Felines First
Veterinary Hospital
Putting them first, just like you.
What Makes Us Purr-fectly Different: A Feline-Only Experience
Choosing a veterinarian for your cat is a big decision. At Felines First, you’ll find a feline-exclusive hospital where every detail is built for calm, comfortable care. We’re one of only 11 Fear Free Certified Practices in North Carolina and certified by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association as a Gold Cat Friendly Practice, so you can trust your cat is in expert, compassionate hands.
The Gold Standard of Feline Care:
Our certifications aren’t just titles — they shape everything we do. From exam rooms designed for stress reduction, to team members trained in gentle handling and feline-specific medicine, we go beyond basics to create a better veterinary experience. Your cat receives top-tier care in an environment where they (and you) feel safe and supported.
Fear-Free Approach for a Stress-Free Visit:
Vet visits can be hard on cats — but they don’t have to be. As a Fear Free Certified Practice, we’ve built our hospital around comfort and calm. From the moment your cat walks through the door, they’ll experience a soothing environment and a team trained in gentle techniques that make each visit feel safer, easier, and less stressful.
Enrichment is Key:
We believe enrichment is vital to a cat’s well-being. Unlike many clinics, we weave it into every visit — even in the exam room. With toys, cozy hiding spots, and other comfort-focused touches, we create a safe space that reduces stress and allows for more thorough, gentle examinations.
Detailed Care, Inside and Out:
Our commitment to detail goes beyond medical care. We take time to learn your cat’s unique personality, history, and lifestyle through Pre-Visit Questionnaires (PVQs) and emotional records. This insight helps us tailor each visit to your cat’s needs, reduce stress, and ensure your questions and concerns are fully addressed. It’s a personalized approach that allows us to provide the most effective and compassionate care possible.
The Value of Specialized Care:
When you choose a feline-only practice, you choose a team that lives and breathes cat care. Our exclusive focus means we understand feline health in ways that truly matter, from preventive care to complex medicine. Add in our Fear Free techniques and enrichment-filled environment, and you’ll discover a veterinary experience designed to keep your cat healthier and happier. At Felines First, we don’t just treat cats — we understand them.
Come see us! Your cat will thank you! **
** (Disclaimer: Your cat probably won't actually thank you, it's just not their thing. We respect that.)
After-Hours & Emergency Care
In accordance with North Carolina veterinary regulations, our practice provides information on emergency and after-hours care.
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If you require veterinary care when our hospital is closed (nights, weekends, or holidays), we recommend contacting our sister practice, Craven Animal Hospital, or one of the following emergency hospitals.
Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
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Location: (Right next door!)
4603 Old Cherry Point Rd., New Bern | (252) 637-4541 | www.cravenanimalhospital.com
Emergency Pet Hospital of Craven-Carteret
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 6 pm - 7:30 am, Weekends: Friday 6 pm - Monday 7:30 am, and ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS
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Location:
1301A E Main St, Havelock | (252) 594-6047 | www.theemergencypethospital.com
Swansboro Animal Hospital Emergency and Trauma Center
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Hours:
Open 24 hours and ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS
Location:
130 Phillips Loop Rd, Swansboro | (910) 839-5934 | www.sahetc.com
We direct our clients to these hospitals because we have established professional relationships with their staff, are familiar with their standards of care, and know that they meet all applicable regulations for emergency veterinary medicine.
Important: Please contact the hospital before arrival to confirm availability and services.