A Yorkshire vet practice has struck gold after receiving the highest level of accreditation for its care of cats by the prestigious International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Abbey House Veterinary Hospital in Morley, Leeds, has been recognised as a gold level cat-friendly clinic (CFC) by the ISFM, the highest level of award possible.
Holly Stead, cat advocate at Linnaeus-owned Abbey House, said the prestigious award was recognition of the hospital’s determination to promote well-being and the highest standards of care for all cats visiting the Morley practice or being hospitalised with them.
Holly said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved this prestigious gold-level cat-friendly clinic status. It has been a real team effort and is a fitting reward for everyone’s hard work and dedication.
“As a gold-standard cat-friendly clinic, we are trained to handle cats in a manner that minimises stress, fear and anxiety, as well as advising clients on the best way to safely and comfortably transport their cats to us. We have ensured we provide a low-stress environment which respects the natural needs of our feline patients. It’s a continuous priority across the practice and we always look to keep improving further.”
The ISFM launched the cat-friendly clinic initiative to encourage veterinary clinics like Abbey House to make changes to improve the welfare of cats in their care. The programme advises practices on how to make their environment as welcoming as possible for cats, as well as providing support in staff training, handling techniques and cat-specific client care.
This gold award is the latest accolade for Abbey House, which is recruiting for veterinary professionals to join its team as it continues to grow.
Holly said: “The ISFM examines the provision of facilities and staff activities and attitudes aimed at reducing stress in cats, both as in-patients and out-patients. Its criteria include having separate dog and cat waiting areas, feline-friendly hospitalisation cages and veterinary equipment specifically for treating cats.
“We had to demonstrate that the team here at Morley understands the needs of cats and always strive to make visits to us cat-friendly. We also showed we always handle cats gently and in line with the ISFM feline-friendly handling and nursing care guidelines, along with making a pledge to be ‘scruff free’.
“Clinics are also expected to maintain high standards of veterinary care, including continuing to update their knowledge of feline medicine as new knowledge becomes available.”
Abbey House Veterinary Hospital is open 24 hours a day and is based in Morley, Leeds. It also has practices in Rothwell, Cleckheaton, Batley and Kippax. For more information visit the website.
