Why We’ve Joined the iCatCare Veterinary Society

We’re delighted to share that Ollie & Florrie Vets is now a Clinic Member of the iCatCare Veterinary Society, part of the charity International Cat Care. This is something we’re very proud to support, because cats deserve veterinary care that truly understands them.

Cats have their own unique needs, behaviours, sensitivities and ways of communicating. Some cats are bold and curious, some are cautious and easily unsettled, and most are very good at hiding signs of pain, stress or illness.

For us, becoming a Clinic Member is about supporting a wider movement to improve cats’ lives, while helping every feline patient – and the people who love them – feel understood, supported and cared for.

An accredited Cat Friendly Clinic has reached a higher standard of cat care in that the staff:

• Understand the needs of cats and make visits to the vet clinic more cat-friendly

• Understand how to approach and handle cats gently and with care and respect

• Have good knowledge and equipment to manage the care of cats

• Will explain your cat’s treatment and recovery clearly and sensitively so that you have a full understanding of what is going on

We recognise that because of their unique nature and needs, taking cats to veterinary clinics can be very stressful, both for cats and caregivers. The Cat Friendly Clinic programme is designed to help address these issues by creating more cat-friendly veterinary clinics, reducing stress for cats and making veterinary visits easier for caregivers. Reducing stress can also improve diagnosis and treatment, improving cat health.

Created by iCatCare, Cat Friendly Clinic is transforming the way in which cats are treated in veterinary clinics across the globe.

What is iCatCare?

International Cat Care, often known as iCatCare, is a charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide.

The iCatCare Veterinary Society brings together veterinary professionals who want to keep learning, improving and championing feline-friendly care. We’re very pleased to be part of that community.

Why this matters to us

At Ollie & Florrie Vets, we believe a good veterinary experience should consider both the pet and the person bringing them in.

For cat owners, we know that a visit to the vet can sometimes feel stressful before you even arrive. Getting your cat into the carrier, travelling to the practice, sitting in a new environment and wondering how they will cope can all be worrying.

Those same experiences can feel even bigger for cats. That is why thoughtful cat care matters. It is not only about medical knowledge; it is also about patience, gentle handling, reading behaviours, reducing stress where possible, and giving owners practical advice that helps life feel easier at home too.

Membership in the iCatCare Veterinary Society reflects our commitment to continuing to develop that approach.

Helping cats feel calm, safe and understood

Every cat is different and good care starts with recognising that. A confident kitten may need a very different approach from a nervous rescue cat. An older cat with arthritis may need extra time and gentleness. A cat with stress-related symptoms may need us to look beyond the obvious and understand what is happening in their environment, routine or behaviour.

Small details make a real difference, such as how a cat is handled, how calmly they are examined, how we talk owners through a treatment plan, or how we help families spot subtle changes at home.

Cats often communicate quietly. Changes in appetite, toileting, grooming, weight, mobility, sleep, confidence or behaviour can all be important clues. By continuing to learn from organisations like iCatCare, we keep strengthening the support we offer cats and their owners.

Supporting better lives for cats

This membership is not just a certificate on the wall, although we are very proud to display it. For us, it is a reflection of the kind of practice we want to be: independent, compassionate, curious and always looking for ways to do better for the animals and people we care for.

We want our feline patients to feel safe and respected when they visit us. We want their owners to feel listened to and reassured. And we want to support cats not just when they are unwell, but throughout their lives – from kittenhood to their senior years.

Whether your cat is a sofa-loving snoozer, a garden explorer, a shy observer, a mischievous youngster or a wise old companion, they deserve care that sees them as an individual.

We’re proud to support International Cat Care’s work towards a world where cats are treated with care, compassion and understanding. We’re very happy to be part of a community that believes cats should be understood, not simply managed.

What we've achieved

Ollie and Florrie Vets is a purpose-built clinic that has taken into consideration the route of the cat as they enter the front door from the waiting room to the back of house.

Waiting room

• Cat carriers are raised off the floor, and a cover placed over them.

• Cats and dogs are separated by a visual barrier unless the clinic is a mobile clinic

Consultations

• Range of appropriate equipment, including a portable blood pressure machine, is available for all consultations.

• All routine appointments are at least 15 minutes long

• A thorough patient history and clinical examination is performed at every routine examination.

Hospitalisation

• Separate cattery in a quiet area of the clinic and non-facing so cats cannot see each other

• Cage dimensions meet criteria for space and provision of hiding etc (Including our out-of-hours clinic - Pennards Sevenoaks)

• Pheromone sprays and toys

• Different litter types for preferences

• Range of bowl types for preferences

• Range of diets available

Health, safety & hygiene

• A good standard of cleanliness and hygiene is maintained in the clinic at all times.

• Food bowls and litter trays cleaned in separate cleaning facilities

Procedures

• Where facilities for general anaesthesia, surgery, dentistry, and diagnostic imaging, these meet the relevant criteria for every procedure.

• A range of equipment for monitoring patients.

• All laboratory procedures are carried out by trained staff and a range of equipment inhouse to run tests

Medicines

• All medicinal products are handled, used and stored according to manufacturer’s recommendations and statutory requirements.

• Pain management and pain assessed and appropriate analgesic planUse of anti-anxiety medications rather than physical restraint

Staff

• Staff meeting the continued professional development.

• New staff are informed and inducted to the Cat Friendly Clinic.

• Cat-friendly restraining techniques.

Clinic

• Lighting, ventilation, temperature control.

• Reduced noise and odours.

Find out more about Cat Friendly Clinics

Visit International Cat Care to learn more about Cat Friendly Clinics. You can also download ‘Cat Friendly Clinic: A Guide for Caregivers’ from iCatCare.

Worried about your cat?

If you’re worried about your cat for any reason, or you’ve noticed something that feels unusual, please get in touch with us. We’ll always be happy to listen, advise and help you decide what your cat needs.

Book an appointment with Ollie & Florrie Vets and let us help your cat feel their best.