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WHY HAVE A CAT CLINIC?:
Veterinary Medicine has its roots back in the days when the
horse was vital for transport, communication and farming. If
the horse couldn't function, livelihoods were affected so it
was essential to have someone who knew how to get the horse
back to good health. Although we might not be impressed with
the thought, veterinary surgeons were essentially the AA of
their time.
When mechanised transport appeared, work horse numbers declined
but the farming industry was then finding a greater need for
the services of a veterinary surgeon. If small animals were
treated, they tended to be dogs which had some value as a working
animal. A cat? Forget it.
Lifestyles began to change. The population moved away from
the country to live in cities and towns. People began to feel
the need for a companion animal in their lives. The dog firmly
established itself as the major player in this role. It no longer
had to work for its keep but was integrated into the family
structure. As owners became more emotionally bonded with their
pets they had higher expectations of health care. Veterinary
medicine evolved accordingly. Textbooks concerning canine anatomy,
medicine and surgery appeared. Vets started treating dogs on
a more regular basis and we began to see vets who were able
to make a living working purely with small animals. But not
everyone had a dog. Although very little was known about other
species, many vets were willing to see what they could do for
other pets.
 Initially
vets were treating cats like small dogs but it soon became clear
that this contrary creature liked to do things its own way.
We started recognising cat medicine in its own right around
twenty to thirty years ago. Veterinary knowledge boomed and
vets became increasingly aware of the impossibility of retaining
a comprehensive knowledge of all species. More vets opted to
become either small or large animal practitioners. Even within
these divisions, we realised the value of specialism in certain
fields.
Around fifteen years ago it became possible for vets to study
for postgraduate certificates or diplomas in subjects such as
orthopaedics, dermatology and ophthalmology. The growing public
demand for more advanced treatment meant it was financially
feasible for specialist vets to work purely in their area of
expertise. Lifestyles changed again. The past decade has seen
more working women and more single person households. We still
wanted an animal companion in our lives but we needed one which
was more independent than the dog. Cat numbers started to increase.
 In
the mid 1990's the cat population in the United Kingdom had
overtaken that of the dog. We've now reached the stage where
the number of cats in this country and the expectations of owners
can allow the development of primarily cat only practices. From
being unheard of in the early 1990's, we now have around a dozen
of these practices in Great Britain.
THE VETERINARY CAT CLINIC is one of only two private veterinary
practices in Scotland to care exclusively for cats. Our clinic
has been designed and equipped with your cat in mind. Comprehensive
medical, surgical and x-ray facilities are available and a large
range of up-to-date feline medicines is stocked. Trips to a
veterinary practice can be quite stressful for cats, but a building
free of the sights and sounds of other species means we can
provide as relaxed an atmosphere as possible for your pet.
 "Talisker"
shows how relaxed some of our patients can be. The picture was
taken just before his booster vaccination. He didn't move when
he had his injection!
 Proof
that there was someone in there and he wasn't sedated!
Cat exclusive clinics are still few and far between in this
country. If you live too far away to make use of our veterinary
clinics, have a look at vetlist.co.uk
to find a veterinary clinic near you. Speak to local cat rescue
organisations or other cat owners to find out your nearest cat
friendly practice.
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