Chichester's First Ever ISFM-accredited Silver Cat Friendly Clinic
Cat Friendly Clinic
Expect the best for you and your cat at our ISFM-accredited Silver Cat Friendly Clinic.
Here at Huckleberry Vets, we understand that cats have very unique needs and that there are many triggers at a veterinary practice that can cause our pets stress and anxiety. Our feline friends often do not travel well and feel unsafe away from their home as they are highly sensitive to new sights, sounds and smells. This is why we have been working closely with the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) to ensure we make every visit to the clinic as stress-free for you and your cat as possible.
Huckleberry Vets have achieved accreditation as a SILVER Cat Friendly Clinic (CFC). The CFC programme has been developed by the ISFM, the veterinary division of the leading feline charity International Cat Care. Under the programme, we have had to prove rigorous adherence to a set of criteria which includes provision of facilities and demonstration of staff activities and attitudes aimed at reducing stress in cats.
Silver Cat Friendly Clinic
Cats can get very anxious when taken out of their usual environment, and this can make owners reluctant to seek veterinary attention when their cat needs it. By undertaking Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, we’ve committed to delivering high standards of cat care, with compassion and expertise. Cat owners can find out more about International Cat Care and the Cat Friendly Clinic initiative at www.catfriendlyclinic.org.
Continue reading below for more information on just some of the provisions we’ve made to promote well-being and high standards of care for all cats visiting or being hospitalised at our veterinary clinic.
Throughout the build of our practice we have made conscious choices to help ensure your cat is kept calm and comfortable at all times. Our warm and welcoming reception area has its own designated cat seating area with pheromone sprays and blankets for you to use. We understand that cats feel vulnerable at floor level as their natural instinct is to find a vantage point higher up where they can rest and observe in relative safety. We therefore encourage you to use our custom-designed cat cubbyholes and blankets provided, preventing the need for cats to be put on the floor or come into direct visual contact with any other pets.
Our consulting rooms are light with non-slip flooring and non-slip surfaces on the table. Our consultation times are of a sufficient length to allow your cat time to acclimatise to the room and to settle. Our staff have been trained to handle and treat cats with understanding, gentleness and respect. We have a dedicated ‘Cat Advocate’, Natalie Pink, and multiple ‘Cat-Friendly Veterinary Professionals’ around the practice who ensure our cat-friendly standards are adhered to and who would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Any cats that are admitted to our practice will be hospitalised separately from our dog patients. Our designated cat ward provides a quiet, relaxed and comfortable environment. Our larger cage sizes mean greater freedom and separation of resources with ample clean comfortable blankets, a suitable litter tray and hideaway boxes to ensure our patients feel as safe as possible.
For some helpful tips on easing the stress of your cat’s veterinary visit, including selecting a suitable carrier, making sure your cat is comfortable on the journey and tips for returning home, why not check out the following link.