FELINE visitors to a Nailsea veterinary clinic have been given a dedicated waiting room in a bid to make their time there less stressful.

As a result, Watkins & Tasker Veterinary Group has now been given a gold standard award in the internationally-recognised Cat Friendly Clinic Scheme.

The High Street branch also has a ward solely for any cats that need to be hospitalised and all staff are assessed as part of the scheme, from receptionists to nurses and vets ensuring they handle cats gently.

International Cat Care set up the scheme to address issues including the fact cats do not feel safe away from their home territory and are extremely sensitive to strange sounds and smells. This can be exacerbated by being close to dogs.

Vet and cat advocate Fiona Chapman said: “This is a great achievement and an example of our genuine commitment to high standards of veterinary care.

“We have worked really hard to make sure this is a cat friendly surgery, keeping a visit to the vets as stress-free as possible for both cats and their owners.

“It is a much better experience for all involved.”