We are very proud to announce that we have just become certified by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association as a Cat Friendly Practice!
The Cat Friendly Practice® Program is leading the movement to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their caregivers. The program provides support and in-depth, quality educational content to help veterinary professionals better understand the unique needs of cats. A designated Cat Friendly Practice® has taken the extra time and steps to have the ability to consider each cat’s experience and care. All Cat Friendly Practices® must meet certain physical and educational requirements to achieve the designation.
At Local Mobile Vet, we understand that visits to the vet can be stressful for both you and your cat. As a Cat Friendly Certified mobile veterinary practice, we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure that our care and environment are tailored specifically to the needs of cats. But what does this certification mean? Let us take you behind the scenes and show you the measures we take to ensure your feline friend feels comfortable, safe, and cared for every time we see them.
As a mobile practice, we bring veterinary care to your home, which eliminates the stress of travel for your cat. No car rides, no unfamiliar waiting rooms – just the comfort of their own home.
One of the core principles of our Cat Friendly Certified approach is minimizing stress through gentle restraint techniques. Cats are often more sensitive to being held or manipulated in unfamiliar ways, which can lead to anxiety or even fear. That's why we use specific restraint methods designed to keep your cat calm, secure, and comfortable throughout their visit. These techniques are carefully chosen to reduce stress, allowing us to perform necessary examinations and treatments without causing distress.
Our team is specially trained in handling techniques that respect your cat's body language and help them feel safe. We take the time to assess each cat’s temperament and comfort level to ensure that their care is as stress-free as possible. Whether it’s using a towel wrap, the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap, or simply covering their eyes to create a sense of security, we adapt our approach based on each cat’s needs. We also offer treats, praise, and gentle petting for all cats that show an interest in this type of positive reinforcement.
For some cats, additional help may be needed to ease fear, anxiety, or pain during a veterinary visit. It is not uncommon for cats to benefit from medication that helps them remain calm and relaxed. We can discuss the option of pre-visit calming medications that can be administered before the appointment to ensure your cat’s comfort. (Not available until after an annual exam unless prescribed by a prior veterinarian)
Every veterinary visit is an opportunity to build a positive relationship between your cat and our team. By using restraint methods that promote comfort and security, we help ensure that future visits to the vet are less stressful. Over time, your cat will begin to associate their vet visits with care, comfort, and kindness, which can help ease any anxiety they may experience.
Positive reinforcement is key! We use treats, soft voices, and lots of praise to reward your cat for their cooperation. This helps them associate their vet visits with something pleasant. Additionally, we use calming pheromone sprays to mimic the natural scents that help cats feel relaxed and secure.
Learn more about Cat Friendly Care at Cat Friendly Homes.
If your cat is an existing patient of Local Mobile Vet, simply fill out the appointment request form, and we will reach out to get an appointment scheduled.
If we have never seen your cat before, fill out the New Client Form and we will reach out to help you determine if we are the right fit for you and your cat.