Animal Trust Vets Rhyl Awarded Gold Cat Friendly Clinic Status

Animal Trust Vets Rhyl has received international recognition for its commitment to providing a calm, welcoming and cat-friendly experience for feline patients and their owners. The veterinary practice on Wellington Road has been accredited as a Gold Cat Friendly Clinic by International Cat Care (iCatCare), the highest level awarded through its internationally recognised Cat Friendly Clinic programme. The accreditation recognises veterinary practices that meet detailed standards designed to improve the experience of cats throughout their visit, from arrival and consultation through to treatment and hospitalisation.

Creating a calmer experience for cats

Animal Trust Vets Rhyl opened in 2022 to provide affordable, high-quality veterinary care for pets and their owners across Rhyl, Prestatyn, Kinmel Bay and surrounding North Wales communities. As part of its Gold accreditation, the practice has demonstrated that it meets iCatCare's standards for feline-friendly facilities, equipment, clinical care and staff training.

Features at the Rhyl practice include:

• A separate waiting area for cats, helping to minimise contact with dogs and reduce stress.

• Facilities that allow cats' carriers to be kept raised off the floor.

• Cat-friendly accommodation for feline patients staying at the practice.

• Equipment suitable for diagnosing and treating cats.

• Team members trained to recognise signs of fear and anxiety in cats.

• Gentle handling techniques designed to avoid unnecessary restraint.

These measures are intended to make visits less stressful for cats and help them feel more secure while receiving veterinary care.

Dedicated Cat Advocates

Every Cat Friendly Clinic appoints at least one Cat Advocate, who helps ensure the practice continues to meet the programme's standards and promotes good feline welfare among the wider team. At Animal Trust Vets Rhyl, the Cat Advocates are Registered Veterinary Nurse Charlotte Horsley, who is the lead Cat Advocate, Lead Veterinary Nurse Anwen Evans and Lead Vet Zoe Mayo.

Charlotte said:

“We know that a trip to the vet can be frightening for a cat, from travelling in a carrier to encountering unfamiliar sounds, smells and people. Our aim is to make every stage of that visit as calm and comfortable as possible.

“Achieving Gold accreditation is a fantastic recognition of the care and hard work of the whole Rhyl team. It gives local cat owners confidence that their pets will be treated with patience, understanding and respect, whether they are visiting us for a routine appointment or need to stay in the clinic for treatment.”

What does Gold Cat Friendly Clinic status mean?

The Cat Friendly Clinic programme is run by International Cat Care, a UK-registered charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats. Practices applying for accreditation must meet specific standards covering their premises, equipment, clinical care and interactions with cats.

Gold-level clinics must meet the programme's foundation requirements as well as additional criteria covering areas including:

• Cat-friendly waiting facilities

• Consultation rooms

• Hospitalisation and accommodation

• Surgical facilities

• Diagnostic imaging

• Laboratory equipment

• Handling and interaction with feline patients

Practices must continue to meet the programme's requirements and undergo reassessment to retain their accreditation.

Supporting better care for cats

The Gold accreditation reflects the Rhyl team's commitment to considering the needs of cats at every stage of their veterinary visit. By creating a more feline-friendly environment and ensuring team members understand how cats respond to fear and stress, the practice aims to make veterinary care a more positive experience for both cats and their owners.

Find out more about Cat Friendly Clinics and feline welfare: International Cat Care

Find out more about Animal Trust Vets Rhyl: Animal Trust Vets Rhyl

Photo: Charlotte Horsley, Registered Veterinary Nurse and Cat Advocate at Animal Trust Vets Rhyl.