Cat Friendly Certificates Milestone


June 21, 2023 • • • • •

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Cats still trail dogs in veterinary visits, but they’re leaping forwards. There are many reasons for this, and certainly encouraging veterinary practices to be more cat friendly has motivated a shift in veterinary catitude. So much has happened to benefit cats over the past decade or so, mostly led by millennials and Gen Z cat parents and with the The American Association of Feline Practitioners leading the charge.

Around fifty years ago, cats were often an ‘after thought,’ second class pet citizens. I said it 2008 at a meeting which led to creating the CATalyst Council and the line has been quoted countless times. “Cats are the Rodney Dangerfield of pets; they get no respect.” Well, today – from cat conventions to cat cafe’s – cats are sometimes regarded as the Gods they really are and as ancient Egyptians worshipped. And it’s about time!

Congratulations to the The American Association of Feline Practitioners on 10,000  Cat Friendly Certificates. Here is their press release:

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the trusted leader in feline health and wellbeing for the veterinary community and cat caregivers, proudly announces the milestone of awarding 10,000 Cat Friendly Certificates. Since its inception in September 2020, the Program has attracted more than 15,000 veterinary professionals who have embraced the initiative.

The Cat Friendly Certificate Program aims to build the knowledge, skills, and best in-clinic practices for caring for cats and is tailored to the individual roles within a practice. With three certificate categories—Cat Friendly Veterinarian (CFV), Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional (CFVP), and Cat Friendly Veterinary Advocate (CFVA)—the Program provides comprehensive education for exceptional care for cats for all veterinary career levels.

“We are thrilled to witness the monumental achievement of 10,000 veterinary professionals obtaining a Cat Friendly Certificate,” stated Heather O’Steen, CAE, AAFP’s CEO. “This milestone not only reflects their unwavering commitment to feline wellbeing, but also embodies the core mission of the AAFP to elevate the standard of care for cats.”

The Cat Friendly Certificate Program has garnered prestigious accolades, including the 2021 ASAE Gold Circle Award and the 2021 Best in Business Award from Veterinary Medical Association Executives. All courses offered by the Program are available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a diverse global audience.

The AAFP expresses their appreciation and gratitude to the Cat Friendly Certificate and Cat Friendly Practice® Sponsors who support these Programs – Zoetis, Royal Canin, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ceva, Elanco, Hill’s, IDEXX, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, as well as our Program Supporter, Wedgewood Pharmacy.

This Program can also be the first step for individuals to gather and implement learnings in order to start their journey to become a Cat Friendly Practice®. Veterinary professionals interested in earning a Cat Friendly Certificate are encouraged to visit the AAFP website to explore further details and embark on their journey toward improving their skills and knowledge about cats and helping to elevate feline healthcare and wellbeing.