Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 6 Autumn 2018 | Page 7

CHRISTCHURCH Feline-only veterinary clinics are becoming common all around the world, and Christchurch now has its first one. Owner Dr Ian Ross, who trained in Prince Edward Island, Canada, opened The Cat Vet 12 months ago, and says his clients think the clinic is just the cat’s pyjamas. It’s getting busier and busier every day! “Visiting the vet can be incredibly stressful for a cat at the best of times, and sick cats are even more upset at being exposed to noise and strange smells,” says Ian, who has a background in emergency and after-hours care. “It makes sense that they should be able to visit the vet and not have to listen to the sound of barking dogs, be beside them in the waiting room or, even worse, have to smell them and listen to them if they need to stay in hospital. “When cats are less frightened, it is also easier for the vets and nurses to handle them. Under these conditions it is surprising how much can be carried out without the need for sedation. Many cats will allow blood testing and catheter placement quite calmly when they are handled gently. Being less stressed also helps for a speedy recovery, so cats spend less time in the hospital when they are unwell.” The team at The Cat Vet are all about removing the stress from feline friends. They are all cat fanatics and are passionate about their jobs. Dr Kate Arnold, who works alongside Ian, has postgraduate qualifications in feline medicine. She is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and belongs to the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners. Four veterinary nurses complete the crew, and together they are able to provide comprehensive veterinary care tailored for cats, complete with up to date knowledge and expertise. The clinic takes a proactive approach to caring for cats. Both Ian and Kate believe that prevention is better than cure, so give plenty of advice on what owners should do to make sure their cats live long and happy lives. “Rather than waiting for a pet to become unwell, we advocate for regular checkups so that problems such as kidney disease and dental disease can be detected and managed as early as possible,” says Ian. Vaccination protocols and wellness plans are tailored to the individual cat’s needs, and the vets have plenty of behavioural advice to make sure problem behaviours are addressed early. The clinic provides after-hours care, at nights and during the weekend, so they are always available in the event of an emergency. “This means that critically ill cats can stay in the clinic rather than be transferred across town for overnight care. “It’s all about providing the best veterinary care possible for your pet cat.” SureFlap M icrochip Pet Door Connect and Hub WIN! The world's first app-controlled microchip pet door that works with your pet’s existing microchip. The Hub links the Pet Door Connect to the Sure Petcare app Know whether your pets are at home and can monitor long-term activity Remotely lock/unlock the pet door anytime, anywhere from the Sure Petcare app Prevents intruder animals entering your home Receive notifications when your pet enters and leaves your home Create a curfew – set the door to lock/unlock at any time from the Sure Petcare app Designed for large cats and small dogs (RRP ) $3 86.99NZD Selective entry – any animal can exit Pet Life has one Sure Petcare Cat Flap Bundle to give away*. Email [email protected] with SurePetCare in the subject line and include your name and address to be in the draw. *Winner will recieve one SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect and Hub bundle. Phone not included in competition. Competition closes 31 May 2018, with winners details published in our winter issue.