Cat Friendly Practices are the Cat’s Meow
The AAFP Welcomes Freeport Veterinary Hospital as the First Veterinary Hospital in Southern Maine to be Inducted into the Cat Friendly Practice Program
Freeport, ME – Cats are purring their way into the hearts and homes of the American public. The cat is king, with more than 86 million cats loved as pets, compared to 78 million dogs. With the number of people choosing cats steadily increasing, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has initiated a program to improve the health care and overall well-being of the growing feline population. A Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) is committed to learning ways to make the veterinary visit more pleasant for your cats. A Cat Friendly Practice has adopted an environment that is less stressful to cats and meets the cat’s unique needs. The staff at the practice is aware of ways they can interact and handle your cat so that examinations and procedures will be less stressful. A Cat Friendly Practice also values your contribution to your cat’s healthcare plan and will make every effort to help you understand your cats’ needs and help you learn what you can do at home to ensure that they get the care they need.
Why Cat Friendly?
“There is a tremendous recognition that while cats are the largest percentage of companion animals in homes, their wellness visits and other types of veterinary care are much lower than for dogs,” said Dr. Elizabeth J. Colleran, AAFP Past-president. The association pioneered the Cat Friendly Practice program to provide a framework for creating a positive practice environment for cats, including medical care that supports the cat’s unique needs and knowledgeable staff members who understand feline friendly handling. The Cat Friendly Practice program was created to improve the treatment, handling and overall healthcare of cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices with the tools, resources and information to elevate the standard of care for cats.
Freeport Veterinary Hospital - Certified Feline Friendly Since 2013
“We are committed to providing quality care to our patients. When the AAFP’s launched the Cat Friendly Practice Program, we were one of the first to participate,” said Dr. Carolyn Radding of Freeport Veterinary Hospital. “We evaluated every aspect of the practice and its environment from the perspective of the cat. We can proudly say that from the minute they walk through the door, our patients and clients will be part of a welcoming, comfortable experience that will ultimately lead to the improved health and comfort of our feline patients.”