Cat Friendly Clinic

We know our feline friends are not just small dogs, and they need their own space, away from the noise of dogs. We have a dedicated cat waiting room (no dogs allowed) for you and your cat to relax in before your appointment in the cat consult room. After this, they can make themselves at home in our quiet, warm and cosy cat ward.

East of England Veterinary Specialists has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award as a Cat Friendly Clinic.

What does ‘Cat Friendly’ accrediation mean? 

As an accredited Cat Friendly Clinic we have reached a higher standard of cat care in that our staff:

• Understand the needs of cats and have made visits to the vet clinic more cat friendly.
• Understand how to approach and handle cats gently and with care.
• Have good knowledge and equipment to manage the care of cats.

Achieving Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation involves all staff, from receptionists, nurses and technicians, through to vets. We have a ‘Cat Advocate’ – Megan, who ensures the cat friendly standards are adhered to, and she will be happy to talk to you about all matters cat.

This a link to the iCat Care Youtube channel, provides a number of handy tips for looking after your cat.

This link provides a number of leaflets which may be of interest.

Overnight cat care policy

At times it may be necessary for your cat to be hospitalised overnight at East of England Veterinary Specialists. Below we outline the care your cat will receive during their stay in the hospital.

All hospitalised patients have:

• Clear surgical/medical care plans written up on patient’s hospital chart. 
• Continuity of care through a thorough patient handover between day and night staff.
• Their own kennel.
• Fresh water and a variety of appropriate food: if your cat is on a special diet (hypoallergenic, urinary, etc) then please bring this with you.
• Various food and water bowls to suit individual preference.
• A variety of bedding and appropriate litter: if your cat prefers a certain type of litter or usually toilets outside then please let us know.
• Clear kennel signs to highlight their individual needs i.e. ‘I am blind’
• Feliway plug in or similar: this produces a natural pheromone and is used to help in stressful situations for our feline friends. 
• Pain checks based on an established and recognised pain scoring system: pain relief will be altered accordingly during the day and overnight.

There are dedicated members of staff that stay on-site overnight to provide all the care needed for your cat during their stay, including physical examinations and any medication they may be receiving for concurrent health conditions: if your cat has additional medication please bring this with you.

During your cats stay they may have an intravenous catheter (catheter into the vein) placed and this will also be managed and monitored every six hours during their stay; this is required for intravenous fluid therapy and administration of certain medications. 

Other equipment is also provided within the hospital in case of emergency, including emergency drugs and equipment, and multiparameter monitoring equipment.

If staff are concerned whilst looking after your cat, they will report immediately to the veterinary surgeon in charge of your cat’s care.