5 veterinary facility choices that make cat owners feel loved

1. Even if you don't have separate waiting areas for dogs and cats in your veterinary practice, make it easy for clients to separate themselves so a cat doesn't suffer the stress of a dog nosing up to its carrier.

2. Move cats and their owners to an exam room quickly to reduce stress. If you can, keep one exam room "dog free" so cats don't smell dogs in the environment, and treat that room with cat pheromones.

3. Make sure your practice environment is secure so if a cat gets loose it can't escape through doors or windows.

4. Make it clear to cat owners that you care about cats by making sure that dog pictures don't outnumber cat pictures in your reception area. You can also post photos of clients' or staff members' cats, provide books and magazines about cats, offer a range of cat products, post displays of cat breeds, and hang a bulletin board that displays feline information.

5. If you have space in your facility, offer seminars or handouts on topics specific to cats such as life stage needs (from kittens to geriatric cats), dietary recommendations, tips on administering medications, and information about cat-friendly boarding facilities. And consider offering kitten kindergarten classes.

Cats and their owners may never love veterinary visits. However, with a little effort, you can reduce the owner's and the cat's stress level and help everyone's hair stay flat. Once that happens, you can focus on giving cats the care they need and deserve.