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About Us

A vet clinic exclusively for cats

The Cat Doctors is Melbourne's premier feline-exclusive veterinary hospital. All our staff have an absolute love
and compassion for cats and their well being. We understand that cats have unique needs, which is why our entire practice - from our gentle handling techniques to our cat-friendly waiting areas - is designed with your cat's
comfort and well-being in mind.
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Services

Expert Care and Services Tailored
to Your Cat's Needs

Pharmacy - Drug Dispensing

It is often necessary to medicate cats with specific medicines. Similar to human medications...
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Ultrasound

We have a state of the art ultrasound machine capable of attaining human standard images. Our vets are...
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Radiology - Xrays

Our x-ray facilities allow us to investigate animal injuries and health problems. X-rays are best suited to assess chest...
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Pathology

We have specialised in-house pathology machines which allow us to perform rapid blood testing and diagnostics...
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Dentistry

If your cat has dental disease or a toothache, you are very unlikely to notice. That is why a regular annual dental...
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Referral Medicine

Dr Amy is one a handful of registered Feline Medicine Specialists in Australia. She can accept cases from other...
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After Hours Emergency Centres

Whilst are proud to run a high standard hospital, we do not have the capacity to run...
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Referral Centres

This is a rapidly expanding area in Veterinary medicine, especially as people are expecting higher standards...
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Boarding - The Cat Pad

A home away from home for your feline family members! Our boarding facilities provide a bright clean, warm...
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Behaviour

We see a lot of cats and kittens these days “behaving badly”. This may be attributable to poor socialisation as a kitten...
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Hospital & Surgery

Our hospital is purpose built and suited to the specific needs of cats, with no cold stainless steel in sight.
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Health Insurance

 Our team are happy to provide you with information on insurance policies just phone or drop in to see us.
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Cat Food & Accessories

We offer a range cat care products including premium foods, parasite control products such as flea.
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Grooming / Nail Clipping

Medical grooming for cats, including full and belly clips under sedation. Free nail clipping during health consultations.
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Our Feline Vets

At The Cat Doctors in Melbourne, our staff combines expert feline medical care with absolute love for cats and their well-being.

Dr. Amy Lingard

Title: BVSc (hons) FACVSc (Feline Medicine)
Position: Feline Medical Specialist Vet

Dr. Richard Gowan

Title: BVSC (hons) MACVSc (Feline Medicine)
Position: Senior Veterinarian, Clinic Director

Dr. Kathryn LeMerise

Title: DVM, BSc, MPH.
Position: Feline Veterinarian

Dr. Sam Balson

Title: BSc DVM
Position: Feline Veterinarian

Dr. Solagne Gonzales

Title: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Position: Feline Veterinarian
Feline Health Hub

Empowering Cat Parents

At The Cat Doctors, we believe that informed cat parents make the best caregivers. Explore our rotating selection of cat health topics, curated by our expert veterinarians. From common concerns to specialised care, we're here to provide you with reliable, up-to-date information to keep your feline friend happy and healthy.
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Feline Health Hub

Idiopathic Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS, FIC, FLUTD)

Idiopathic cystitis is a common and often frustrating condition affecting cats, particularly those under 10 years old. This article explores the symptoms, potential causes, and management strategies for this mysterious urinary tract disorder. Learn how stress plays a crucial role in its development and discover practical tips to help your feline friend maintain a healthy, comfortable life despite this challenging condition.
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Feline Health Hub

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats is a complex condition involving chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. This article outlines the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options available, from specialized diets to medical therapy. Learn how dietary changes and medications like corticosteroids can help manage IBD and improve your cat's quality of life, although long-term care is typically required to control the disease.
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Feline Health Hub

Feline AIDS (FIV)

Feline AIDS, caused by the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), is a viral infection that weakens a cat’s immune system over time, much like human HIV. This article discusses the symptoms, transmission, and diagnosis of FIV, as well as options for managing the condition. While there is no cure, preventative measures like keeping cats indoors and vaccination can reduce the risk of infection, allowing infected cats to live for years without showing symptoms.
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Feline Health Hub

Hypertension - high blood pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, in cats is often a secondary condition linked to other diseases like chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. This article covers the effects of hypertension on vital organs, such as the eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. With proper management, including lifelong medication and regular monitoring, cats with hypertension can live a good quality of life for several years.
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Feline Health Hub

Hyperthyroidism - over active thyroids

Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in older cats caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone, leading to an increased metabolic rate. This article explores the clinical signs, diagnosis, and various treatment options, including medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary management. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and how timely intervention can help manage the condition, allowing your cat to live a healthier, longer life.
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Feline Health Hub

Cardiomyopathy - heart disease

Cardiomyopathy in cats refers to a group of diseases affecting the heart muscle, potentially leading to heart failure. The three main types are hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated cardiomyopathy, with the possibility of complications like congestive heart failure and thromboembolic disease. Diagnosis typically involves clinical signs, X-rays, and cardiac ultrasound. Treatments depend on the cause and may include medications like diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. For some, taurine supplementation can reverse heart conditions, especially when a deficiency is present. The prognosis varies depending on the disease’s progression.
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Feline Health Hub

Hypercalcaemia in cats

Hypercalcaemia is a condition in cats where elevated calcium levels in the blood can lead to various health issues, including lethargy, increased thirst, and kidney stones. This article outlines the common causes, such as kidney disease and cancer, as well as idiopathic cases where no cause is found. Learn about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, including diet changes and medications like Alendronate, to help manage your cat’s condition and ensure their well-being.
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Feline Health Hub

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a potentially fatal viral disease primarily affecting young cats, caused by a mutated form of Feline Coronavirus. This article delves into the nature of FIP, its clinical signs, diagnostic challenges, and the recent breakthrough in treatment options. Learn about the disease's progression from a harmless gut infection to a systemic illness, and discover how new antiviral drugs like remdesivir, GS-441524, and molnupiravir have transformed FIP from a death sentence to a treatable condition, offering hope for affected cats and their owners.
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Feline Health Hub

Diabetes in cats

Diabetes mellitus in cats is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance, primarily affecting older felines. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and management of feline diabetes, including its classification as type 2 diabetes and the increased risk for certain breeds like Burmese cats. Learn about diagnostic methods, treatment options involving diet modification and insulin therapy, and the importance of regular monitoring. Discover how recent advancements in oral medications and continuous glucose monitoring devices are revolutionizing diabetes management in cats, offering hope for improved quality of life and potential remission in many cases.
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Feline Health Hub

Chronic Renal Failure - Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition affecting older cats, characterized by progressive, irreversible changes in kidney function. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and management of feline CKD, which affects approximately 30% of cats over 15 years old. Learn about the various factors contributing to kidney damage, from age-related decline to genetic predispositions and environmental toxins. Discover how veterinarians diagnose and treat CKD, emphasizing the importance of early detection, dietary management, and supportive therapies to slow disease progression and improve quality of life for affected felines.
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Feline Health Hub

Arthritis and chronic pain in cats

Osteoarthritis in cats is a progressive joint disease affecting many older felines, often overlooked due to cats' subtle signs of discomfort. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for feline arthritis, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management. Learn about the various signs of arthritis in cats, from decreased activity and mobility to changes in grooming habits and personality. Discover the latest treatment options, including traditional anti-inflammatory medications, innovative therapies like Solensia (feline monoclonal antibody therapy), and the importance of environmental modifications and weight management in improving affected cats' quality of life.
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Feline Health Hub

Asthma/bronchitis - airway disease

Feline chronic small airway disease, often called feline asthma or bronchitis, is a complex respiratory condition affecting cats of all ages. This article explores its causes, symptoms, and treatments, emphasizing the challenges in diagnosis and the importance of early intervention. Learn about modern treatment approaches, including anti-inflammatory medications and inhaled therapies, which aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for affected cats. Understanding this condition is crucial for cat owners to recognize early signs and seek timely veterinary care.
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