A RUNCORN animal hospital is celebrating after being honoured with a prestigious award.

Linnaeus-owned Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS) has been recognised for the steps it has taken to reduce stress in cats, both as in-patients and out-patients.

This includes include creating separate dog and cat waiting areas, a separate cat consulting room, feline-friendly hospitalisation cages, and using veterinary equipment specifically for treating cats, such as small scales and quiet clippers.

Most importantly, staff are encouraged to approach and handle cats sensitively and respectfully.

As a result, the animal has been recognised as a gold-level cat-friendly clinic by the International Society of Feline Medicine.

Emma Coogan, a veterinary nurse and cat advocate at NWVS who is dedicated to training new staff how to nurse cats with appreciation of their specific needs, said: “We are delighted to have gained a gold ISFM award, the highest possible.

“It is a clear recognition of the steps we have taken to ensure our feline patients always receive the highest standard of care.

“The team here at NWVS fully appreciates the needs of cats and always strive to make visits to us cat-friendly and stress free, including for owners.”

Other cat-friendly measures at NWVS include water fountains and scratching facilities available to cats, a separate cat ward to ensure a peaceful environment, plus allowing two owners to come into consultation.

Leanne Doherty, fellow cat advocate at NWVS, said: “We had to clearly demonstrate we understand the needs of cats, while the team are also expected to continually update our knowledge of feline medicine as-and-when new findings become available.”