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Cat Friendly Clinics

We put a lot of thought into making our feline friends comfortable

We understand that not all cats love a trip to the vets.

That's why we we are committed to creating a calm and reassuring environment, ensuring every feline patient receives the gentle, considerate care they deserve. 

We are proud to be one of the few practices in the country to hold gold Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation at our Ripon hospital, with our other surgeries achieving silver or bronze status, as recognised by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).

This reflects both the care we aim to provide in line with our CARES values and our dedication to meeting the highest standards across our North Yorkshire communities. 

Our team is passionate about cats, and we have taken extra steps to make their visits as stress-free as possible, including:
  • Recognising and catering to the unique needs of cats ensuring their comfort throughout their visit. 
  • Handling and caring for cats using ISFM-approved, feline-friendly techniques.
  • Investing in specialist equipment designed specifically to support feline health and well-being.

 

Cat Advocates

We even have dedicated Cat Advocates at each surgery to oversee and continually enhance our cat-friendly approach. These cat lovers are:

  • Ripon - Holly McLaughlin
  • Easingwold & Thirsk - Gemma Trulli & Olivia Hudson
  • Northallerton - Richard Shaw & Rachael Gibson
  • Pateley Bridge - Jess Umpleby
     
Tips for a comfortable visit to one of our surgeries
  • Invest in a good carrier - robust and easy to clean. Top opening carriers are easier as your cat can be gently lifted in or out. 
  • Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel during the journey to keep your cat calm.
  • Secure the carrier in the car in a footwell or seat so it cannot move.
  • Hold the carrier carefully - avoid swinging it or banging it against objects.
  • Use the carrier at home - encourage your cat to sleep or be fed in the carrier, so it doesn't only appear when there is a vet visit!
  • Put bedding or clothing that smells of home in the carrier.
  • Rub a cloth around the cat’s face to pick up scent, then rub this around the carrier and leave inside.
  • Spray the carrier with Feliway® 30 minutes before use.
  • Take spare bedding (smelling of home) in case your cat soils the carrier.

For further information on ISFM and help with looking after your cat please see the leaflets below or visit International Cat Care