Silver Cat Friendly Clinic – What It Means for You and Your Cat
What does it mean that PedMed Veterinary Clinic Kohimarama is a Silver Cat Friendly Clinic?
Being an ISFM Silver Cat Friendly Clinic means we meet strict international standards set by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) to make veterinary visits less stressful for cats.
Our team is trained to understand feline behaviour, reduce anxiety, and handle cats gently and respectfully. Every part of our clinic—our layout, our approach, and our care—is designed with cats’ comfort and wellbeing in mind.
Why do cats find vet visits stressful?
Cats are territorial and prefer familiar surroundings, so leaving home can be stressful. New sights, smells, and sounds—especially dogs—can make them anxious. That’s why the Cat Friendly Clinic programme was created: to make veterinary visits calmer and more positive for cats and their caregivers
How is a Cat Friendly Clinic different from a regular vet clinic?
At a Cat Friendly Clinic, the environment and handling methods are tailoured specifically for cats.
We offer:
- A separate cat waiting area away from dogs.
- A cat only consultation room with dimmable lighting.
- A cat-only hospital and recovery area that’s calm and comfortable.
- Fear Free and ISFM-trained staff who understand feline body language and use gentle, low-stress restraint techniques, and no scruffing, to keep cats safe while ensuring they feel calm and secure.
What does the ‘Silver’ level mean?
ISFM awards clinics Bronze, Silver, or Gold status based on their facilities and cat care standards.
Our Silver Cat Friendly status means we meet almost all the highest-level criteria. The only difference from Gold is that we do not have overnight staff on-site, so we don’t hospitalise sick cats overnight.
Why should I choose a Cat Friendly Clinic for my cat?
Cats are sensitive creatures who thrive in calm, predictable environments. Choosing a Cat Friendly Clinic means:
- Less fear and stress for your cat.
- Gentler, safer handling and examination.
- Staff who truly understand cat behaviour.
- A more relaxed experience for both you and your cat, making visits smoother and health checks easier.
How do you make cats feel safe during their visit?
We use quiet voices, soft towels, and pheromone diffusers to create a calm environment. Cats are given time to explore and settle before being examined. If needed, we perform exams while your cat stays in the bottom half of their carrier to help them feel secure—just as recommended by ISFM guidelines.
Do you have separate areas for dogs and cats?
Yes. Our clinic is divided into cat-only and dog-only zones. The dog area is soundproofed, and cats are never housed near dogs. This helps keep the feline area peaceful, quiet, and stress-free.
Where can I learn more about Cat Friendly Clinics?
You can learn more about the ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic programme and find resources for cat caregivers at catfriendlyclinic.org
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about our Cat Friendly approach or book a visit for your feline friend, get in touch with the our team today!
