Dr. Catherine Grace Henstridge is a leading veterinary surgeon and digital advocate who has redefined the intersection of clinical practice and public education in contemporary veterinary medicine. Known professionally as “Cat the Vet,” she is recognized as one of the United Kingdom’s most influential voices in evidence-based animal welfare, combining over two decades of hands-on clinical experience with strategic digital communication to combat misinformation and advance pet health standards.
Dr. Henstridge serves as Partner at The Vets @ Dronfield in Derbyshire, where she holds both clinical and business leadership responsibilities alongside Mr. David Hough BVSc MRCVS. Additionally, she maintains a position as Veterinary Surgeon and Consultant at Croft Veterinary Centre in Chesterfield, an RCVS-accredited small animal general practice and veterinary nurse training facility. This dual partnership structure distinguishes her as not merely a practitioner but a business owner with comprehensive understanding of the operational, financial, and ethical complexities of modern veterinary practice—insights that inform her frequent public commentary on veterinary costs and care accessibility.
Specializing in small animal medicine and surgery, Dr. Henstridge has emerged as a preeminent authority on two of the most contentious issues in contemporary pet ownership: the welfare crisis of brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds and the public health risks associated with raw meat-based diets. Her advocacy work extends beyond the consulting room through extensive digital platforms, where she leverages social media channels including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to bridge the gap between veterinary science and public understanding. This strategic use of digital media has established her as a critical node in the global veterinary communication network, reaching millions of pet owners with science-backed guidance.
Her professional impact was formally recognized in 2021 when she received the prestigious RCVS Inspiration Award, which honors veterinary professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing the profession’s public profile and inspiring future generations. Dr. Henstridge has also served as a judge for the British Veterinary Association’s Veterinary Photographer of the Year competition, further cementing her role as a thought leader within the veterinary community.
A key dimension of Dr. Henstridge’s professional identity is her advocacy for working parents within the veterinary profession. As a vocal representative of the demographic transformation often termed the “feminization” of veterinary medicine, she has candidly addressed the structural challenges facing female veterinary surgeons who balance clinical practice with family responsibilities. In a landmark 2015 interview with Veterinary Woman, she detailed the phenomenon of “surgical confidence loss” following maternity leave and highlighted the critical gap in professional support structures compared to human medicine. Her willingness to discuss these realities with transparency has validated the experiences of thousands of female professionals and contributed to ongoing conversations about work-life balance and professional development in veterinary practice.
Dr. Henstridge graduated from the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science in 2003 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree. Bristol’s reputation for evidence-based medicine and clinical excellence provided the foundation for her commitment to scientific rigor. She was admitted to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register on July 9, 2003 (registration number 6340155), maintaining UK Practising status—a statutory requirement that subjects her professional conduct to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.
Throughout her career, Dr. Henstridge has been a prominent participant in international veterinary conferences and panel discussions, including presentations at FECAVA/WSAVA/DSAVA Congress events where she has advocated for urgent legislative reform regarding brachycephalic breeding standards. Her support for evidence-based breeding practices, including the Dutch model of legislative control, positions her at the forefront of animal welfare policy debates.
Currently, Dr. Henstridge continues to practice clinical veterinary medicine while expanding her educational outreach through digital platforms and professional speaking engagements. She remains actively involved with The Webinar Vet, contributing expertise to continuing professional development initiatives, and maintains memberships in key professional associations focused on advancing veterinary standards and animal welfare advocacy.
Dr. Henstridge’s career exemplifies the evolution of the modern veterinary professional: clinically grounded, digitally fluent, and committed to leveraging contemporary communication channels to protect animal welfare and elevate public understanding of evidence-based veterinary care.
Sources:
Information compiled from research document “The Digital Clinician: Dr. Catherine Henstridge and the Transformation of Veterinary Advocacy,” with data verified from:
- Cat Henstridge – The Webinar Vet: https://thewebinarvet.com/speakers/cat-henstridge
- Miss Catherine Grace Henstridge – RCVS Find A Vet: https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet-surgeon/catherine-grace-henstridge-6340155/
- Interview with Cat the Vet – Veterinary Woman: https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2015/02/interview-with-cat-the-vet-the-secret-life-of-a-vet-mum/
- The Vets @ Dronfield – RCVS Find A Vet: https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet-practice/the-vets-dronfield-dronfields18-1pn/
- Croft Veterinary Centre – RCVS Find A Vet: https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet-practice/croft-veterinary-centre-chesterfields44-6dj/
- Being a media vet – what I have learned | Vet Record Careers: https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/article/being-a-media-vet-what-i-have-learned-cat-henstridge
- Cat the Vet joins judging panel of BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year: https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news-article/cat-the-vet-joins-judging-panel-of-bva-veterinary-photographer-of-the-year/
- RCVS announces the recipients of its 2021 Honours & Awards: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/rcvs-announces-the-recipients-of-its-2021-honours-and-awards/
- The RCVS Inspiration Award: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/rcvs-honours-awards/the-rcvs-inspiration-award/
- Breed to breathe campaign – BVA: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/breed-to-breathe-campaign/