The Cat Practice Introduce
For anyone in New York who shares their home with a feline companion, finding a veterinary practice that truly understands the unique needs of cats is paramount. The Cat Practice, located in the heart of Manhattan, is a true gem in the city’s pet care landscape. As one of the first exclusively feline veterinary hospitals in the United States, established in the 1970s, it has a long-standing history of providing specialized care. This is not a general animal hospital; it is a sanctuary where the focus is solely on the health, well-being, and comfort of cats. The staff, including veterinarians and technicians, are experts in feline behavior and medicine, ensuring that every visit is as stress-free as possible for your pet. They understand that cats are masters at hiding illness, and their training allows them to "speak for them" and hear their concerns. This deep understanding and singular focus on felines make it an invaluable resource for cat owners in New York City. The practice has a reputation for combining a relaxed, compassionate approach with extensive experience and state-of-the-art facilities. This unique blend ensures that both the cat and the owner feel cared for and confident in the treatment plan. It’s more than a veterinary office; it’s a dedicated partner in your cat's lifelong health journey, providing a level of care that can only come from a specialized practice. The fact that a neighbor would enthusiastically recommend them speaks volumes about the trust and positive experiences they create for their clientele.
The Cat Practice is conveniently situated at 145 W 24 St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10011, USA, placing it in a central and accessible location for Manhattan residents and beyond. As a city-based practice, it's easily reachable via public transportation, being located near several subway lines including the C, E, R, W, and 1 trains, as well as various bus stops. For those who prefer to drive, the area offers paid street parking and numerous parking garages, though it is always wise to plan ahead for urban traffic and parking availability. The practice is located on the third floor, and it’s important for visitors to note its precise address to ensure a smooth arrival. The Cat Practice is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible entrance. This ensures that all members of the community can bring their beloved pets in for care without physical barriers. The facility also provides a gender-neutral restroom, further showcasing their dedication to creating a welcoming and safe space for all. The practice is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, which is an important feature for many New Yorkers looking for an inclusive environment. Given the urban setting, appointments are required or at least highly recommended to ensure a timely and dedicated consultation with a veterinarian. This structured approach helps manage the flow of patients and ensures that each cat receives the full attention they deserve. The combination of a central location, public transport options, and a commitment to accessibility makes The Cat Practice a convenient and welcoming choice for cat owners throughout the city.
The Cat Practice offers a comprehensive range of medical and preventative services, all tailored specifically to the unique needs of felines. Their services go beyond routine check-ups to cover every stage of a cat's life. Key services include:
- Exams and Vaccinations: Providing routine physical exams and wellness care for kittens, adult cats, and senior felines to ensure ongoing health.
- Surgical Procedures: Offering both routine surgeries like spays and neuters, as well as more advanced surgical procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which is a rare and valuable feature.
- Diagnostic Services: This includes a full suite of diagnostic tools such as blood work, fecal analysis, X-rays, urinalysis, and ultrasound to accurately diagnose conditions.
- Chronic Disease Management: The practice has extensive experience in managing chronic conditions like kidney disease, renal disease, and diabetic management.
- Senior Cat Care: They specialize in the unique healthcare needs of senior cats, including routine physical exams and treatment plans.
- Dental Services: Offering comprehensive dental care, including routine cleanings and more complex procedures.
- Cat Boarding: A special feature is their cat-only boarding services, providing a safe and stress-free environment for cats when their owners are away.
- Curbside Service and Drop-off Appointments: Providing flexible options for busy New Yorkers, allowing for convenient and efficient visits.
- Prescription Diets and Supplies: The clinic is a licensed supplier of various prescription cat foods and veterinary supplies, ensuring your cat has access to the best nutrition and medical products.
The extensive list of services, particularly the advanced surgical options and specialized boarding, highlights their commitment to providing full-service care in a feline-only setting. This specialized focus means their staff is not only familiar with these procedures but has also perfected them over years of treating only cats. The convenience of services like curbside pickup and drop-off appointments also caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York, making it easier for owners to prioritize their pet's health. They also work with pet insurance companies to make healthcare more affordable, further showing their dedication to their clients. The holistic approach to feline health, from preventative care and wellness exams to managing chronic illnesses, makes them a trusted partner for pet owners throughout the city. The practice’s ability to offer a variety of services under one roof reduces the stress of traveling to multiple locations for different needs, which is a huge benefit in a city like New York.
Several features and highlights make The Cat Practice a top choice for cat owners in NYC. Its exclusive focus on felines creates an environment that is less stressful for cats compared to a mixed-animal hospital, as there are no dogs to cause anxiety. The expertise and compassionate nature of the staff are consistently mentioned in customer reviews. Dr. Eric Dougherty, the Medical Director, is noted for his experience, insight, and relaxed yet professional approach. He is praised for his ability to communicate effectively, pointing out what is going well and providing relief and encouragement to owners. This kind of "bedside manner" is invaluable, especially when dealing with a pet's health concerns. The team as a whole is described as kind, approachable, and experienced, treating patients with the same level of care as their own pets. The practice is known for being a pioneer in feline medicine, with a modern, state-of-the-art facility that includes advanced equipment for diagnostics like ultrasound and endoscopy. Their commitment to the cat community extends to offering discounted services and boarding for rescue non-profits, demonstrating a genuine passion for feline welfare beyond their immediate clientele. This ethical and community-minded approach is a significant highlight. Furthermore, the welcoming environment, including a gender-neutral restroom and an LGBTQ+ friendly policy, shows that they care about creating a comfortable space for everyone. The long history of the practice, founded in the 1970s, adds to its credibility and legacy as a leading provider of feline healthcare in the city. The combination of medical expertise, a compassionate team, and a serene, cat-only environment is what truly sets them apart.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact The Cat Practice using the following details:
Address: 145 W 24 St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (212) 677-1401
What is worth choosing The Cat Practice is their unwavering commitment to feline-only care. In a city where veterinary clinics can often be noisy and stressful for cats due to the presence of other animals, this practice offers a quiet, calming, and dedicated environment. The unparalleled expertise of the staff, particularly Dr. Eric Dougherty and his team, is a key factor. Customers consistently rave about their knowledge, compassion, and the feeling of comfort they provide during what can be very stressful times. The practice's long-standing reputation and pioneering status in feline medicine give pet owners the confidence that their cat is in the best possible hands. They treat each cat as an individual, with a focus on comprehensive care that goes beyond a single visit. The wide range of services, from routine wellness exams to advanced laparoscopic surgery and specialized boarding, means that all of your cat’s needs can be met in one convenient location. The combination of professional, factual care with a friendly and empathetic approach creates a unique and highly desirable experience for cat owners in New York City. The fact that a customer who had a serious scare with their cat describes the care and communication as "above and beyond" is a powerful testament to the practice’s exceptional standards. For a cat owner in New York City who wants the best for their pet, The Cat Practice is not just a good choice—it’s the best choice, period.
The Cat Practice Services
Veterinarian
- Bladder Health
- Blood Work
- Cat Boarding
- Cat Healthy
- Cat Vet
- Cat Veterinarian
- Cat Vets
- Curbside Service
- Diabetic Management
- Drop- Off Appointments
- Exams And Vaccinations
- Fecal Analysis
- Feline Health Care
- Feline Lab Work
- Feline Veterinarian
- Feline Veterinary
- Feline-only veterinarian
- Felines Boarding
- Kidney Disease
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Medical Treatment
- Pet Insurance
- Physical Exams
- Practice Management
- Prescription Cat Food
- Prescription Diets
- Renal Disease
- Routine Physical Exams
- Senior Cat Care
- Senior Cat Healthcare
- Spays And Neuters
- Surgical Procedures
- Veterinarian Visits
- Veterinary Management
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Supplies
- Wellness Exams & Vaccines (for kittens & adult cats)
- X - Rays
The Cat Practice Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Appointment required
- Appointments recommended
Parking
- Paid street parking
The Cat Practice Photos










The Cat Practice Location
The Cat Practice
145 W 24 St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10011, USA
The Cat Practice Reviews
questionskittendiseasefeelkidneyfurcheck upconfidentunderstandingwalking
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Our neighbor recommended the Cat Practice when we were struggling to finda good family vet for our cat last year.Our cat has rare health conditions + food allergy. We’ve seen Dr. Eric for consultations and treatment on each one.He’s extremely experienced, insightful, and understanding.He maintains a relaxed approach to the concerns we bring, and always points out what’s going well + what we are doing right. We always feel relieved and encouraged after seeing him. My cat’s wellbeing has improved greatly.Everyone in his team is very kind, approachable, and experienced with taking care of your cats & you.
August 19 · alan qoaBest of the best. Hands down, period. If you have a cat in NYC, do not waste your time elsewhere. Dr. Dougherty is the most caring and knowledgable vet I have ever met. I've been a patient for over 8 years now but dealt with a scare with my 12 year old cat recently. Luckily, she is ok but the care and communication I received since the initial visit has been above and beyond. They treat my cats like their own and the comfort that brings to me as a pet owner is immeasurable.
August 18 · Sarah RichmanStarted coming here 3 years ago when my cat was peeing out of the box and urinating straight blood. I had been to other local vets, including emergency visits and never received a solution despite paying thousands for testing. This vet suggested a prescription urinary diet before more invasive testing. Cleared my cat’s problem almost immediately. Very nice they only treat cats, don’t have to wait in the waiting room with dogs that always wander from their owners and sniff your carrier. The vet here is so kind and gentle, he does a thorough exam. The vet techs are also very kind. Will keep this as my primary vet even though I moved out of state.
March 16 · Laura AI am so happy to find this amazingly welcoming and professional crew who works exclusively with cats. They have been taken care of my feral sick cat for over 2 years now and I believe that with their help we are keeping on prolonging his life. Barsik, the client of The Cat Practice, loves to go there.Great job and thank you for taking care of Barsik.
November 26 · Natalia ShukinaHands down the best cat vet in NYC! Dr. Eric Dougherty is a kind, experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate vet, and I felt like my cat was very well taken care of. It was clear that he really cared about my cat and her health. I was previously told that my cat would have to be sedated for a proper check up, but not with The Cat Practice! They handled my pet with care and were able to do her check up with no sedation. Thank you for being such a wonderful vet!
July 21 · Kristin Lukich Berkowitz
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