A VETERINARY practice in Haughton Green has taken major steps to make trips to the vets far less stressful for cats.
The changes have now earned Manchester Vet Centre a prestigious Silver Cat Friendly accreditation.
The Tatton Road surgery, part of Willows Veterinary Group, has transformed the way it cares for its feline patients after putting their comfort, confidence and quirks at the centre of daily practice.
The award, given by International Cat Care, recognises clinics that create calmer, safer environments for cats – not always an easy task for animals who view vet visits with deep suspicion.
One of the biggest changes is the enhanced cat-only waiting area, giving owners space away from dogs and other pets. Carriers can be placed on raised shelves to help cats feel secure, blankets are available to cover them, and Feliway plug-ins release calming pheromones to ease nerves before appointments.
In the consultation rooms, staff take a slower, gentler approach, allowing cats time to settle and explore. A wall-mounted platform and scratching posts offer a higher perch for those who prefer it. Team members have also received specialist training in feline-friendly handling to ensure each examination works with, rather than against, a cat’s natural behaviour.
The changes have been led by vet and clinical director Dr Alex Schofield and head veterinary nurse Laura Saxon, who act as the practice’s cat advocates.
Dr Schofield said: “We are very proud to have achieved the Silver Cat Friendly Clinic award, which is the highest level available for a practice of our size, because it shows that we put the needs of our feline patients at the heart of everything we do and ensure pets and their owners have the best experience possible when visiting us.
“Unlike dogs, cats are not used to going into new environments and a trip to the vets can be very daunting for them. As a Cat Friendly Clinic, our aim is to do all we can to reduce that anxiety and we are very patient and allow them the time they need to work out that everything is okay.”
The team say the changes are already encouraging once-nervous pets to settle more quickly.