Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic
Since 2019, Casey and Cranbourne Veterinary Hospital has been recognised as a Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). This is the highest level achievable, and we undertake rigorous reaccreditation every three years to maintain this standard.
Gold status means your cat receives care in an environment designed specifically for feline needs, delivered by a team committed to reducing stress and supporting welfare at every stage of their visit.
“Our Gold Standard accreditation reflects our commitment to understanding cats as unique patients, not just small dogs.”
What Gold Standard Means for Your Cat
From the moment you arrive, the clinic has been set up with cats in mind. We have a separate cat-only waiting area, ensuring your cat isn’t exposed to the stress of being near dogs. Our dedicated cat-only hospital ward provides a calm space for cats requiring hospitalisation, and all veterinary equipment is specifically chosen for treating cats.
We’ve also been a CEVA Calm Clinic since 2010, using Feliway pheromone diffusers in waiting areas, consult rooms and hospital wards. These small details reduce stress for both visiting cats and those staying with us.
Our staff are trained to interact with cats gently and respectfully. Handling is kept calm, procedures are explained clearly, and we take time to let your cat settle before examinations begin.
Advanced Feline Medicine
Dr. Tamara Albers is undertaking memberships in Feline Medicine, bringing advanced training in cat-specific conditions to our general practice. Combined with her background as a pharmacologist, this provides access to advanced feline care without referral.
Cats are not small dogs. They have unique health needs, respond differently to stress, and require different approaches to medication and care. Our Gold Standard status ensures these differences are respected in everything we do.
To maintain our accreditation, our veterinary team continues professional development through feline-specific education programs. This ongoing commitment allows us to deliver exceptional cat care with both compassion and clinical expertise.
Feline-Specific Services
Our approach to feline care includes:
- Cat-only waiting area and recommendation for consultation times reducing exposure to dogs
- Stress-minimised handling techniques
- Feline-specific diagnostic protocols
- Advanced feline medicine for complex conditions
- Separate cat hospital ward with pheromone support
- Senior cat health programs
- Feline chronic disease management
Why ISFM Gold Standard Matters
Gold accreditation is not simply awarded. It requires demonstrating commitment to holistic feline welfare, maintaining cat-specific facilities, and ensuring the entire team receives ongoing feline education. Only a small number of clinics achieve and maintain Gold Standard status.
If your cat has previously found vet visits stressful or if they struggle with being in clinical environments, our Gold Standard approach may make their experience calmer and more comfortable.
Our Services
Trusted Veterinary Services All Under One Roof
Your pet’s care is supported by a highly experienced team who provide everything from routine check ups and preventative care, to advanced diagnostics, surgery and dentistry. We take a careful, thorough approach to every case and keep you informed at each step, so your pet receives reliable, compassionate care throughout their life.
Whether your pet needs everyday health support, or help with a more complex condition, our team work together to provide clear answers and thoughtful treatment in a calm, modern hospital.
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Pet Care Articles
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Real Life Case Studies
Real stories from our veterinary team showing how we diagnose, treat and support pets through illness and recovery.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
What is ISFM Gold Standard accreditation?
ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) Gold Standard is the highest level of Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation. It recognises clinics that demonstrate exceptional commitment to feline welfare, maintain cat-specific facilities, and ensure ongoing staff education in feline care.
How is your clinic different for cats?
We have a separate cat-only waiting area, a dedicated cat hospital ward, feline-specific equipment, and Feliway pheromone support throughout. Our team is trained in low-stress handling techniques designed specifically for cats.
Do you have a vet who has advanced training in cats?
Dr. Tamara Albers is undertaking memberships in Feline Medicine and brings a pharmacology background to feline care. While we’re a general practice, our Gold Standard status and Dr Tamara’s advanced training provide a high level of feline care locally.
Why choose an ISFM Gold Standard clinic for my cat?
ISFM Gold Standard accreditation is rare in Australia and reflects the highest level of feline-specific care. While there are only a small number of Gold-accredited clinics in Victoria, Casey and Cranbourne Veterinary Hospital is proud to be one of them. Cat owners from Cranbourne West, Cranbourne East, Skye, Berwick and surrounding suburbs often tell us they appreciate the extra time, quiet environment and considered handling their cats receive here. Gold status is not just a title, it represents dedicated facilities, advanced feline knowledge and a genuine commitment to reducing stress and improving long-term outcomes for cats.
My cat gets very stressed at the vet. Can you help?
Yes. Our Gold Standard facilities and approach are designed specifically to reduce feline stress. From separate waiting areas to calm handling techniques and pheromone support, every element considers your cat’s welfare. Reducing your cat’s anxiety starts before their visit to the clinic. We have recommendations for cat carriers that are easy to lift your cat out gently when they come to the clinic.
We encourage owners to leave the cat carrier out for the cat to become comfortable around it prior to their appointment. Using Feliway spray in the cat carrier as well as covering their cage with a towel whilst they are in transit to the clinic is also helpful for reducing your cat’s stress. Really anxious cats may require medication to be administered prior to coming to the clinic especially those that require repeat visits for blood tests to monitor chronic conditions such as hyperthyroidism
Do you see many cat patients from Clyde and the surrounding areas?
Yes. We regularly care for cats from Clyde and the surrounding areas, including Lynbrook, Cranbourne West, Cranbourne East, Seaford, Syke and Devon Meadows. Our Gold Standard Cat Friendly status and advanced feline medicine capabilities attract cat owners seeking experienced, cat-focused care.
What feline conditions do you treat?
We treat the full range of feline conditions, from routine care through to complex cases. Dr Tamara’s memberships in Feline Medicine and her pharmacology background support advanced medical management of conditions that might typically require specialist referral.
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Contact Info
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:00am –
7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Closed on public holidays
For all out-of-hours emergencies,
please contact Veterinary Referral Hospital (VRH) on 1300 385 874
or Casey Pet Emergency on (03) 8790 1625.