Cromwell RVN Kirstie Connor has played a key role in the hospital's gold ISFM award.
Gold Award For Cat Care At Cromwell Veterinary Hospital
2 years ago 
525 views
A Cambridgeshire animal hospital has struck gold after receiving the ultimate recognition of its care for cats from the prestigious International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
The Linnaeus-owned Cromwell Veterinary Hospital, in Huntingdon, has been recognised as a gold level cat-friendly clinic (CFC) by the ISFM, the highest level of award possible.
Clinical director Nigel Belgrove said the accolade was recognition of the hospital’s determination to promote wellbeing and the highest standards of care for all cats visiting the practice or being hospitalised with them.
He said: “I am very pleased our hospital has been awarded gold accreditation as cat-friendly clinic by the ISFM.
“I’d like to thank everyone in our team for their contribution towards our success with this award, especially vet nurse Kirstie Connor who has contributed so much to this significant achievement.
“In many respects, we have always been a cat-friendly practice but the ISFM scheme has allowed us to focus even more on cats and make improvements in the areas where they were needed.
“This was a genuine desire by everyone at Cromwell Veterinary Group to do the best we can for our feline patients.”
Kirstie added: “All of our staff have committed to becoming more feline friendly in their approach to patients.
“We have introduced a new ‘cat only’ waiting area and added a ‘cat only’ consult room and a ‘cat only’ ward, which has larger kennels for our hospitalised patients.
“In addition, we have a dental x-ray machine and every cat is now being offered x-rays with their dental appointments.
“We are using anxiolytics more routinely within the hospital and consultation rooms to calm any anxious pets with Flyway optimum plugged into every room we use for treating cats.”
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.
Cromwell Veterinary Hospital in Huntingdon is the centrepiece of the Cromwell Veterinary Group which also has practices located in St Neotts, St Ives, Ramsey, Cambourne and Sawtry. For more information visit www.cromwellvets.co.uk.
More from Linnaeus Group
- West Midlands communication agency celebrates national award for veterinary marketing campaign
- Senior receptionist celebrates 10 years at Ashby vet practice
- Best 'paws' forward for worthy cat cause
- Dog cheats death thanks to surgery skills of Cheshire vets
- Elderly dog given new lease of life following complex spinal surgery