What does it mean that The Cat Vet Clinic has received an Internationally Recognized Accreditation from ISFM?
One of the worst things to happen to your beloved feline friend is a stressful clinic visit. That’s especially true if your cat is already suffering from an ailment. So what can be done to avoid this? How do you choose a clinic that really cares about your cat and you as a cat parent? One of the best ways to see if your clinicians are maintaining best standards is to check their international accreditation.
ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic Accreditation means that you can rest assured that a group of cat lovers has checked our clinic out in all cats’ interest. ISFM, is short for the International Society of Feline Medicine. It is the veterinary division of the International Cat Care Association that approves cat clinics around the world. A charity that has been working for more than 60 years towards a world where all cats, owned and unowned, are treated with care, compassion and understanding.
The Cat Vet Clinic is the first and only one of its’ kind (feline-only veterinary clinic) in all of the Middle East to receive this certification.
That’s all well and good but how does that translate over all for my cat’s experience?
Cat welfare first – the goal is not only to improve your cat’s welfare, but also to support disease diagnosis, as well as better and quicker recovery from illness and surgery.
Your own ‘Cat Advocate’ (the clinic’s head nurse, Megan) – Megan ensures the Cat Friendly Clinic criteria are adhered to, and she can engage with you on any queries and concerns about your cat.
Detailed & well-paced consultations – We ensure your cat gets longer consultations than the average veterinary clinic, lasting 20 to 30 minutes. This ensure your cat has time to adapt to the new environment as well as yourself! No rushed diagnoses!
Quality of examinations – When your cat is relaxed, it helps our doctors increase the accuracy of examination findings, (consequences of stress include altered behavior, which could possibly lead to inaccurate clinical and lab findings) allowing a smoother diagnosis process.
Auditory & olfactory factors – Its cats only at the The Cat Vet Clinic. This creates the ideal space with calming pheromones and the absence of noises or smells of other species for your cat.
Especially trained & prepped staff – Our staff lives and breathes cats. Your cat will feel that expertise as they care for patients and are specifically trained to handle felines sensitively, gently and understand your cat’s needs.
State-of-the-art facility
A clean, calm, and most importantly, stress-free environment for cats.
At our clinic, we have spacious and interlinked cages with holes for hiding are in the boarding areas. They have been specifically designed to provide maximum comfort and peace for your cat. Furry feline friends can regularly roam, climb and play in the cat trees or shelves. If your cat is boarding with us, you ae more that welcome to visit the boarding area.
360-degree treatment – Your cat won’t have to go anywhere else for the following treatments:
Routine exams
General surgery
Orthopedic and neurologic surgery
Dental care (cleaning, polishing and dental x-ray)
Various hospitalization areas (general, isolation and an intensive care unit)
Radiology
Ultrasound
Eco-cardio (heart scan)
Advanced blood analysis
Non-invasive blood pressure
Advanced glucose monitoring (diabetes)
Laser therapy
Blood and plasma transfusion
Behavioral related issues
Grooming
Boarding
Adoption days
Veterinary expertise –
Surgeons with different areas of interests ranging from feline internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics, behavior related issues, dermatology, imaging (radiology and ultrasound).
Dr. Rui Oliveira, an award-winning veterinary ophthalmologist who specializes in feline ophthalmology and regularly performs surgery for cataracts, glaucoma and conditions of the cornea, retina and eyelids.
Partnerships with consultant specialists in the UK and US is provided if your cat exhibits symptoms of complex cases.
The experts explain what the accreditation means:
Dr. Amie Cameron, Veterinary Surgeon, BVSc comments:
“ISFM Gold Accreditation means we’ve committed to delivering even higher standards of feline care, with compassion and expertise. Our cat facilities are specifically geared towards the reduction of stress, and all our staff are trained in gentle handling techniques. We can also provide advice to owners on how to reduce anxiety when giving medication or treatments at home. Through our accreditation, we want to show cat owners that routine preventive care, and a prompt visit if their cat seems unwell, will help to give their feline companion a longer, healthier and happier life.”
Dr. Raimundo Tamagnini, Clinic Director, MRCVS comments:
“We are extremely proud and excited to offer the first and only veterinary clinic in UAE designed exclusively for cats. As a veterinarian, cat owner and cat lover, I felt there was a need to provide our four-legged friends with a unique medical service; one which I feel they deserve. Consequently, we have developed a state of the art, specifically designed cat-friendly clinic!”
When you visit us, you and your cat will be able to feel the accreditation in every aspect of your experience. At reception relevant cat information (leaflets providing advice on transporting cats, choosing cat carriers, administering medication etc.) are readily available for you to peruse.
Enjoy tea or coffee while listening to relaxing music during your visit and mingle with our staff.
The Cat Vet Clinic is conveniently located on Hessa Street (Al Barsha 3) in Dubai. To further know more about our ISFM certification please visit www.catfriendlyclinic.org
