Pennard Vets

We love cats

Why we’re committed to making our practice feline friendly

All of our team adores cats, and we’re dedicated to making sure every feline patient feels as relaxed and at ease as possible while in our care.

Cats can be highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and a trip to the vet may sometimes feel daunting.

That’s why we’re making changes to our practice to provide an even more welcoming and calmer environment for cats.

We’ve established a cat only area of our waiting room, and we use Feliway – a spray which mimics the pheremones given off by mother cats shortly after they are born that has a scientifically proven calming effect – on blankets to cover boxes so your pet is calm and happy while waiting to see our team.

We also use Feliway in our consult rooms and in our new, quiet kennels, which give us space to separate cats and dogs. We even play classical music to our feline guests to help to keep them calm – which they love!

As well as this, our vet Nicola has been awarded, with distinction, the Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour by the International Society of Feline Medicine.

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Introducing Feline Friendly Thursdays – or as we’re calling them, Furrsdays 🐱

We want every visit to our practice to feel as calm and positive as possible, but we understand that a busy environment can sometimes be overwhelming for cats.

That’s why we’re launching Feline Friendly Thursdays, dedicating part of our diary exclusively to our feline patients.

By focusing solely on cats during these sessions, we help reduce the anxiety that can be caused by the sounds and smells of other species, especially dogs.

Our Feline Friendly Thursday sessions will run on Thursdays. Appointments are the same price as usual and are available on a first come first served basis. And of course, they’re still absolutely free for our Pet Health Club members.

To book your Feline Friendly Thursday appointment, use our online booking system or message the team on PetsApp to find out more.

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How you can help your cat to enjoy a trip to see us

We know that getting your cats in to see us can be stressful!

When it comes to car journeys, a little preparation can go a long way in making the trip smoother.

Here are some tips to help your cat feel safe and secure during car rides.

Before the journey

A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier is essential. If possible, select one that opens from the top and front for easier access.
Leave the carrier out in your home so your cat can explore it freely. This makes it a familiar space and reduces negative association between the carrier and the car.
Pheromone sprays like Feliway can be applied inside the carrier 30 minutes before travel to help reduce anxiety.
Feeding your cat right before a car ride may cause nausea. Offer food a few hours before travel instead.

During the journey

Place the carrier on a stable surface, like the floor behind the front seat, to prevent it from sliding around. If on a seat ensure it is securely seatbelted.
Soft classical music or quiet, calming sounds can help soothe nervous cats, such as Cat Calm on Spotify or Amazon.
A light towel or blanket over the carrier can create a sense of security and reduce visual stress.
Cats have sensitive noses, so avoid air fresheners or strong-smelling cleaning products in the car.

After the journey

Once home, allow your cat to retreat to a safe space and adjust at their own pace.
If your cat enjoys treats and affection then positive reinforcement can help build confidence for future journeys.
Remember to clean your cat’s carrier once you’re home to remove any traces of fear pheromones.

Following these steps will help you to deliver a happy cat to our practice – and then we’ll do everything we can to keep them that way!

Pet Health Club

Would you like the peace of mind that you are doing the right thing for your pet?