As a cat owner, you know how stressful it can be to take your furry friend to the vet. From the moment you walk into the waiting room, the cacophony of barking dogs and unfamiliar smells can make your cat feel anxious and uncomfortable. This post is all about why cat friendly vets can be your feline’s new best friend.

But what if there was a better way?

Enter cat friendly vet centers, where the focus is entirely on feline health and well-being.

When I first adopted Madison and Abigail, I went to a cat vet right up the street in Philadelphia. Overtime, I moved and started going to a different vet, that was both dogs and cats.

I hated it.

And so did my cats!

I could not stand the waiting room where nosy dogs would walk up to the carrier and totally stress my cats out; smooshing their noses into the door to get a whiff and a close-up.

Don’t get me wrong, dogs are wonderful. I really love canines, but cats do not always appreciate a dog’s dorky friendliness.

Mine sure didn’t.

It wasn’t long until I found a kitty cat only veterinary practice again. Now that I have Finnegan, I stick with cats only. It is just so much easier.

Why Cats and Dogs Don’t Always Get Along: Understanding Their Differences in Communication

While some cats and dogs may get along well, many others do not. 

Cats and dogs communicate differently through their body language. For instance, dogs are known to be playful and love to chase small animals. Obviously for cats, this can be perceived as a threat.

When a cat sees a dog approaching quickly, its natural instinct is to flee. You can see how this adds to feline stress if your cat is locked up in the carrier.

The cat’s movement to get away from the dog (even if it is just hissing in the carrier) only excites the dog. A cat is going to run or feel cornered. The dog is going to instinctively assume, ‘game on’!

People read cat and dog language incorrectly too. For instance, when a dog wags its tail, it can mean the dog is feeling comfortable and friendly. But sometimes a wagging tail indicates aggression.

“For example, tail wagging is not necessarily a sign of friendliness. In dogs, a wagging tail is an indication that the dog is willing to interact, but that interaction can be either aggressive or friendly. In order to determine what the dog is “saying,” you need to look at the rest of the dog’s body posture to figure out if he is approachable or not. Are the dog’s ears pinned back and flat against the head, sort of like a seal’s? Is his body and/or head lowered? Is he avoiding direct eye contact? Is he holding his body still or is he perhaps leaning away from you? These are all signs that the dog is uncomfortable and wants to avoid further interactions.” – VetStreet

On the other hand, when a cat whips its tail, it almost only does so when it feels threatened or is being aggressive. A dog owner and a dog, may misread this as a sign that the cat wants to play.

This misunderstanding leads to DISASTER.

Cats and dogs have different ways of communicating, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. While some cats and dogs may learn to coexist peacefully, it’s important to understand and respect their differences in communication to avoid unnecessary tension.

Cat Friendly Vet Benefits

There are many other reasons I like cat friendly vets, so let’s pounce in!

At a cat friendly vet center, your cat will receive specialized care from veterinary professionals who are trained in feline health and nutrition.

These centers are designed with cats in mind, with separate waiting areas and exam rooms that are quiet, comfortable, and dog-free.

RELATED: Veterinary Telemedicine: How Can It Help Your Pet’s Medical Problems?

This means that your cat can relax and feel at ease during their visit, which is crucial for their physical and emotional health.

One of the most significant benefits of a cat friendly vet center is the reduced stress on your feline friend.

Cats are notoriously sensitive to changes in their environment, and a trip to the vet can be overwhelming for them. Add barking dogs to this and it can be a nightmare for your feline.

By providing a calm and quiet space, a cat friendly vet center can help minimize your cat’s stress and anxiety. Some cat only vets even have cat friendly music in the waiting room.

These small nuances can lead to a more positive experience for both you and your cat. They can even help your cat feel more comfortable during future visits.

RELATED: Revolutionary Way To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Cat Food

Cat Friendly Centers

If for some reason you cannot access a cat friendly only center, finding a veterinarian who caters to cats (but offers services to all animals) can be a major step in the right direction.

Cat friendly vet centers often have unique features that cater specifically to feline patients. For example, some centers may have separate entrances and exam rooms for cats, or may offer cat-specific toys and treats to help your cat feel more at home.

Others may have specialized equipment or procedures designed to address common feline health issues.

Summary

If you’re a cat owner, a cat friendly vet center can definitely ease some of the common stresses your feline has when you break out the cat carrier.

By choosing a center that specializes in feline health and well-being, you can help ensure that your cat receives the best possible care in a calm and comfortable environment.

RELATED: The Anatomy of a Normal Cat