Cats are the clear companions of choice, with more cats than dogs in US households (86 million cats versus 78 million dogs in the US). Yet, when it comes to a cat’s health, we don’t always treat them the same. Cats may be number one in a caregiver’s heart, but dogs seem to receive more consistent and regular veterinary health care. Surprisingly, cat wellness and veterinary care do not appear to be as high of a priority among cat caregivers.
Consider this:
• Almost twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian*
• 58%of cat caregivers report that their cat hates going to the veterinarian
• 38%of cat caregivers report that they get stressed just thinking about bringing their cat to the veterinarian.
• 56% of cat caregivers would have brought their cat to the vet more often had they known it could have helped to prevent problems.
Preventive care examinations, or check-ups, for all cats should occur a minimum of once yearly, and more frequently for senior cats and those with chronic conditions. In order to improve the health and well-being of cats, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) created the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) program.
Navigating the Veterinary Visit
Stress is one of the top reasons caregivers do not bring their cats to the veterinarian’s office. Caregivers report that the stress of getting their cat into the carrier, transporting their cats to the veterinarian, or a new and unfamiliar environment causes anxiety for cats and their caregivers before they even set foot in the office. Once in the office, there are other potential stressors including dogs or other cats in the waiting area, staff who do not know how to properly handle cats, and a canine-focused environment. Cat Friendly Practices® are the antidote to stressful veterinary visits for cats.
Cat Friendly Practices® Elevate Standard of Care
Cat Friendly Practices® (CFPs) are sensitive to cats’ distinct characteristics and equipped to address their physical and behavioral needs. CFPs educate cat caregivers on the importance of routine preventive care and how to reduce the stress of transporting their cat, thereby increasing veterinary visits and ultimately improving the health care of cats.
Practices that achieve Cat Friendly Practice® status have assessed their physical environment and the delivery of medical care provided. The Staff is trained on the distinct needs of cats and develop the experience with a cat’s perspective in mind. Each CFP has at least one designated ‘Cat Advocate’ on staff – a knowledgeable professional leader who ensures feline-focused standards are met and being followed.
What to Expect From a Cat Friendly Practice®?
CFPs keep the cat’s unique needs in mind in the waiting area and examination room, handling of feline patients, knowledge of staff, and the comfort and concern for cats and their caregivers. At a CFP-designated clinic, cat caregivers will experience cat-friendly features such as:
- Skilled staff—Within a Cat Friendly Practice®, clients will find that the staff is well-versed in feline-friendly handling techniques and can expertly treat frightened cats. Furthermore, the staff is well-trained in alternate techniques to calm an anxious cat and ensure that examinations and procedures do not escalate anxiety.
- Individualized health care plan—As with humans, health issues change as aging occurs. The practice will create a health care plan that is specific to your cat. Regular exams can help avoid medical emergencies since veterinarians can often detect conditions or diseases that may affect your cat’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat.
- Low-stress environment—One obvious advantage of a CFP is a physical environment that is all about the cat including special waiting area, feline-sensitive examination rooms and hospital facilities, and equipment specifically designed for cats.
Other areas that are vetted for cat safety and comfort include the operating room and anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, laboratory facilities, and dentistry.
Cat Friendly Homes
Cat Friendly Homes is dedicated to cat caregivers who want to provide the very best care for their cat. Powered by feline veterinarians, Cat Friendly Homes provides you with credible and trustworthy information on a variety of feline topics. The American Association of Feline Practitioners created this resource to help you learn more about your cat’s natural behaviors, the importance of routine veterinary care, and providing care of your cat, as well as answer many common questions. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and always contact your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s individual health care plan.