Our Cat Friendly Practice
A veterinary experience designed around cats
We’re delighted that Sage Vets is a Gold Cat Friendly Clinic, accredited through the International Cat Care (iCatCare) Cat Friendly Clinic programme. It recognises veterinary practices that have made a significant commitment to providing facilities, equipment and care specifically designed around the needs of cats.
Cats aren't treated as small dogs here, they're cared for as cats, from the moment they arrive to the moment they go home.
Why does being cat friendly matter?
A visit to the vet can be stressful for cats — from travelling in their carrier to unfamiliar sounds, smells and handling.
Our team understands feline behaviour and is trained to recognise signs of fear or anxiety, adapting our approach to help every cat feel safe and comfortable.
What to expect when you visit
A dedicated waiting area, consulting room and hospital ward
As a gold clinic we have a cat only waiting area and our cat consulting room is designed for cats to explore and settle.
Our cat-only hospital ward features spacious kennels with hides, creating a quiet, low-stress environment where cats feel safe and secure during treatment and recovery.
A gentle approach
An initial 30 minute consultation allows cats to acclimatise to their surroundings and gives us appropriate time for examinations and discussions. Every cat is different. Some are confident and curious; others may be nervous or easily overwhelmed.
We always:
handle cats gently and respectfully
give them time to settle
pay attention to their behaviour and body language
minimise unnecessary stress and noise
adapt our approach to the individual cat
keep cats separate from dogs
Tips and advice for vet visits
Getting your cat comfortable with their carrier, travelling securely and calmly, and allowing them time to settle can all help.
Read iCatCare's tips on reducing stress at the vets.
If you’re worried about bringing your cat to see us, please talk to our team. We’re happy to offer advice on making their visit as comfortable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We charge £65 for a standard consultation, and first appointments are 30 minutes.
Where more time is needed for a 2nd opinion or to discuss multiple complex issues, there is a 45 minute appointment for £125.
Consultations are free with our Pet Health Plan.
-
This is quite common, and there are ways we can help.
In some instances we can prescribe medication to administer before your visit that can ease stress and make your cat more relaxed. Please contact us before your visit if you would like to discuss this.
-
Absolutely! Our vets are experienced in treating and caring for older cats who have complex medical issues.
Common illnesses in older cats include osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism and renal disease. Sadly, these can sometimes occur together so require careful management.
-
Contact us during opening hours via email or phone. We aim to respond to non-urgent email enquiries within 1-2 business days.
You can also book appointments and register online at any time and one of our team will get back to you to follow up or arrange an appointment.
-
Sage Vets clients have free 24/7 access to veterinary advice via video messaging on the VidiVet app.
Where your cat needs to be seen in an emergency, our out of hours provider is the Queen Mother Hospital at the Royal Veterinary College in Potters Bar.
Click here for further information on our out-of-hours providers.