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. Lisa Mullins
Dr. Mullins has been with A Cat Clinic since 1989. Specializing in general surgery, Dr. Mullins has spent the past twenty-one years striving to provide the best possible care to all her clients. Inspired by her personal passion for cats, Dr. Mullin’s experience is extensive and her dedication is inspiring.
Dr. Mullins grew up near Philadelphia, PA. She received her undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, and her veterinary medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Dr. Mullins served one year in the Peace Corps in West Africa before joining a mixed veterinary practice in Philadelphia, PA, where she stayed for seven years. Upon moving to Maryland, Dr. Mullins worked in several different practices before finding A Cat Clinic, where she’s been ever since. She is also a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA).
A cat lover, Dr. Mullins shares her home with her husband, two cats, Suvi and Kia, and her Saluki dog, Jasper.
“I’ve opened my home to numerous cats throughout the years, which is why A Cat Clinic is such a special place to me. Everyday we open our ‘home’ to our clients with one common goal – to make sure we provide the best possible care for our cats.”
Dr. Melissa Mustillo
Dr. Mustillo was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She completed her undergraduate studies at Cansius 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 has a strong interest in ultrasonography.
Leslie Briggs – Practice Manager
Leslie has been with A Cat Clinic as practice manager since 2004. Having a dad who was a veterinarian, Leslie has always been around animals. Her passion for veterinary medicine, her affinity for cats and her professional experience in business administration make Leslie the perfect person to keep things running smoothly at A Cat Clinic, besides she is the best at fussing over little kittens!
A native of New York State, Leslie received her bachelor’s degree in Management from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and has extensive background in all aspects of business including human resources, contracts, office and property management and business development. Growing up in a family with a passion for animals and a dad with his own veterinary practice, Leslie has always had a special love for cats. Leslie is a member of Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
Leslie has two grown children and shares her home with four furry feline friends, Bentley, Izzy, Miss Cricket and Bishop.
Anabel Izaguirre – Client Care Coordinator
Anabel came to A Cat Clinic in 2006. As Client Care Coordinator, she is dedicated to making each and every client’s visit as pleasant and personal as possible. Anabel has an associates’ degree in pre-medical technology with a nursing background from Montgomery County Community College in Germantown, MD, and enjoys making a difference in the lives of clients and patients.
“I have learned to appreciate each cat and his or her own personality. Keeping them happy and healthy through good patient care and client education is what makes A Cat Clinic so special.”
Grace Villegas – Receptionist
Grace has been with A Cat Clinic as a receptionist since 2006. She enjoys the daily interaction with clients through telephone communication and face-to-face encounters and she takes pride in helping each client to the best of her ability.
“Our doctors make a difference by not only treating our patients, but also teaching our clients.”
Megan Bennett – Patient Care Coordinator
Megan has been with A Cat Clinic since 2005. A certified veterinary assistant, Megan received her associate’s degree from Montgomery College and is a member of VSPN. As Patient Care Coordinator, Megan helps ensure that quality care is given to each patient. Growing up with animals has fostered her love for cats and inspired her career in the veterinary field. At home, she’s mom to two cats, Chloe and Mosey, and a Cocker Spaniel, Sadie.
“I love working in an environment where everyone treats each patient as if they were their own. It really makes a difference to our clients.”
Sandy Seltz – Technician Assistant
Sandy, a technician assistant, came to A Cat Clinic in 2009. As an animal lover, she loves to work with cats and is actively involved with the Humane Society. Sandy shares her home with two cats and a gerbil.
“To see a client bring a newly adopted cat to our office for the first time is so exciting. These cats are so happy in their new homes.”
Heidi Tammaru – Kennel Assistant
Heidi has been with A Cat Clinic as a kennel assistant since 2008. 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. Heidi is currently a student at Northwest High School and hopes to go on to study at the International House of Prayer University in Kansas City, MO, after graduation.
“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.”