Cat Friendly

Star of Texas Vet is proud to have been Cat Friendly since 2012! The Cat Friendly Practice program is a global initiative designed to elevate veterinary care for cats by reducing stress and making visits easier for cats and caregivers.

Cats communicate with different body language than dogs and they require their own unique handling and accommodations. Being a Cat Friendly Practice means that we educate our staff on how to make the vet a less stressful place for cats. We also make special adjustments for our cats like our cats only exam room and designated cat waiting area in our lobby.

Our feline-friendly room is furnished with calming pheromones, safe hiding places, windows for viewing outside, and towers for perching.

To help make your cat’s vet experience pleasant, please follow the pre-visit guidelines below!

For more cat friendly tips, please visit Cat Friendly Homes.

How to Prepare for Vet Visits

  • Choose the right carrier. The right carrier not only makes your pet comfortable for the journey to and from the vet, it also acts as a safe space for your cat while at the vet. Many cats feel more comfortable being examined in the bottom of their carrier. Because of this, a carrier that has multiple options for how to open it is best. Your cat should have room to stand up and turn around comfortably in their carrier.
  • Prepare your carrier before the vet. Carriers should not only be clean and free of debris and old smells, but should be comfortable and inviting. If possible, leave your cat’s carrier out all the time and periodically feed treats or put toys in it to encourage your cat to familiarize themselves with it. If leaving the carrier out constantly is not an option, leave the carrier out a week or two in advance of the appointment. Fill your cat’s carrier with soft blankets to make it more inviting.
  • Prepare your car before putting your feline friend in it. Starting the car, getting the temperature right, and playing soft music before putting your cat in the vehicle can help make travel less stressful. Placing a towel or blanket over the carrier can help make your cat feel more secure.
  • Feliway pheromone spray or carrier wipes can help your cat feel calm during travel. Be sure to use these products as directed.
  • Bring their favorite treats, brushes, or toys to the appointment