Cat Friendly Practice® — Gold Level
The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill holds Cat Friendly Practice® Gold certification — the highest level awarded by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). To earn Gold status, a practice must demonstrate excellence across more than 90 criteria covering facility design, staff training, handling techniques, and the overall feline experience.
Most Cat Friendly Practices are mixed-species clinics that have adapted to better accommodate cats. We are different: this practice was built exclusively for cats from day one. There are no dogs in the waiting room, no unfamiliar animal sounds or scents — just a calm, quiet environment designed around feline needs.
Why It Matters to Your Cat
Cats experience the world differently from dogs. Unfamiliar environments, sounds, and handling can trigger a stress response that makes a vet visit genuinely difficult — and can even mask clinical signs, making diagnosis harder.
Our practice addresses this at every level:
- Cat-only environment. No dogs, no competing smells. The sounds, scents, and pace of the clinic are calibrated for cats.
- Low-stress handling. Our staff are trained in feline-specific techniques — gentle restraint, flexible positioning, and reading behavioral cues — so your cat is never forced into a position that frightens them.
- Unhurried appointments. We allow time for cats to acclimate to the exam room before the visit begins.
- Feline pheromone products. We use synthetic feline pheromone diffusers and sprays throughout the clinic to promote a sense of calm and familiarity.
- Carrier guidance. We coach clients on making carriers a comfortable, familiar space at home — because a less stressed arrival means a better visit for everyone.
Our Veterinarians
Both Dr. Mary Szymkowski and Dr. Margaret Edwards-Seal are individually recognized FelineVMA members, reflecting their personal commitment to the highest standards of feline medicine.
To learn more about how Cat Friendly certification benefits your cat, watch these educational videos from the FelineVMA.