BOSTON, April 7, 2014 – Demonstrating its commitment to exceeding the unique health and comfort requirements of its feline patients, officials at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston today announced it has been certified as a “Cat Friendly Practice” by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Angell met the certification requirements by going above and beyond to adapt its clinical environment to be less stressful to cats, providing specialized training for staff on how to interact and handle feline patients, and by helping cat owners optimally prepare their cat for visits to the veterinarian and manage excellent post-visit care.
Happy Cats are Healthy Cats
Visitors to Angell can see first-hand the improvements added solely in service of cats. Cat owners awaiting appointments already enjoy a “cat only” section of the lobby, which is especially comforting to cats made uncomfortable by the hundreds of dogs who come to the hospital every day.
Owners can also make use of free “carrier covers,” which completely cover a cat’s carrier to keep them calm and help them feel more secure while waiting to see the doctor. And when they finally reach the exam room, a warm blanket and special bedding atop the steel exam table help keep cats’ warmer and more comfortable.
“We’re committed to providing the highest quality care for the nearly 60,000 animal patients we see every year at Angell Animal Medical Center,” said Dr. Nancy Laste, director of medical services at the world-renowned animal hospital. “When it comes to cats we take great pride in knowing we’re doing everything we can to ensure they are as comfortable as possible before, during and after their appointments, given how stressful it is for cats who find themselves in unfamiliar environments.”
“Today’s announcement marks the first in a series of steps we’ll be taking to ensure the most welcoming and comfortable experience for cats, which we hope will also improve their overall health,” said Eva Quinn, supervisor of specialty technicians and assistants at Angell.
More Kitty Comfort Measures Ahead
Angell plans additional measures to continue making the hospital as warm and inviting as possible for feline patients. Future plans include adding a “cat only” exam room and medical ward; having specially trained personnel on site to answer cat-specific questions before, during and after appointments; and more improvements that will be announced later.
Dr. Elizabeth J. Colleran, AAFP Past-present, commended Angell on its certification. “There is tremendous recognition that while cats are the largest percentage of companion animals in homes, their wellness visits and types of veterinary care are much lower than dogs,” she said. “The association pioneered the Cat Friendly Practice program to provide a framework for creating a positive practice environment for cats, including medical care that supports the cat’s unique needs and knowledgeable staff members who understand feline handling. We congratulate Angell Animal Medical Center on reaching this important milestone.”
The committee hopes to also achieve Cat Friendly Practice status for its newest 24/7 emergency and specialty animal hospital in Waltham, MSPCA-Angell West, in the coming months.
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Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 50,000 animals a year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell has 67 doctors and an experienced support staff who work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With 31 board-certified specialists and technology that includes an MRI specifically designed for animals, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, but delivers this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell is open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offers night and weekend appointments with our specialty services.