Laura Watson RVN ISFM AdvCertFB Dip FN qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2018 and has 16 years’ nursing experience in small animal first opinion clinics. Laura has a passion for feline welfare, which inspired her to complete the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour and Diploma in Feline Nursing to support her role as Clinical Lead and provide species-specific care, develop her feline nursing, and support cat caregivers with first aid behaviour advice in the veterinary clinic. In 2022, Laura joined International Cat Care as Cat Welfare Coordinator and assists with the delivery for the Cat Friendly Clinic programme, creating content for the charity’s social media channels, courses, newsletters and campaigns, and delivers webinars and lectures to veterinary audiences.
Talk synopsis
Cat Friendly Clinic – The Receptionist’s Role
This talk explores how the veterinary receptionist team can be empowered to play a pivotal role in supporting feline patients and their caregivers throughout the clinic journey. Attendees will learn how to interpret feline body language and behaviour from caregiver reports and waiting room observations and effectively communicate these insights to the wider veterinary team to enhance patient care. The session also provides practical guidance on supporting cat caregivers with travel preparation, carrier selection and training, safe transport, and medication compliance, alongside strategies for creating cat-friendly waiting areas that promote positive welfare and reduce stress during veterinary visits.