Located within the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH), this purpose-designed facility is the first in the province to be certified by International Cat Care (iCatCare), setting a new benchmark for feline care in South Africa, says the duo.

This milestone is part of a global effort to improve feline welfare by redesigning the veterinary experience with cats in mind. The clinic, tailored exclusively for cats, features a dedicated waiting area, consultation room and specialised equipment, all compliant with iCatCare's stringent Gold Standard. Staff and students receive extensive training in feline-friendly protocols, focusing on low-stress handling and emotional well-being, adds the duo.

To achieve iCatCare accreditation, clinics must meet comprehensive criteria covering clinical practices, environmental design, behaviour management and ongoing professional education. The University of Pretoria's facility earned Gold accreditation, recognising it as one of the most advanced feline care centres on the continent, says the duo.

A Shared Vision for Animal Welfare and Education

"This clinic reflects our commitment to advancing animal health through science, education and compassion," says Dr Kgasi, Director of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. "As South Africa's only tertiary institution dedicated to veterinary training, we take seriously our role in serving communities, supporting agriculture and contributing to the care of South Africa's diverse pets and wildlife. This facility enhances our ability to deliver outstanding feline care while equipping our students for real-world clinical practice."

He adds, "We are especially proud that this project has been another successful collaboration between the government, academia, the private sector and the animal welfare community. We sincerely thank Royal Canin for their long-standing support and invaluable contribution in bringing this vision to life."

Built for Cats, Backed by Global Standards

Royal Canin, part of Mars, Incorporated, played a key role in the project. Their support included infrastructure funding, iCatCare membership sponsorship, staff training assistance and the development of educational resources for both students and pet owners, adds the duo.

The initiative was proposed and championed by Dr Tanya Schoeman, Veterinary Specialist Physician and Royal Canin Feline Health Specialist. Planning began in early 2024, with construction commencing in 2025. The completed clinic features fully separate feline spaces and clinical infrastructure that meet the highest international standards, says the duo.

Why Cat-Friendly Clinics Matter

For many pet owners, veterinary visits can be stressful for cats, often leading to missed appointments and delayed care. Cat-Friendly Clinics address this by creating welcoming, low-stress environments specifically designed for feline patients, says the duo.

"This approach benefits both the animal and the pet parent," says Frank Chadinha, General Manager of Royal Canin South Africa. "At Royal Canin, we are guided by our purpose, 'A Better World For Pets'. This clinic brings that purpose to life by combining scientific innovation with practical education and meaningful collaboration."

Educating the Next Generation of Vets

As part of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, a national referral centre for animal care, the clinic plays a critical role in veterinary education. Final-year veterinary and veterinary nursing students complete clinical placements here, now benefiting from access to one of South Africa's most advanced feline care facilities, says the duo.

"This is more than a place for treating cats," Chadinha adds. "It is an environment that nurtures empathy and clinical excellence in future veterinarians. That is how lasting change is created."

National and Global Relevance

The clinic was officially launched in the presence of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, highlighting its alignment with South Africa's veterinary and public health priorities, adds the duo.

Responding to a Global Need

The clinic opens at a time of growing concern for global pet welfare. A recent international study by Mars Petcare revealed that more than 362-million cats and dogs are homeless in just 20 countries, with a troubling percentage living on the streets or in shelters, adds the duo.

"While pets are increasingly loved, many still lack access to proper care," says Dr Kgasi. "Clinics like this help bridge the gap between people's love for their animals and the quality of care those animals receive."

The clinic provides services at standard university hospital rates, based on the complexity of care required. While not a free facility, it plays a critical public health and educational role in promoting accessible, high-quality veterinary care, adds the duo.

A Longstanding Commitment to Veterinary Education

According to the duo, Royal Canin's collaboration with the University of Pretoria has a long history and is grounded in a shared commitment to advancing veterinary education and clinical care. Through leveraging its technical support networks, Royal Canin contributes to a range of educational and clinical activities at Onderstepoort, including:

  • "lunch & Learn" sessions focused on specialist nutrition for dogs and cats
  • guest lectures during Ethology Classes
  • weekly reproductive nutrition talks for final-year students
  • journal club for final year students on their Small Animal Medicine clinic rotation
  • sponsorship of Veterinary and Veterinary nursing professional life lectures, and
  • nutritional support for in-hospital patients.

A New Chapter in Feline Care

This Cat-Friendly Clinic is more than just a physical space. It represents what is possible when science, compassion, and partnership combine to advance animal welfare. It marks progress not only in clinical care, but also in veterinary education and the way society values cats and those who care for them, concludes the duo.

For more information, visit www.royalcanin.com. You can also follow Royal Canin on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor