Top award leaves Newcastle veterinary practice feeling like cat that got the cream

Top award leaves Newcastle veterinary practice feeling like cat that got the cream

A NEWCASTLE veterinary practice is the cat’s whiskers – after a moggy makeover.

Westway Veterinary Group has invested £100,000 in a state-of-the-art cat unit, with operating theatre, prep room, isolation unit and separate facilities for feline patients – well away from the noise of barking dogs.

Now its dedication to kitty care has seen it receive the prestigious Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic award by International Cat Care, a charity dedicated to improving the care of felines.

To achieve the Gold Standard, Westway Vets had to provide the best possible facilities, including introducing cat-only waiting rooms that keeps them separate from dogs, and consulting rooms specially for felines.

The practice has nominated four members of staff to act as cat advocates to ensure that the highest standards of feline care are maintained throughout the hospital.

Senior Veterinary Nurse Lisa Shepherd, who is a cat advocate, said: “We’ve worked hard to make the hospital a comfortable and safe place for cats, so we’re delighted to achieve the Gold Standard.

“The new feline-only ward and waiting room have made a big difference. Cats are visibly less stressed and have a better experience from the moment they come into the practice.

“Going to the vets can be a stressful time for any pet, but by providing cats with these facilities means owners get peace of mind that their animal is receiving the best care and is in an environment they feel calm in.”

Westway Vets Clinical Director Helen Clark added: “Our staff have worked incredibly hard to improve the whole experience for cats coming into the hospital.

“We have invested a lot of money and time into creating a much better environment for cats, where they feel safer and less stressed.

“Achieving the prestigious Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic award by International Cat Care is the icing in the cake.”

For media enquiries, please contact Hannah Withers, VetPartners PR and Communications Assistant on 0191 274 7910 or email hannah.withers@vetpartners.co.uk