A GALASHIELS veterinary practice has taken strides to reduce the stress of surgery visits for their feline patients.

Border Vets, which also has practices in Selkirk and Innerleithen, has introduced a cat-friendly waiting room and separate cat ward at its surgery in Gala Terrace, in a bid to reduce anxiety for cats and their owners.

They have also introduced cat-only clinics, enabling owners to bring their cats along safe in the knowledge that they won’t encounter any canine conflict.

The calm environment helps the practice to meet the unique requirements of cats and is ensuring that practice visits are a less fraught experience for many owners.

The improvements to the care of cats led to Border Vets receiving Silver Status accreditation from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).

The transition toward the feline-friendly environment has been overseen by vet Kate Cottam, veterinary nurse Jess Snedden and student veterinary nurse Claire White.

Kate said: “We recognise that because of their unique nature and needs, taking a cat to a veterinary clinic can be very stressful, both for the cat and also the owner.

“The improvements we have made are aimed at ensuring the best possible experience for cats and owners when they come to Border Vets.

“Most cats are very wary when they come in so feel safer with a barrier separating them from dogs in the waiting room.

“We’ve had a positive reaction from owners and their cats and it is definitely making a difference to their experience of being in the practice.”