Our vet nurse who has spent 25 years treating pets across North Leicestershire and South Derbyshire has celebrated her landmark achievement by reflecting on her illustrious career.
Cathy Fraser has completed a quarter of a century with Woodward Veterinary Practice in Ashby de la Zouch and some of her stand-out memories include unwittingly trimming a three-legged cat’s nails.
Cathy recalled: “Many years ago, I remember a visit to an old lady to trim her cat’s nails as she wasn't able to bring her into the practice.
“The owner left the room to put the kettle on while I attended to the equally elderly cat, called Penny, who was curled up peacefully on a blanket.
“I was quickly three paws down, but then I started to struggle as Penny had seemingly tucked one of her front legs under her so much I couldn't get at it.
“The lady came back into the room and I told her I was only three quarters done, as Penny was lying awkwardly – at which point the owner told me she only had three legs!”
Cathy is proud of her many and varied contributions to the Woodward team over the years and is particularly pleased of her recent work focusing on providing the very best of feline care.
She continued: “In 2017, we moved from our old practice to a much larger purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities.
“We set this out very thoughtfully to minimise stress for our patients, especially our feline clients.
Cathy led Cat Friendly status at Woodward Vets
“I have always been a ‘crazy cat lady’, so was set the task of leading our bid to become a cat friendly practice with the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
“I have never done things by half and was determined to do it the best level we could. I was not satisfied to just go for an ISFM bronze or even silver award – I wanted the ultimate gold award.
“So, we increased our consultations to 15 minutes and implemented lots of cat-friendly ways of doing things, including focussing on handling techniques and equipment.
“It was a real success and we did achieve gold standard ISFM status. I have been Woodward’s cat advocate ever since!”
Learn more about our Cat Friendly Clinic
From her very first day at Woodward Vet practice, Cathy has formed strong bonds and relationships with clients, saying: “I have always enjoyed talking to our clients. I think it’s important to show sympathy and empathy with them and also to be there when they come in all excited with their new additions to the family!
“I feel I can also talk our clients through newly diagnosed epileptic pets, as I’ve seen it from an owner point of view as well as the veterinary side.
“My dog developed epilepsy at 11 months old, so this sparked an interest in canine epilepsy. I have done lots of research, webinars and distance learning, so have a wealth of knowledge. I’m now seen as the ‘go-to’ nurse when a client needs help with a fitting or newly diagnosed patient.”
Cathy said she had thoroughly enjoyed her 25 years at the leading Leicestershire practice, adding: “I like the fact we are a friendly team who support each other.
“Our work-related interests and passions are supported and encouraged and we all have an allowance for Continuing Professional Development, so have the support and freedom to further our knowledge.”
Cathy still has the time and energy to be busy away from work too and has quite a schedule coming up, including more fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society.
She explained: “I volunteer at the local scout group and youth centre. I also enjoying training my crazy cocker-cross, called Alfie, and going out walking with my two boys.
“Next year, we plan to do a 26-mile walk in the Peak District to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and climb Scafell Pike or Ben Nevis.”
Our highly trained team aims to provide the best possible veterinary treatment and preventative healthcare to small animals in Ashby de la Zouch and surrounding areas.
Veterinary Care in Ashby
Call us on 01530 412035