The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science this week proudly launched Gauteng’s first — and South Africa’s second — Gold Status Cat-Friendly Clinic (CFC) at its Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH). This prestigious international accreditation, awarded by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) through the iCatCare Veterinary Society, recognises veterinary clinics that meet the highest global standards in feline care, handling, and clinical design.

This milestone positions OVAH as a national leader in feline health and veterinary education, while reaffirming UP’s commitment to excellence in animal welfare and One Health.

“This achievement reflects the university’s dedication to the well-being of all animals, clinical service and training future veterinarians to the highest standard,” said Dr Alfred Kgasi, Director of the OVAH who also welcomed the guests. “It is also a great example of what we can accomplish through strong collaborations — in this case, with Royal Canin.”

The Cat-Friendly Clinic programme was created to improve the experience of cats and their owners during veterinary visits. It focuses on species-specific care, staff training, and facilities that minimise stress for feline patients. The Gold Status — the highest level of certification — requires rigorous compliance with ISFM’s best-practice guidelines.

Click here for more photos of the event and facility 

The launch event, hosted at OVAH, was attended by senior university staff, government dignitaries including the Hon. MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC for Agriculture & Rural Development in Gauteng, and representatives from Royal Canin, a key partner in the project. Faculty staff included Prof Marinda Oosthuizen, Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies who gave a presentation about the faculty, Dr Kgasi, Sr Lizette Neethling, OVAH Manager, and Sr Marizelle de Clercq, First Veterinary Nurse in the OVAH.

Sr de Clercq, one of the speakers at the launch and cat owner, expressed personal pride in the new facility: “As a cat parent, this clinic means the world to me. It’s a place where cats are truly understood and treated with the compassion and respect, they deserve. It will make a real difference — not only to our feline patients but to those of us who care deeply for them.”

Sr de Clercq will be part of a dedicated team of ‘Catvocates’ — trained veterinary professionals including vets, veterinary nurses, and reception staff who will champion feline care to the highest standard in this clinic, specifically designed with cats in mind. “Our team will operate with ‘cattitude’,” she added. “That means a deep understanding of feline needs, combined with ongoing training and a commitment to constantly improving the clinic and our protocols.”

Watch a short clip of the facility here: OVAH and Royal Canin Gold Status Cat-Friendly Clinic

The launch drew distinguished dignitaries from both national and provincial government, underscoring the event’s significance for animal health and welfare in South Africa.

Dr Alfred Kgasi, Director of the OVAH (left) with the Gold Status accreditation certificate together with the Hon. MEC for Agriculture & Rural Development in Gauteng, Ms Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (middle) and Mr Carlos Andres-Luna, Royal Canin Regional President, Rapid Growth Markets (France). 

Government officials present at the event included:

• Hon. MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng
• Dr Mphane Molefe, Director: Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
• Dr Wynton Rabolao, Director: Veterinary Public Health and Export Facilitation, Gauteng Province
• Dr Anndrea Yelliah, Deputy Director: Primary Animal Healthcare, Veterinary Public Health
• Dr Oluyemisi Akerele, Deputy Director: Veterinary Public Health, Gauteng Province
• Danisile Sathekge, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the MEC

Royal Canin, a key partner in the project was represented by a senior international and local delegation:

• Mr Carlos Andres-Luna, Regional President, Rapid Growth Markets (France)
• Mr Frank Chadinha, General Manager, Royal Canin South Africa
• Dr Irini Tatla, Corporate Affairs Director, Rapid Growth Markets (Greece)
• Ursula Ndhlovu, Corporate Affairs Director, Royal Canin South Africa
• Tarryn MacLennan, Vet and Pro Pillar Head, Royal Canin South Africa
• Dr Angeliki Kaldelis, Scientific Communications Manager, Royal Canin South Africa

What Gold Status means

The Gold Status CFC accreditation involves stringent compliance across three key areas:

• Clinic Design & Facilities: Dedicated cat-only spaces, with separate waiting and consultation rooms designed to reduce stress through careful control of sight, sound, and smell.
• Veterinary Knowledge & Skills: Ongoing professional development in feline-specific medicine, behaviour, and handling techniques.
• Cat-Centric Care Approach: Gentle handling, minimal restraint, and empathetic communication with cat caregivers embedded into every stage of treatment.

Beyond improving patient care, the new Cat-Friendly Clinic will serve as a training ground for veterinary students, exposing them to feline-focused clinical practice and research. It also strengthens the university’s research efforts into feline disease, behaviour, and stress reduction strategies, further cementing OVAH’s role as a centre of veterinary excellence. With this achievement, the University of Pretoria continues to redefine veterinary excellence in South Africa — not just for cats, but for the caregivers and professionals dedicated to their health every day.

This facility follows the first Gold Status CFC in South Africa, which was awarded to Midlands Veterinary Hospital in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal in 2024.

View images of the launch here.