Cat Friendly Practice

In the United States, there are approximately 4,133,000 more cats than dogs, thus there are more cat pet owners than dog owners!  Yet, more dogs visit their veterinarian than cats. West Ridge Animal Hospital hopes to change this.

The team at West Ridge Animal Hospital strives to provide a stress-free environment for both our cat patients and their owners.  We have created a “Cat Only” exam room which caters only to our feline patients.  This room is specifically designed with your cat’s needs in mind, with its own weight scale (or as we call it the Kitty Throne), fluffy towels for them to sit on comfortably during their examination, as well as yummy treats.  Additionally, the room is air conditioned and infused with an all-natural calming pheromone, called Feliway, to help your feline feel more relaxed and calm.  We use the same pheromone on our towels and blankets during your pet’s examination to help them feel more relaxed and at home while visiting our clinic.  For more information on the Feliway product, please view their website: www.feliway.com.

West Ridge Animal Hospital continuously educates our veterinary team about cat’s behavior, body language, and overall needs.  We conduct comprehensive and thorough physical examinations where your cat is the most comfortable.   For example, we know some of our feline patients feel the safest (and happiest) never leaving their carrier and so will conduct the exam and all diagnostics while they remain in the carrier by simply removing the top.  Other cats prefer to have their exams completed on their veterinarian’s lap, while others prefer lounging out on the counter, chair, or the “Kitty Throne”.  Given the opportunity we will find your kitty’s happy place!   Additionally, our doctors and staff practice “non-scruffing” restraint by handling your feline in a gentle, empathetic, and caring manner in order to decrease your cat’s stress level and to provide your kitty with a sense of control.  We provide kitty treats and/or baby food to assist with distracting your kitty during vaccinations and blood draws.

In cases where your cat must spend the night with us, we offer a cozy hospital ward that is separated away from our canine patients. This provides your kitty with a safe and quiet enclosed area to recover while still being monitored directly by our caring doctors and technical staff.   At night, our overnight nurses will monitor and assist your pet with any comfort or medical needs.

West Ridge Animal Hospital ensures a healthy and enriched quality of life for your kitty through quality and compassionate veterinary care, client education, and by enhancing the personal bond between you and your feline.  This means that during your cat’s visit we will provide you with the knowledge and options for the top-of-the-line veterinary care for your cat. This includes information on preventative care, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, dietary needs, behavioral issues, dental health and much more.  Our doctors and staff are committed to providing progressive feline medical care with our cat friendly practice because we recognize that your kitty is more than just your pet, they are a member of your family!