A Bermudian veterinarian is believed to be the first on the island to obtain a specialised certificate for treating cats.

Erin Jackson, senior vet at CedarTree Vets in Devonshire, earned a general practitioner’s certificate in feline practice from Improve International.

The certificate comprised 16 virtual modules, including neurology, cardiology and infectious diseases, that built upon what Dr Jackson learnt in university.

She said: “I graduated from vet school 12 years ago and it’s amazing how quickly things move on and there’s new research, so it always helps to stay up to date on current practices.”

Dr Jackson, who was inspired to enter the veterinary field in childhood, pursued the certificate for 2½ years while working full time.

She learnt last week that she passed all her exams.

She said: “The most challenging module for me was neurology — it was a really huge module and a very challenging and complex topic, but it is fascinating and I love it.”

Dr Jackson owns a few cats and said the animals are sometimes the “forgotten stepchildren” for pet owners and vets.

She explained: “I like to think of myself as an advocate for cats and their welfare and to help people spot those very subtle changes in behaviour that indicate their cat might be in pain or unwell, because dogs are definitely more demonstrative in those things and people tend to get more care for their dogs generally than they do for cats.

“People are sometimes deterred by the idea of getting their cats seen because taking them to the vet is so stressful, so I hope that cats can access more care and I can provide a low-stress service for them.”

Dr Jackson said minimal noise, placing treats in carriers and products with stress-relieving pheromones could make veterinary visits easier for cats.

• The public can visitcedartreevets.comto book an appointment with Erin Jackson or other veterinarians