Fork in the Road: How Is a Cat Friendly Veterinarian Better than the Rest?
A great deal goes into choosing the right veterinarian for your pet. Sometimes, close proximity plays a part in the decision. Other times, the recommendation of a close friend or colleague informs the best possible choice.
Because we understand and value this important decision, Androscoggin Animal Hospital went through the training, education, and evaluation necessary to earn the title of Fear Free Certified Professional. We maintain the distinction of a Cat Friendly Practice, and we’re thrilled we can pass the best possible care onto your cat. So, what are the benefits of having a cat friendly veterinarian?
The Connection
Pets have various physical conditions that need to be tended to from time to time. Whether it’s a sudden illness or injury, we uphold the importance of state of the art medical care alongside the careful observance of highly skilled, compassionate staff members.
It’s critical to see and effectively treat pets when they need us, but while they’re here, we’d like to tend to their emotional or mental states as well. With that in mind, we forge ahead as a Fear Free practice, and a Cat Friendly one to boot!
Mixed Company?
To achieve our special status, we had to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of cats. We work towards creating an environment that is not threatening to cats and, in fact, we welcome them with open arms. Since many cats bristle at the mere thought of being in the presence of dogs and even other cats, we have a separate exam room for felines only with a cat tree, hidey spots, and toys for them, too.
Our veterinarians and support staff know how to specially handle cats and interact with them in soft, slow, sensitive, and subtle ways.
Stress and a Cat Friendly Veterinarian
Stress is bad for our health, and the same is true for animals. Heightened stress hormone levels can have deleterious effects on a cat. If already suffering from an illness or injury, stress-related tension or anxiety can exacerbate problems.
When a cat’s emotional and physical stress is regulated, we have a better chance of effectively diagnosing and treating ailments.
The Numbers Are In
Even though there are far more pet cats than dogs, they are less likely to receive quality, routine veterinary care. Part of this has to do with their utter resistance to travel, but many cats have negative, even traumatic, experiences at veterinary practices that do not take their special needs into account.
To change these telling numbers, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) designed the Cat Friendly Practice distinction. Given the opportunity to routinely record baseline values and compare them to future changes, we can support the lifelong health and wellness of cats. This allows us to treat issues before they cause irreparable and expensive damage to a cat’s vitality.
Always Here for You
We hope that our clients appreciate the approach of a cat friendly veterinarian. What’s more is that we believe that our patients, the cats we know and love, deserve this gold standard of care.
As always, we are here for you and your cat. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.