We’re excited to share that Cascade Summit Animal Hospital has once again achieved Gold-Level Cat Friendly Practice recognition from the Feline Veterinary Medical Association! This is the highest level of feline-focused accreditation, and we’re proud to uphold these standards to ensure every feline patient receives exceptional care.
Many pet parents are surprised to learn just how different cats are from dogs when it comes to medical care. They have unique behavioral needs, stress triggers, and communication styles. Our Cat Friendly certification ensures that we honor those differences—providing care that is not only medically excellent, but also emotionally mindful.
And don’t worry—we remain a full-service hospital for both dogs and cats! This certification simply ensures that our feline friends receive the additional, specialized attention they deserve.
What It Means to Be a Gold-Level Cat Friendly Practice
Achieving and maintaining Gold status requires adherence to strict standards in environment, handling, training, and medical protocols. Here’s what that looks like at Cascade Summit Animal Hospital:
A Calmer, Cat-Considerate Environment
Slow, gentle, and considerate handling to help your cat feel safe
Use of calming feline pheromones throughout the hospital
Soft bedding, warm surfaces, and thoughtful environmental setups
Noise reduction and separation from dogs whenever possible
Cats thrive in environments where they feel secure, so we’ve designed our space with feline comfort in mind—from the waiting area to the exam rooms.
Expertly Trained Team
All staff receive ongoing training in feline behavior and low-stress handling techniques
Veterinarians stay up to date with the latest feline medical research and treatment recommendations
Technicians and assistants use handling approaches tailored to each cat’s individual comfort level
Cats often hide signs of stress or illness, so having a team deeply trained in feline-specific care ensures they get the attention and diagnostics they need.
Care That Respects Your Cat
Techniques that reduce anxiety and promote cooperation
Customized strategies for anxious, senior, or chronically ill cats
More accurate diagnostics thanks to calmer, more relaxed patients
When cats feel understood and supported, they’re more likely to have a positive experience—which leads to better medical outcomes.
Why Cat Friendly Certification Matters
Cats are often underserved in veterinary medicine—not because people don’t love them, but because stress makes it difficult for many cats to visit the vet. Our Cat Friendly designation shows our commitment to improving that experience.
By creating a hospital environment where cats feel safe and understood, we help:
Reduce fear and anxiety during visits
Foster better communication between cats, owners, and our team
Support long-term health through more frequent and comfortable wellness care
Thank You for Trusting Us With Your Feline Family
We’re honored to be recognized at the Gold level once again, and we’re grateful to our clients for trusting us with their beloved cats. Whether your feline friend is bold and curious, shy and cautious, or somewhere in between, we’re here to provide compassionate, individualized care every step of the way.
If you have questions about what it means to be a Cat Friendly Practice—or how we can help make your cat’s next visit easier—please reach out. We’re here to help!