Although there is a far greater number of pet cats in the United States, cats receive veterinary care much less frequently than dogs. Unfortunately, this fact isn’t a testament to the health and vigor of cats but rather an indication of the poor state of feline care in the country. It’s also true that vet appointments are typically more stressful on cats and cat owners. According to a series of studies sponsored by Bayer HealthCare LLC Animal Health Division, 58% of pet owners report that their cats are noticeably upset when being taken to the vet, and 38% report they themselves experience stress just thinking about bringing their cat to an animal hospital. For these reasons, and many others, cats in the U.S. simply don’t receive the same level of care as other pets. That’s why El Dorado Animal Hospital is proud to be a certified Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Cat Friendly Practice
Cat Friendly Practice
Resource library for our feline friends.
Veterinarian for Feline Care
AAFP-Certified Cat Friendly Practice
Our recognition as an AAFP-certified Cat-Friendly Practice demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest level of veterinary care to a severely underserved pet population. We recognize the unique challenges cat owners face when it comes to bringing their pets in for a routine checkup or emergency vet appointment, and we understand that feline patients require a different approach in terms of how they are handled and treated inside the practice. As a Cat Friendly Practice, we take extra steps to meet the needs of cats and cat owners alike, and have implemented feline-friendly standards in accordance with the CFP program.
What to Expect During Your Veterinary Visit:
- A waiting room and reception area that reduces feline stress due to other pets, unfamiliar smells, loud noises, etc.
- Designated “Cat Advocates” on staff who are knowledgeable in feline behavior and guided by the AAFP’s feline-focused standards of care
- Feline-only examination rooms where cats can be examined and treated calmly in a safe, non-threatening environment with equipment and tools appropriate for felines
- Individual treatment plans based on your cat’s specific needs, preferences, and behaviors
- Additional measures to ensure cats are as comfortable and relaxed as possible, such as the use of synthetic feline pheromones that produce a calming effect
In addition to being one of the few certified Cat Friendly Practices in Fountain Hills, El Dorado Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in North America and the gold-standard for quality veterinary care in the U.S. and Canada. Less than 15% of animal hospitals in North America are AAHA accredited, so you can have supreme confidence in our veterinary team’s knowledge and ability to care for your feline companion.
We Provide a Wide Range of Feline Care Services
Our feline-friendly veterinarian services include dental care, surgical services, stem cell therapy, digital radiology, non-invasive ultrasound imaging, ophthalmology (eye care), dermatologic treatment, blood/urine/stool sample analysis, and nutritional consultations. As a cat friendly veterinarian, whatever your cat needs for a healthier and happier life, we promise to care for your feline friend in a manner that will minimize stress and ease anxiety—for both you and your cat.
Resources for Cat Owners
If you have an appointment coming up, we’d like to point out this terrific resource from International Cat Care (ICC) on how to bring your cat to the vet with minimal stress. In addition to tips on what kind of carrier to use and how to keep your cat calm during transport, this resource also points out what to look for in a cat-friendly animal hospital. The ICC website and Cat Friendly Clinic website in general are excellent sources of education for cat owners, so be sure to browse through the sites to learn how to keep your cat healthy and happy.
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We're AHAA Accredited
We are AAHA Accredited! AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the finest in the industry because they voluntarily choose to be evaluated on more than 900 quality standards that go above and beyond state regulations, ranging from patient care and pain management to staff training and advanced diagnostic services.
A Cat Friendly Practice!
We are a Cat Friendly Practice®! As a Cat Friendly Practice® we understand the unique needs of cats. We offer a feline friendly environment for safer and easier exams and less stress during visits. Each CFP has at least one designated ‘Cat Advocate’ on staff – a knowledgeable professional leader who ensures feline-focused standards are met and being followed.