We are proud to be a Gold-certified Cat-Friendly Vet Clinic
At Aldgate Vets, we understand that a visit to the vet can be stressful for both cats and their owners.
That’s why we’re proud to hold a Gold accreditation for being a Cat-Friendly Clinic (CFC). This is a top-level award issued by International Cat Care, and it means when you and your cats visit us, you can be comforted knowing they are in the best hands.
Our team is trained and equipped to provide a calm, welcoming, and safe environment for your feline friends – and you’ll feel this the moment you walk through our doors.
What is a cat-friendly vet clinic?
A Cat-Friendly Clinic (CFC) is a veterinary practice that has met specific international standards to create a low-stress environment for cats.
There are three levels of accreditation available to be a Cat-Friendly Clinic – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level demonstrates a commitment to feline care, but the gold standard is the highest and most comprehensive. To find out more about these accreditations click here.
This program, developed by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), recognises clinics that prioritise feline well-being by adapting their facilities, protocols, and staff training to cater specifically to cats’ unique needs.
What does this mean for my cat and me?
Our Gold cat-friendly status means that every part of our practice, from the waiting room to our treatment areas, are designed with your cat’s comfort and health in mind.
We have a special waiting area for our feline friends, with cubby holes for each cat carrier, which can be covered with blankets to help them feel more relaxed, along with calming spray to help ease any nerves they may have.
Their special waiting area is kept well away from barking or excitable dogs, so they feel secure in a quieter environment, ready for their appointment.
If your cat is required to stay overnight, you can rest easy knowing that during their hospitalisation, they are kept in a cat-only ward so they can recuperate in peace.
“At Aldgate Vets we are passionate about providing the best possible standards of care for multiple different species. Being awarded the Gold Certificate Cat-Friendly Clinic by the ISFM is a great honour and shows that our feline friends are in safe hands when they come to visit our practice. We know that a trip to the vets can be a stressful experience but by meeting the criteria for the Gold award we are doing our very best to make it as stress-free an experience as possible”
Why do cats get stressed when visiting their veterinarian?
Cats are independent and naturally territorial creatures. Trips to new and unfamiliar places can cause their stress levels to increase, especially ones with new sights, smells, and sounds.
Traditionally, crowded waiting rooms can heighten a cat’s anxiety, especially when sharing spaces with other animals they could consider a threat.
If a cat is in a calmer state when they are being handled during their consultation, it can be easier for one of our vets to spot any health issues they may have too.