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

Silver Cat Friendly Clinic
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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.

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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.

ISFM- Taking your cat to the vet

Magpie Art
Magpie Art
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Fantastic new practice with service and smiles to match. Very chilled atmosphere that makes you and your pets immediately feel at ease. Cannot fault Huckleberry Vets and heartily recommend them to anyone looking for a new veterinarian practice. Thanks so much for looking after Jim and Ziggy guys.
Caroline Rowsell
Caroline Rowsell
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Never in all of his 14 years has my cat rolled over for attention and affection on a vets examination table!! Fabulous to see!!
Yvette Savile-Barton
Yvette Savile-Barton
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First visit today and our cat was very chilled it's lovely having the separate waiting area for cats! Holly our vet was really caring and went out of the way to order and update us on the ordered prescription
Celia Greenfield
Celia Greenfield
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Loki and I had an enjoyable visit yesterday morning for his health check. It was such a relaxing calm experience, in restful, rustic surroundings, love the cat area and natural decor. Everyone so helpful and kind. Top marks to you all for the hard work that went into the making of such a thoughtful beautiful clinic, it seemed more like visiting a hotel than a clinic because of the natural design, thank you for making it happen for our pets. You deserve 5 stars! We were made to feel so welcomed by Sue and Tilly, who were very helpful by carrying Loki to & from the car, also Jenny was very pleased to see Loki again.. Thank you everyone. x
Maureen Howland
Maureen Howland
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Poppy and I had a very pleasurable visit to the clinic today and was very impressed with the friendliness, help and care given by Natalie and everyone on arrival, collecting Poppy and settling her in with a herbal comfort blanket. It's such a beautiful natural environment and a real joy to relax in, it is quite unique. A great credit to everyone who made this such a great success. It gives a different meaning to 'going to the vets'- more like going to a high class hotel!
Jacki Redfern
Jacki Redfern
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Visited this week with our fur baby and was delighted with the service and friendly staff. The practice is welcoming, beautifully laid out and perfect for pets.
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