Skip to main content

Cat Friendly Practice

At North Bay Animal Hospital we recognize that many of our feline friends have needs that are different from their canine counter-parts. Here are some of the things we do to make their stay more comfortable.

  • Cat Exam room – This exam room is in a quieter area of the building and is equipped with a Feliway dispenser to reduce feline stress. A “happy cat” pheromone is released from the dispenser which helps anxious cats to feel more relaxed.
  • Cat Kennel Area – A separate, quiet, dog-free kennel area is available for hospitalized cats as well as large multi level kennels for cats who are boarding. Take a virtual tour of the cat boarding
  • Special Treatment – We know cats can be a challenge to medicate at home. Whenever possible, we opt for long acting injectable products, oral suspensions or transdermal products that make treatment easier.
  • Cats like it Hot! – Especially during anesthesia cats are provided with circulating warm water blankets to keep them toasty warm.  Hospitalized cats are always provided with warm blankets for kennel bedding.
  • Less is Best – We are very sensitive to the fact that cats hate being over handled.  Stressed cats often prefer to be examined while swaddled in a blanket or in the comfort of the cradle of the bottom of their carrier. With cats less is always better!
  • Feline Nutrition – We are your nutrition experts.  Cats have very specific nutritional needs.  Feeding a balanced feline diet can reduce the incidence of disease and extend life.  Always ask us if you are unsure what food may be best for your cat.
  • AAFP – Our clinic is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. This group helps to keep us current on all feline health issues.

The Importance of a Proper Cat Carrier

Your cat’s trip to the vets is stressful enough. Make the ride in as easy as possible.

  • Use a solid-sided carrier that comes apart easily.  Cats prefer a more closed, secure kennel and removing them from the kennel can be easier if the kennel top can easily be removed. 
  • If you are bringing more than one cat, use more than one carrier.  Although your cats may get along fine at home, they may not be happily housed together for the ride to the vets.  Also, it can be very difficult to manage the cats in the exam room if the cats are housed together.
  • Leave your cat carrier open in your home for your cat to explore.  This works very well with kittens to teach them that the kennel is not a scary place. 
  • Always place bedding in the kennel – something your cat can have traction on works well like carpet or textured fabric. Use catnip or Feliway on the bedding to help reduce the stress during travel.
  • Is it a cold day?  Cats like it hot so warm up the car for a few minutes before you travel.

Don’t despair, even with the best effort your cat may not enjoy the ride.  It is often necessary to use a medication an hour or so before the drive to reduce your cat’s stress.  Call us so we can discuss options with you.

Feline Facts

  • There are 8.5 million owned cats in Canada
  • Cats have a 10 times greater sense of smell than us!
  • 90% of cats over the age of 12 years have arthritis
  • Whiskers are for sensing the physical environment – cats have them on the back of their wrist as well as on their face
  • Unlike dogs, many cats have a sweet tooth
  • Cats can make up to 100 different sounds
  • A cat rubs against people not only as a sign of affection but also to mark his territory
  • Veterinary science still doesn’t understand the mechanics behind how cats purr
  • The most popular breed of cat is the Persian
  • Cats do not have sweat gland over their body like we do – they only sweat through their pads
  • Cats spend 1/3 of their waking hours grooming themselves
  • A female cat is called a queen and a group of cats is called a clowder

Cat Friendly Homes

Cat Friendly Homes is dedicated to cat caregivers who want to provide the very best care for their cat. Powered by feline veterinarians, Cat Friendly Homes provides you with credible and trustworthy information on a variety of feline topics. The American Association of Feline Practitioners created this resource to help you learn more about your cat’s natural behaviors, the importance of routine veterinary care, and providing care of your cat, as well as answer many common questions. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and always contact your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s individual health care plan.

Learn More