Specialized Care
“Dr. Rubenstein and the staff at A Cat Clinic know their stuff. And I’m not just saying that to be nice, my owner agrees. No matter how big or small the issue, they always find answers and address our concerns. Specialized care is more than just words, Dr. Rubenstein is among the best-of-the-best in the country when it comes to feline medicine. She and her staff are committed to offering the best care for me and the best information about preventative care and treatment recommendations for my owner. I can’t say that I always look forward to my visits, but once I get past the nervousness I know I’m in the best hands when I arrive.” - Mr. Cat |
Dr. Dale Rubenstein
Dr. Rubenstein opened the doors of A Cat Clinic, the first all-feline veterinary practice in Montgomery County, in 1986. Not long into her professional career, Dr. Rubenstein worked for an all-feline practice in Virginia and immediately knew it was for her. The experience reinforced what a professor once told her, that cats are tough patients because they hate being sick.
A Montgomery County native, Dr. Rubenstein earned her BA in Biology from Oberlin College, her MS in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Maryland and her DVM from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She became board certified in feline practice, one of only 80 diplomats in the U.S., through the American Board of Veterinary Practices (ABVP) in 1996 and re-certified in 2006. Dr. Rubenstein is also a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), Cornell Feline Health Center, Montgomery County Humane Society Feline Focus Committee, Montgomery County Veterinary Medicine Association, as well as a member of the credentialing committee of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP).
Dr. Rubenstein feels very fortunate to be able to work with our wonderful clients who take an interest in the long-term well-being of their cats. A veterinarian of almost 30 years, Dr. Rubenstein is dedicated to making sick cats better and keeping healthy cats well as long as possible (A Cat Clinic’s record holders are 26 years old). Her special interest is in senior kitties’ (geriatric) internal medicine, but when a client gets a new cat she’s always delighted to welcome a new addition.
When she’s not caring for her patients, Dr. Rubenstein can be found at home with her husband, daughter and son – and her three cats, Minnie, Eva and Athena.
“At A Cat Clinic, we understand cats’ sensitivities to change, which is why we’ve created a low-stress environment dedicated to the well being of our patients and clients. We are an extended family to our clients – we cheer the milestones of our patients and we mourn the losses. Personally, I truly enjoy working with our clients to promote healthy lifestyles for their cats. And when the time comes to treat an illness, I work directly with our clients to determine the best course of treatment for their cats. When a cat is entrusted to me I care for that cat as if it were my own, so much so that when it snows, I take the cats home with me!”
Dr. Melissa Mustillo
Dr. Mustillo was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She completed her undergraduate studies at Canisius College and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. She wanted a change of pace, and moved south to obtain her DVM from The University of Tennessee.
Following graduation, she moved to Maryland and joined the staff of VCA Veterinary Referral Associates to complete the hospital's intense one year internship program. Dr. Mustillo knew her true passion was feline medicine and she joined the team at A Cat Clinic immediately following her internship. Dr. Mustillo has a strong interest in ultrasonography and dental health.
Dr. Mustillo shares her home with 2 cats, Eli and Fiona, and 2 fun-loving beagles. She is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In her spare time, Dr. Mustillo volunteers for a feline rescue group, The Animal Welfare League, in Gaithersburg.
Ann
Anne recently started at A Cat Clinic and serves as our administrative assistant. Anne grew up with cats and loves seeing all the cats come though the clinic. She has two wonderful children and two dogs at home.
Sandy
Sandy has been with A Cat Clinic since 2009. As Patient Care Coordinator, Sandy helps ensure that quality care is given to each patient. She is currently taking classes to obtain her veterinary technician license and she is also a member of VSPN. Previously, Sandy worked for the Montgomery County Humane Society.
At home, Sandy has a cat named Maui, who she rescued when she was only a few days old! Sandy loves her work at A Cat Clinic because she knows she is giving the cats the best care possible and she treats every cat as if it were her own.
Charlotte
Charlotte has been with A Cat Clinic since the fall of 2008. You will most likely see Charlotte in the reception area serving as our Client Care Coordinator. Charlotte has extensive experience with in-home pet care and pet-sitting services. At home, Charlotte shares her house with numerous pets, all of whom she has rescued.
“A Cat Clinic is like an extended family for cats because we learn each cat’s personality.”
Heidi
Heidi has been with A Cat Clinic since 2008 and serves as a cat care attendant. After having nursed a stray, malnourished cat back to health during her childhood, she knew she wanted to work with cats and someday become a veterinarian.
“Nursing a sick cat back to health is a gratifying experience. Being part of a team that works to determine a course of treatment for sick cats has reinforced my passion to go on to study and practice veterinary medicine.”
Stephanie
Stephanie is primarily a kennel assistant but is training to be a veterinary assistant. She attends Montgomery College and aspires to be a veterinarian someday. Stephanie has one dog at home named Doug and hopes to adopt a kitten soon!
Sarah
Sarah is one of our new receptionists. She obtained a zoology degree at North Carolina State University. She has previous veterinary experience as a receptionist and exam room assistant. Sarah has grown up with cats and currently has three of her own named Morla, Ruepert, and Lt. Barkley.