A leading Cumbrian small animal hospital is officially cool for cats after being awarded prestigious feline-friendly clinic status.

Kentdale Referrals, in Milnthorpe, has earned silver cat-friendly status from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).

The award is a big honour for the Linnaeus-owned referral centre, with Kentdale introducing a raft of measures to ensure its surroundings and team provide a stress-free environment for feline patients.

Toby Gemmill, managing director at Kentdale, said: “We are very proud to have achieved silver cat-friendly clinic status. It really has been a team effort and is a fitting reward for everyone’s hard work and dedication.

“At Kentdale, we are committed to excellence at every level and this is a ringing endorsement of our work here.

“We have ensured we provide a low-stress environment which respects the natural needs of our feline patients. It’s a continuous priority across the practice and we always look to keep improving.”

The ISFM launched the cat-friendly clinic initiative to encourage veterinary clinics to make changes to improve the welfare of cats in their care.

The programme advises practices on how to make their environment as welcoming as possible for cats, as well as providing support in staff training, handling techniques and cat-specific client care.

The ultimate aim is to promote wellbeing and the highest possible standards of care for all cats visiting or being hospitalised.

Toby said: “The ISFM examines the provision of facilities, staff activities and attitudes aimed at reducing stress in cats, both as in-patients and out-patients.

“Its criteria include having separate dog and cat waiting areas, feline-friendly hospitalisation cages and veterinary equipment specifically for treating cats.

“Most importantly, staff are trained to approach and handle cats sensitively and respectfully.

“Clinics are also expected to maintain high standards of veterinary care, including continuing to update their knowledge of feline medicine as new knowledge becomes available.”

Kentdale Referrals is a specialist-led practice offering expert services in diagnostic imaging, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, anaesthesia, infection control, orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery, soft tissue surgery and physiotherapy.

For more information, visit www.kentdalevets.co.uk or search for Kentdale Referrals on social media.

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