The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

About

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Veterinary Care for Cats Only

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill is a full-service veterinary clinic that cares exclusively for felines. We have been caring for cats in the Triangle in a calm and friendly environment for over fifteen years. From the kitten to the senior cat, we are here to help with all of your cat’s medical needs with the highest standards of veterinary care.

Adoption Area

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Adoption Area

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Appointments

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Appointments

Our front desk staff will be happy to help you find a convenient time to schedule an appointment for your cat. Our appointments are 8:30 - 11:30 and 2:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday. Saturday we have appointments available from 8:30 - 11:30. It is always preferred to have you here with your cat so we may ask questions and discuss treatment.

Cat Carriers: Please be careful as our parking lot is heavily traveled. We require all cats to be in their own cat carrier for their own safety. And we highly recommend carrying your cat carrier from the bottom (instead of just from the handle at top) as we have experienced just how scary it can be when the latches break and your cat is no longer safely contained. If you need to borrow a cat carrier from us, please just ask, we have many available and would be happy to loan you one. If you’re having difficulty getting your cat into the carrier, please take a look at this youtube video for some helpful hints.**

Boarding

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Boarding

We have 12 duplex condos for our boarding guests. Each cat has their own private duplex with a pass-through, so their litter box stays on one side while their food, water, and bedding are comfortably arranged on the other.

Our staff takes genuine pride in caring for every guest. We take the time to get to know each cat’s personality and preferences, so your companion feels as settled and loved as possible while you are away.

Boarding Area

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Boarding Area

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Client Center

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Client Center

Everything you need before, during, and after your visit.

Appointments Schedule a visit and learn about our appointment policies and carrier tips.

Forms Download new client, new patient, and boarding forms in advance to save time at check-in.

Payment Options We accept all major credit cards, cash, personal checks, and CareCredit financing.

Emergency Care What to do if your cat needs urgent attention during our business hours.

After-Hours Emergency 24/7 emergency facilities in the Triangle area for urgent care outside our hours.

International Health Certificate Traveling abroad with your cat? We can help with the required USDA documentation.

Educational Resources Trusted articles on feline health, toxins, end-of-life care, and more.

Pet Health Portal Access your cat's health records and stay connected between visits via Petly.

Dental Care

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Dental Care

Good dental health is essential to your cat’s overall wellbeing. Our veterinarians perform all dental procedures, from routine cleanings to more involved work requiring extractions. They will evaluate your cat’s teeth and provide a clear estimate before any procedure begins.

Untreated tooth or gum disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it can affect the heart and kidneys. Regular professional cleanings are the most effective way to prevent these complications. The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill requires bloodwork before every dental procedure to confirm your cat can safely undergo anesthesia, and we use digital dental x-rays to evaluate what cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Educational Resources

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Potential Toxins

The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is (888) 426-4435. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Common household hazards to avoid.
Toxic plants; a searchable list provided by The ASPCA.
People foods that you should never feed your pet.

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Adopt a cat - save a life and fill your home with love

For a list of rescues that have cats or kittens available, search http://www.petfinder.com

Emergency Care

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Emergency Care

If you have an emergency outside business hours, click here for after-hours options.

Our veterinarians and technicians have experience and specialized training in helping your cat when time is of the essence. Our medical facility is well equipped to support emergency measures on site. We will do all we can to address your pet’s condition when he or she is most in need of medical care.

During business hours, please call us at (919) 489-5142 and come directly to the hospital. If possible, call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival.

Exam Room

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Exam Room

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Forms

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Forms

Download or open a form below. You can complete it digitally and email it to us before your visit, or print and bring the completed version with you.

New Client Form

For first-time clients of the practice.

Open in Google Docs · Download (.docx)

New Patient Form

For existing clients adding a new cat.

Open in Google Docs · Download (.docx)

Boarding Registration

Required for all boarding stays.

Open in Google Docs · Download (.odt)

Geriatric Medicine

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Geriatric Medicine

As your cat ages, their needs change — and so does our approach to their care. Senior cats generally benefit from more frequent wellness exams and lab work, which allow us to catch age-related conditions such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and diabetes early, when they are most manageable.

We have extensive experience with older cats and take the time to understand each patient’s history and comfort level. Our goal is to help your senior companion live as comfortably and fully as possible for as long as possible.

In Case of Emergency

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In Case of Emergency

If you have a medical emergency during business hours, please come directly to our hospital. Call us at (919) 489-5142 so we can prepare for your arrival.

For after-hours emergencies, please contact one of the 24/7 emergency facilities below. Choose the one closest to you and call ahead before you leave.

You may also call our number after hours and be routed directly to Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in Durham.

International Health Certificate

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International Health Certificate

If you plan to leave the continental United States with your pet, you will need an international health certificate. Our doctors are authorized to issue these certificates. Each country’s travel requirements are different, and as many as six to twelve months of preparation may be required. You can read more by clicking the link below. Click here for more information about international health certificates

Laboratory

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Laboratory

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Medical Services

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Medical Services

We offer a full complement of medical services for felines — from routine wellness visits to advanced diagnostics and surgery.

Wellness & Preventive Care

Regular wellness exams let us monitor your cat's health from nose to tail and catch problems early — before they become serious.

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Vaccinations

We tailor every vaccine protocol to your individual cat's age, lifestyle, and health history, following AAFP guidelines.

Meet Our Team

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Meet Our Team

Mary Szymkowski, DVM

Dr. Szymkowski is the owner of The Cat Hospital. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with highest honors from Northwestern University in 1985, then a MS in Computer Science from UNC Chapel Hill while working as a Software Engineer and Project Manager at IBM in Raleigh.

Following her heart into veterinary medicine, she joined the NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital to lead the design of their first online medical records system while taking pre-medical classes at Meredith College. She earned her DVM from NCSU in 2001, contributing to a published article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and completing a rotation in Radiation Oncology at UNC Hospital.

Our Services

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Veterinary Care for Cats Only

Medical Services

We offer medical services ranging from physical exams and diagnostics to disease management and surgeries.

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Boarding

We provide a safe, low-stress environment for your cat when the need arises.

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Emergency Care

We are skilled and experienced at attending to your cat when he or she needs immediate care.

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Payment Options

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Payment Options

So that we may continue to provide exceptional care to all of our clients, payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, as well as personal checks and cash. We also accept CareCredit, a third-party financing option for veterinary expenses.

We will provide estimates for all surgical procedures and most treatment plans so there are no surprises. If you have not received an estimate for your visit and would like one, please just ask — we are happy to help.

Pet Records & Online Portal

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What is Petly?

Petly is a secure personal health page for your pet, that gives you direct access to your pet’s health records 24/7. We’re happy to provide Petly to all our current clients who have an active email address at the practice.

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Why Would I Like to Have a Petly Page?

Petly is a great way to view your pet’s health records, anytime, plus you can easily connect with us at your convenience. Petly offers many features to help you keep track of your pet’s health needs, and shares informative articles on the latest trends in pet health.

Radiological Examinations

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Radiological Examinations

We offer digital x-rays for your feline. Our digital x-ray system is fully integrated with our computer system, allowing exceptional clarity and timely interpretations. If your cat needs an x-ray, know we will take the best image possible and offer great care while your cat is here with us. We will provide a disc of your radiographs if needed. We can also send digital copies to other hospitals as requested.

Radiology

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Radiology

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Reception

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Reception

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Reception — Second View

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Reception — Second View

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Study

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The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill Participates in Progressive Study for Cats with Osteoarthritis!

Osteoarthritis is very common in humans and animals alike, causing pain and stiffness in joints. Though there are several FDA-approved products available for humans and dogs, cats have been left behind. Some products do exist, but there are shortfalls, including the need for daily administration, adverse side effects, and lack of evidence to prove long-term efficacy. The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hillis proud to be at the forefront of researching new options for the aging feline with arthritis.

Surgery Suite

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Surgery Suite

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Surgical Care

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Surgical Care

Our veterinarians perform routine surgeries (e.g., spays, neuters) as well as soft-tissue surgeries (e.g., mass removals) in our modern surgical suite. All surgical patients will receive a pre-anesthetic exam and labwork to help ensure the safest anesthetic procedure as possible. Each patient is monitored by the doctor and one of our veterinary assistants. Vital signs are continuously evaluated and recorded. The patient is watched closely until fully recovered from anesthesia. The owner is called after the procedure to let you know how the cat has done during surgery. We will do our best to keep your cat as safe and comfortable as possible during the procedure and recovery.

Tour Our Practice

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Take a Tour of The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

We are located in the Indigo Corners Shopping Center off 15-501 in south Durham, in the same building as Verizon Wireless and Starbucks.

Click any photo to view full size.

Treatment Area

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Treatment Area

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Ultrasonic Examinations

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Ultrasonic Examinations

An ultrasound can be a highly-effective diagnostic tool; whether we are looking for a possible mass, urinary stones or are evaluating cardiac issues. We work closely with Dr. Lisa Woolman for ultrasonography services. She visits our clinic on an appointment-only basis.

Vaccinations

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Vaccinations

Each pet is different, and should be treated as such. Our vaccine protocol is tailored to the needs of your cat. Kittens receive a series of FVRCP (Feline Distemper) vaccines according to their age. Also, once they are old enough, they will receive a Rabies vaccine. In general, for adult cats we recommend the following: Rabies on an annual basis, FVRCP (Feline Distemper) every three years, and, if applicable, Feline Leukemia every two years. The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill follows the vaccine protocol approved by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Waiting Area

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Waiting Area

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Wellness and Preventative Care

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Wellness and Preventative Care

Prevention and overall wellness are essential components for a happy and healthy pet. Complete physical exams allow the veterinarian to inspect your cat from ear to tail. This exam allows the doctor to get a better picture of your cat’s health and help identify potential health issues, ideally before they become serious or life-threatening. Regular labwork provides a more complete evaluation. We offer further diagnostics such as x-ray and ultrasound as particular cases warrant. Our experienced and trained staff is dedicated to taking care of you and your pet. We want your visit to be a positive experience for both you and your cat.