Cat-Friendly Veterinary Care in Philadelphia, PA
BECAUSE CATS DESERVE BETTER THAN A DOG’S VET VISIT
We understand that cats are not small dogs—and we care for them accordingly.
A Veterinary Practice That Truly Understands Cats
That’s why Companion Pet Hospital has earned the Cat-Friendly Practice℠ designation from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)—a recognition that reflects our commitment to providing veterinary care specifically designed around the needs of cats. Combined with our standing as Philadelphia’s only Fear Free Certified Practice, we offer cat owners in Pennsport, Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia, and the surrounding area a genuinely different kind of veterinary experience.
Our entire team—from our veterinarians to our front desk staff—is trained in feline-friendly handling and communication. Every aspect of how we care for your cat is guided by what makes them feel safe.
What does the Cat-Friendly Practice℠ designation mean?
The Cat-Friendly Practice℠ program is administered by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and recognizes veterinary practices that meet a set of established standards for feline care. These standards cover the physical environment of the clinic, staff training in cat behavior and handling, feline-specific medical protocols, and the overall approach to reducing stress during veterinary visits.
Earning this designation requires a deliberate commitment—not just to treating cats medically, but to understanding how they think, how they respond to stress, and how to build trust with a species that doesn’t give it easily.
What makes a cat-friendly visit different?
From the moment you arrive, your experience at Companion Pet Hospital is designed with your cat in mind. We maintain separate waiting areas for cats and dogs so your cat is never in close proximity to an unfamiliar dog—one of the most common sources of feline distress in a standard veterinary setting.
We use feline pheromone products, including Feliway-sprayed towels, throughout our exam rooms and waiting areas to promote a sense of calm. Our team approaches every cat at their own pace, using gentle, low-restraint handling techniques that minimize fear and build trust over time. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling, including options that reduce the time your cat spends waiting in the clinic.
My cat is extremely stressed by car rides and carriers. Can you help?
Yes. We know that for many cat owners, the journey to the vet is half the battle. Our team can advise you on carrier training techniques that help your cat feel comfortable in their carrier before the visit—so that by the time they arrive, they’re already calmer than they might otherwise be.
We can also discuss pre-visit anxiety management options during your appointment. Our goal is to make the full experience—from leaving the house to returning home—as low-stress as possible for your cat and for you.
What kinds of cats do you see?
We provide cat-friendly care for cats of all ages, breeds, and temperaments—including cats who have had difficult veterinary experiences in the past. Whether your cat is a relaxed, easy-going companion or a cat who has historically needed to be removed from their carrier with great difficulty, our team is experienced in working with the full spectrum of feline personalities.
From kitten wellness visits and vaccinations to senior cat care, dental cleanings, and surgery, all of our services are available with the same cat-friendly approach.
What if my cat needs to stay for a procedure?
When your cat needs to remain with us for a procedure or monitoring, we take their comfort seriously throughout their entire stay. Cats are housed separately from dogs in our facility at all times. We use feline-appropriate handling protocols during all in-hospital procedures, and our team checks in regularly to monitor each patient’s stress levels alongside their medical status.
We believe that a cat who feels safe heals better—and we build that belief into every aspect of their in-hospital care.
We invite you to bring your cat in and experience our approach for yourself. Book a cat-friendly visit at Companion Pet Hospital—we can’t wait to meet them.