Gauteng MEC For Agriculture And Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgoa joins attendees to honour milestone.
The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort, in partnership with Royal Canin, a global leader in pet nutrition, has officially opened Gauteng’s first internationally accredited Cat-Friendly Clinic. 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.
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 wellbeing.
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.
A Shared Vision for Animal Welfare and Education
“This clinic reflects our commitment to advancing animal health through science, education, and compassion,” said 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 added, “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.
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.
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.
“This approach benefits both the animal and the pet parent,” said 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.”
