SimplyCats Vet Clinic

For cat owners across Houghton le Spring, Durham, Sunderland, and the wider North East of England, SimplyCats Vet Clinic offers a truly unique and specialised approach to veterinary care. This practice distinguishes itself as the region's first and only exclusively feline veterinary clinic, a concept born from a deep understanding of cats' sensitive nature and their specific needs. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Sarah Middleton and Dr. Paul Proctor, SimplyCats was meticulously designed from the ground up to create a calm, stress-free environment where cats can feel comfortable and relaxed, free from the unsettling sights, sounds, and smells of dogs. This dedication to feline well-being has earned them the prestigious Gold Standard accreditation from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the highest possible accolade for cat-friendly clinics. Beyond the tranquil surroundings, SimplyCats boasts a team of "cat-crazy" professionals who are not only highly trained in feline medicine but are often multiple cat owners themselves, bringing a personal passion to their professional expertise. They offer extended 30-minute consultations, allowing ample time for thorough examinations, detailed discussions, and for cats to acclimatise to their surroundings. This thoughtful, comprehensive, and cat-centric approach ensures that every feline patient receives the very best medical and surgical care, making SimplyCats Vet Clinic an invaluable and highly recommended resource for discerning cat owners in the UK.

SimplyCats Vet Clinic is conveniently located at 12 Front Street, Fence Houses, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6LP, UK. This address places it within a well-known area, making it accessible for cat owners not only from Fence Houses itself but also from the broader Houghton le Spring area, Durham, Sunderland, and other surrounding communities in Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Front Street is typically a main thoroughfare, ensuring the clinic is easy to find. While specific parking details for the clinic's immediate vicinity would need to be checked on-site, Front Street in residential areas often offers on-street parking or nearby public parking options. For those utilising public transport, bus routes serving Fence Houses would likely have stops within walking distance of the clinic. The practice's unique selling point as a feline-only clinic also contributes to its accessibility in a different sense: by removing the potential stress factors associated with dogs in a general vet waiting room, it inherently becomes more accessible and comfortable for anxious cats and their owners. The clinic is typically open Monday to Friday, with specific hours, making it easy for locals to schedule appointments during regular working weeks. This central and purpose-built location underscores SimplyCats' commitment to providing convenient and stress-free care for feline patients in the heart of the North East.

• Feline-Exclusive Consultations: Extended 30-minute consultation times to allow cats to relax, enabling more detailed clinical examinations and comprehensive discussions between vets and clients.
• Preventative Health Checks: Comprehensive "Well Cat Visits" covering vaccinations (tailored to WSAVA guidelines), parasite control (fleas, worms, ticks), microchipping (including Thermochips), nail trimming, grooming advice, and dental assessments.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Illness: Addresses minor illnesses and injuries (e.g., skin, ear & eye conditions, lumps, minor wounds) and provides long-term illness monitoring for common conditions like diabetes, thyroid, kidney diseases, and more uncommon ones.
• In-House Laboratory: Equipped with a full in-house laboratory for fast analysis of blood, urine, and faecal testing, ensuring quicker diagnoses and better outcomes.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Utilises digital X-rays, ultrasound, and blood pressure monitoring facilities for speedy and accurate diagnosis of feline conditions.
• Surgical Theatre: Fully equipped surgical theatre for various procedures, including neutering (spaying and castration) with many health and behavioural benefits.
• Dentistry: Cat-specific dental equipment and services to ensure optimal oral health for felines.
• Nurse Clinics: Highly trained, qualified "cat-vocate" nurses offer specialized clinics including dental, senior, and weight clinics to support ongoing health and well-being.
• Behavioural Consultations: Addresses behavioural concerns, providing guidance and support for cat owners.
• Repeat Prescriptions: Managed repeat prescription services with necessary check-ups to ensure safe and effective ongoing medication.
• End of Life Care: Provides compassionate end-of-life care, available both in the clinic and through home visits, to support families during difficult times.
• Home Visits: Offers home visits for poorly patients when travel to the clinic is challenging or for end-of-life care.
• Referral Services: Professional recommendations and regular collaboration with cat-friendly referral specialists in internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, and oncology (e.g., Oxford Cat Clinic, Royal Veterinary College).
• Cat Insurance Advice: Strong recommendation for cat insurance to assist with unexpected veterinary fees.

• Gold Standard Feline-Only Practice: The first exclusively feline veterinary practice in the North East of England, awarded the highest possible Gold Standard accreditation from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) for exceptional cat care.
• Stress-Free Environment: Designed specifically for cats, featuring a calm, quiet, and bark-free waiting area, roomy hospitalisation facilities with hiding places, perches, and calming pheromone diffusers to minimise stress.
• Extended Consultations: Offers longer, 30-minute consultations, allowing cats to relax and providing ample time for thorough examinations and detailed discussions with owners.
• Dedicated Cat-Loving Team: Staff are described as "cat-crazy," highly trained, and passionate about feline medicine, often being multiple cat owners themselves, instilling confidence in clients.
• Comprehensive In-House Facilities: Equipped with a full laboratory, digital X-rays, ultrasound, and a surgical theatre, enabling a full range of diagnostics and treatments to be provided under one roof without frequent referrals.
• Focus on Preventative Medicine: Emphasis on preventing illness where possible, with unique pricing schemes for vaccinations and neutering clinics, and tailored health plans.
• Tailored Health Plans: Offers health plans specifically designed to support routine care and essential health screenings as cats age, aiming to catch conditions early.
• Personalised and Caring Approach: Clients praise the "lovely, caring, professional staff" who make them feel "calm and welcome" and provide extensive advice and support, especially for first-time pet owners.
• Commitment to Continuous Research and Training: The team is dedicated to staying "on top of their game" by continuing to research and train, ensuring they offer the latest and best care.

Address: 12 Front St, Fence Houses, Houghton le Spring DH4 6LP, UK

Phone: 0191 385 9696

Mobile Phone: +44 191 385 9696

Email: topcat@simplycats.net (as per public listings)

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 08:30 - 18:00 (Please verify current hours directly with the clinic)

Emergency Care: Clients are provided with their emergency policy, typically involving referral to a specialist emergency hospital for out-of-hours needs.

For cat owners in Houghton le Spring and the surrounding communities of the North East, SimplyCats Vet Clinic is an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous local resource for their beloved feline companions. Its unique position as the region's first and only exclusively cat veterinary practice immediately addresses a critical need: providing a veterinary environment entirely free from the stress and anxiety that dogs can cause for sensitive felines. This thoughtful design, coupled with their prestigious Gold Standard accreditation from the ISFM, offers unparalleled peace of mind to local owners, knowing their cat is in an environment specifically tailored for their comfort and well-being. The clinic's convenient location on Front Street in Fence Houses makes it easily accessible for routine visits or unexpected needs. What truly cements its suitability for locals is the profound expertise and genuine passion of the entire team. Staff, many of whom are cat owners themselves, offer extended 30-minute consultations, allowing ample time for thorough examinations, detailed discussions, and for building trust with both the cat and owner. This level of personalised, empathetic care, as highlighted by customers who "wish I had found this vets 10 year ago," ensures that every query is addressed, and every cat receives individualised attention. With comprehensive in-house diagnostics, surgery, and preventative care tailored specifically for cats, SimplyCats provides a holistic and convenient solution for all feline health needs, fostering healthier, happier cats and a more confident, reassured local cat-owning community in the UK.

SimplyCats Vet Clinic

12 Front St, Fence Houses, Houghton le Spring DH4 6LP, UK