cats, clients, and staff.
Record Keeping
- Include an emotional medical record and keep track of past successful techniques for procedures like blood draws.
- Encourage staff to talk about what went well and what did not after a cat appointment. Then record this information in the client file and set an alert to review the file prior to their next visit so all staff are prepared.
Environment
- Cat ward/Boarding – ensure you have larger cages that are not on the lowest level.
- Provide hidey houses and/or cat beds in all cages so cats have the ability to hide and perch.
- Use fans or white noise machines to minimize noise from other parts of the practice or hospital.
© Feline Veterinary Medical Association, 2025