Here at Bassler Veterinary Hospital, we understand that cats are a unique, wonderful species requiring a soft touch, a gentle hand, and specialized veterinary care. We love cats and want their visit to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so we’ve dedicated ourselves to learning the best ways to perform necessary care with unnecessary stress. 

Treating cats with kindness, compassion, and respect

It’s so wonderful to hear the difference we make in our patients’ lives and comfort level when we treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. We understand how scary leaving home is for many cats, especially when they are going to the veterinary hospital where they’re surrounded by barking dogs, pheromones scented with terror, and unfriendly exam rooms. To help our feline patients receive the best care, and stay happy and healthy, we now cater to their specific needs. Dr. Bassler is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and it shows—she’s been called the “Cat Whisperer.” Rest assured your beloved cat will receive dedicated, personalized care when in our team’s hands. 

Feline-friendly practice hallmarks

Not every veterinary practice has what it takes to claim cat-friendly status. For veterinary professionals who are passionate about cat compassion and care, such as ourselves, they will take the extra steps to cater to their feline patients and their distinct needs. To ensure all cats who enter our hospital are comfortable and minimally stressed, we follow the guidelines set down by the American Association of Feline Practitioners for a feline-friendly practice:

  • Waiting area designed to reduce the stress associated with noise, unfamiliar smells, or other pets by having a feline-only area, visual barriers between cats and dogs, or times blocked off for feline appointments only
  • Veterinary team receives ongoing continuing education dedicated to feline medical care, handling techniques, behavior, and communication
  • Feline-only exam room that allows cats to be calmly and efficiently examined in a safe and non-threatening manner
  • Team members trained in identifying early, subtle signs of feline illness, fear, or anxiety with the ability to adjust accordingly to reduce issues
  • Veterinary facility that is equipped for feline patients with cat-sized equipment, soft exam table coverings, feline pheromone diffusers and sprays, and trained team members, separate dog and cat areas
  • Flexible team members who allow cats to dictate their exams, whether they’re performed on the floor, in the carrier, or on the owner’s lap
  • Communication and resources designed to educate cat owners on important feline issues, such as parasite prevention, zoonotic diseases, nutrition, environmental enrichment inside the home, and normal cat behaviors and how to provide the appropriate outlet for scratching and hunting
  • Emphasis on pain management and how to read feline facial grimaces to evaluate pain and discomfort
  • Dedicated surgical and dentistry equipment designed for smaller feline patients
  • Comfortable and thoughtful hospitalization that allows cats to feel safe and secure with hiding places for them to retreat to and relax in

Although these changes may sound extensive, they’re relatively simple to implement, especially for veterinary practices dedicated to offering the best care to their feline patients. We view these changes as necessary for the optimal health of your cat. 

What sets Bassler Veterinary Hospital apart from other veterinary practices

We understand that cats are not small dogs and require vastly different handling methods to perform necessary medical care. To ensure that all our feline patients receive optimal care for a long and happy life, we have set our sights on accommodating cats and their special needs. Here are just a few ways we focus on feline-friendly methods:

  • Specialized anesthetic protocols for safe surgical procedures
  • Careful intubation techniques to prevent tracheal tears, which can occur with a cat’s delicate anatomy
  • Quiet surgical recovery areas that are feline-only with no howling, barking dogs
  • Separate waiting areas for cats and dogs to avoid a sniffing nose thrust into your cat’s face (or the unfortunate leg lift and a shower of urine into your cat’s carrier)
  • Separate exam rooms designed with feline comfort in mind
  • Patience during appointments to allow cats to make the first move to explore the exam room and greet us
  • Low-stress handling techniques that include quiet voices, slow movements, and minimal restraint
  • Reading cat behavior and avoiding pushing a patient over her limit

Is your cat typically freaked out at the veterinary hospital? See the difference our feline-friendly skills make for scared cats by scheduling an appointment.