Posted on: April 29th, 2016 by Dr. Dale Rubenstein

Happy birthday to A Cat Clinic!

Happy Birthday to A Cat Clinic!

This June, we celebrate our 30th anniversary! Some of our wonderful clients have been with us since the very beginning, but for those who are newer to our family, here’s a little background on our history.

One of the first feline-only veterinary hospitals in Maryland…
In June 1986, Dr. Rubenstein opened the first feline-only clinic in Montgomery County and the second in Maryland. After working in an all-feline practice in Northern VA, Dr. Rubenstein realized that cats were less stressed when they didn’t have to deal with the scents and sounds of barking dogs. And, having a team of technicians and receptionists as well as doctors who were all focused on the overall well-being of cats meant a better experience for feline patients and their owners. Today many cat owners also recognize the value of bringing their cats to a feline-only veterinary clinic, although there are only seven such hospitals in Maryland.

The community and veterinary medicine have changed…
In 1986, Germantown was a growing community and A Cat Clinic started in a shopping center before moving to our current A Cat Clinic was originally surrounded by dairy farmslocation. There have been a lot of changes to the area in the past 30 years. In 1986, there were 3 dairy farms within a few miles, only one high school, and no Great Seneca Highway. Medically, there have been changes too. Feline Leukemia Vaccine had just been introduced, and now there is a significant reduction in cats with this once common virus. A devastating heart condition was found to be due to inadequate intake of a specific component of protein, which is now supplemented in all feline diets and this condition is rare.

And the way we practice has changed…
Even after 30 years, we continue to experience changes in the way we practice medicine. The recent focus on being a “Cat Friendly Practice” and making the experience easier on cats and their human family has relieved stress for all (see our blog post on De-Stressing Veterinary Visits). We will continue to learn as much as we can about cats and to make living with cats as joyous as possible!

A Cat Clinic in the Community
Over the past 30 years, we have been active members of our community. We love getting to meet our neighbors and talk about cats! Educating cat owners and young people about veterinary medicine and cat care is something we’re very passionate about. Here are some of the things we’re involved with:

  • Provide services for Animal Welfare League
  • Educational talks on cat care
  • Career Days in local schools
  • Tours for scouts, other groups
  • Internship program for high school students
  • Helping place homeless cats in forever homes
  • Set up Aurora’s Angels Fund to provide veterinary care for cats in need

Come celebrate our 30th with us!
Join us for an open house to celebrate our birthday on Saturday, June 11, from 2-4pm. Light refreshments will be served as we look forward to our next 30 years providing quality, compassionate care for cats and their families!