Pet Doctors Veterinary Clinic in Lewes has achieved a silver award in the National Feline Advisory Bureau’s Cat Friendly Practice Awards 2007.  Veterinary Surgeon Rachel Perry MRCVS attended the Award Ceremony in London and accepted the award on behalf of everyone at Pet Doctors, Lewes.

Using ideas and tips from the Feline Advisory Bureau, Pet Doctors Lewes have made some changes to their veterinary clinic, all of which are designed to make the experience of coming to the vets more comfortable and enjoyable as well as less stressful for cats.

“The greatest impact on our clients has been the new separate waiting area with a separate cat consulting room stocked with cat-friendly equipment,” explained Rachel.  “Cat owning clients think that it’s a great idea!  They all appreciate having a separate area away from dogs and many people comment on how much calmer their pets are.  One client was absolutely amazed how calm her kittens were compared to previous visits.  The cat owners enjoy sharing cat tales while waiting and reading cat literature. 

It has definitely helped our feline patients chill out.” Pet Doctors Lewes also has separate cat and dog wards.  Cats are provided with an igloo bed where they can hide and feel more secure when hospitalised and these special beds also keep them warm whilst they recover. We also use Feliway diffusers in all cat friendly areas of the practice which help to keep the cats calm.  The nursing team offer cat specific nurse clinics giving professional advice on feline obesity, diabetes, nutrition and many more cat-related topics.

Cats now outnumber dogs in the UK – a trend that has been developing for more than five years.  Cats bring a unique set of problems in their handling, diagnosis, treatment and care.  With the number of pet cats still growing, having a feline-friendly approach is ever more important.

“Everyone has worked very hard and it’s a real honour to receive this award,” said Rachel.  “We are very proud of it.”