VetFamily launches first “Cat Inspiration Day” in Sweden

As part of our Care for Cats initiative, VetFamily hosted the very first Cat Inspiration Day in southern Sweden last week, bringing together veterinary professionals for two powerful days of feline-focused learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Veterinarians, nurses, and clinic teams joined from across the region to deepen their understanding of feline patients, share experiences, and discuss how to make vet visits better. Not only for the cats, but also for their owners and the clinic team.

Led by renowned feline behaviour expert Susanne Hellman Holmström, the event offered a unique blend of science-based insights, practical advice, and hands-on workshops. Topics included feline behaviour and stress signals, communication techniques, and how clinic environments can be designed to reduce fear and improve care outcomes.

From theory to practice. And real change.

The event wasn’t just about lectures. Participants took part in workshops to design cat-friendly exam rooms and waiting areas, discussed how to communicate more effectively with cat owners, and left with tangible ideas to test back at their clinics.

A follow-up session is already scheduled in two months to see what worked, and what can be improved further. It’s part of our belief that real progress happens when learning turns into action.

A win for clinics, clients, and cats.

VetFamily’s Care for Cats initiative is built on a simple insight: cats are still under-treated, often misunderstood, and too many don’t receive the preventive care they need. That’s a missed opportunity for animal welfare, and for clinic growth.

One of the participants said “We left with so many simple but smart changes we can make straight away, both in how we handle cats and how we talk to their owners”.

We believe independent clinics are in a unique position to change this. With the right tools, training, and support, clinics can become more cat-friendly, grow their feline patient base, and offer even better care to a much-loved but often overlooked species.

Powered by partnerships

This initiative is made possible through close collaboration with our strategic partners Boehringer Ingelheim and Hill's, whose insights and innovations are helping shape meaningful change in feline healthcare across Europe.

Together, we’re combining scientific expertise, practical tools, and real-world clinic needs to drive lasting improvement in feline care.

This is just the beginning

The Cat Inspiration Day in Höör marks the first of many events to come as part of Care for Cats. The energy, openness, and passion from the participants showed us that the demand is there, and the community is ready.

Ulrika Håkansson from VetFamily Sweden who practically organized the event said “Our goal was to offer a rich and practical learning experience that empowers clinics to better meet the needs of their feline patients. And it’s clear from the energy and ideas that we’ve sparked something really valuable, something we need to continue to build on.”

At VetFamily, we’re proud to make it happen. Together with our members and partners.