SOMERSET veterinary nurse Cate Anstie is the cat’s whiskers when it comes to preventing cute kitties from turning into fierce felines when they visit the vets.

Cate is passionate about cats and enjoys advising clients at the hospital on Quantock Terrace, The Drove, Bridgwater, about their pet’s unique behaviour and how to manage stress, both at home and when visiting the vets for treatment or routine healthcare appointments.

Cats make great pets because they are playful and affectionate, but even the cutest kitty can turn into a scaredy-cat when they go to the vet.

She said: “Cats are very mysterious creatures and are often misunderstood, so I find it very rewarding to help owners discover ways they can keep their pets calm and content.

"Even making simple changes at home can make a big difference, such as making sure they don’t have to share resources like litter boxes and food stations if you have more than one cat.

“When cats come to see us at the veterinary hospital, we do everything we can to keep them as stress-free as possible.

"One of the things I learned on my course was to give them plenty of time, so we allow them to come out of their carriers when they’re ready and they can explore the consulting room if they want to.

“This makes the cats feel in control and they become visibly less stressed. They then have a much nicer experience and are easier for the veterinary team to examine and treat.

"It also gives owners peace of mind that their pet is receiving the best care in an environment they feel safe and comfortable in.”

To help owners better understand the unique nature and needs of their pets and keep them calm and happy, Cate, who works at Quantock Veterinary Hospital, has spent a year studying cat health, welfare, and behaviour.

She completed her Certificate in Feline Nursing with the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary division of the charity International Cat Care, passing her exams with flying colours to achieve a purr-fect distinction.

Quantock Veterinary Hospital is officially a cat-friendly practice and has been awarded Gold-standard status by International Cat Care.

It boasts a separate waiting area for cats, to keep them away from dogs, where carriers can be placed up high on a special shelving unit.

There is also a separate hospital ward for feline in-patients in a quiet and peaceful area of the practice, with individual kennels designed to meet a cat’s needs, including a place to hide.

Cate, a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), has worked at Quantock Vets for six years and owns a cat called Cole.