The University of Pretoria’s (UP) faculty of Veterinary Science this month launched Gauteng’s first – and South Africa’s second – gold-status cat-friendly clinic at its Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.

This international accreditation, awarded by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) through the iCatCare Veterinary Society, recognises veterinary clinics that meet the highest global standards in feline care, handling and clinical design.

This milestone positions the academic hospital as a national leader in feline health and veterinary education. It also reaffirms UP’s commitment to excellence in animal welfare and One Health, a collaborative approach that aims for the best health outcomes by acknowledging the connections between human, animal and environmental health.

The new facility follows the first gold-status cat-friendly clinic in South Africa, awarded to Midlands Veterinary Hospital in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal last year.

“This achievement reflects the university’s dedication to clinical service, the well-being of all animals and training future veterinarians to the highest standard,” said Dr Alfred Kgasi, Director of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.

According to him, it is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong collaborations, in this case, with Royal Canin. Royal Canin, which specialises in nutritional products for cats and dogs, is a key partner in the project.

The cat-friendly clinic programme was created to improve the veterinary experience for cats and their owners by offering facilities that minimise stress for feline patients. It provides species-specific care and serves as a training ground for veterinary students, exposing them to feline-focused clinical practice and research. It also strengthens UP’s research efforts into feline diseases, behaviour and stress-reduction strategies.

Gold status – the ISFM’s highest level of certification – requires rigorous compliance with the international society’s best-practice guidelines across key areas. These include clinic design and facilities. The clinic should have dedicated cat-only spaces, and separate waiting and consultation rooms that are designed to reduce stress through careful regulation of sound, smell and sight.

Veterinary knowledge and skills are also vital, with ongoing professional development in feline-specific medicine, behaviour and handling techniques required of veterinarians. Meanwhile, gentle handling, minimal restraint and empathetic communication with cat caregivers are embedded into every stage of treatment.

Marizelle De Clercq, the first veterinary nurse at the Onderstepoort facility, said this is a place where cats are truly understood and treated with the compassion and respect they deserve. “It will make a real difference, not only to our feline patients, but to those of us who care deeply for them.”

She will be part of a team of “catvocates” – trained veterinary professionals including vets, veterinary nurses and reception staff who will champion feline care to the highest standard at the clinic.

“Our team will operate with ‘cattitude’ – a deep understanding of feline needs, combined with ongoing training and a commitment to constantly improving the clinic and our protocols,” De Clercq said.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za

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