Cat Hospital of Portland

So glad I switched! All three vets here are great: down-​to-​earth, honest, and willing to get down on hands and knees to take a heart rate. Never a wait time, the vets take all the vitals instead of the techs and there’s always off-​street parking scented by Gino’s Italian food. Maybe no dogs is the secret to convenient cat care.

This place is wonderful. It’s a bit of a drive for me, but I’ve found it to be worth it. It’s a certified «Cat Friendly» practice that caters only to cats. I have a couple of scaredy-​cats that have been miserable in past vet’s offices where there are constantly barking dogs, but that’s not an issue here. Everyone here is very sweet to my cats. They run everything by you first, and don’t seem to push anything they wouldn’t recommend for their own pet.
My senior kitty has had her senior check-​ups and other examinations here. They’re well-​versed in feline asthma, which in my experience, most seasoned veterinarians are not.
The two cat mascots running around the lobby are an added bonus, as they help to relieve the stress of trips to the vet. These cats deserve a raise.

My experience at the cat hospital couldn’t have been better. I had a very difficult and emotional decision to make about euthanizing my aggressive 10 year old cat when there were no other re-​homing or shelter options. Dr Cory Gadwood was amazing at helping me through this decision process with knowledge, kindness and compassion. Faith, the receptionist was also very sensitive and caring. It was a painful decision to make but their caring and support helped me through it. They even sent me a personal note that was so thoughtful and helped me to deal with my grief. They are and will be my #1 cat vet in Portland.

I am so impressed with this business. My cat Wilson is almost 9 and absolutely hates the whole experience of the vet. By the time we have arrived, he’s already on edge from the car ride and has a low steady growl going. Because my sweet baby cat turns into a wild demon when scared, Wendy, the receptionist, let us into an exam room early to wait separately from the other cats. She’s great.
He screams – the «you just stepped on my tail» scream –except that no one did and it’s blood curdling. Needless to say, he doesn’t allow vet care staff to get very close to him. I was terrified he was going to injure someone, but they all managed his bad behavior like pros. Calming voices, slow movements, proper handling techniques; an assistant even managed a urine sample by using a syringe to collect it from the floor – after Wilson had an accident.
Dr. Carlson diagnosed a urinary problem using that sample and now I have some answers about why my kitty has been so grumpy. She educated me about diet and dental health and I will be taking Wilson back as soon as he is healthy again for a dental visit and vaccination. Their prices are also much more reasonable than what I have encountered elsewhere in Portland. I wish I remembered the other assistants’ (I hope that is proper title) names; they, too, are wonderful, kind and very understanding. True animal people.

Great clinic. Staff and vets are always helpful, attentive, knowledgeable and always give me a heads up on any charges and tell me my options. I’ve dealt with some clinics that seem like the just want to rack up the bill and/​or get you in and out quickly. I take my 2 cats here and will bring them nowhere else. Can’t say enough about them. I’d go across town if I had to, tho I picked them cause they’re in my hood :)

My experience has generally been positive here. I like the vet and most of the vet technicians are really nice and seem to really love cats. They do tend to have a lot of people that are learning, so it’s not always easy to make sure you are getting all the information you need.
What I really don’t like about this place is that it is really difficult to get appointments and the receptionist is incredibly rude and intentionally condescending. All of my experiences with her have been unpleasant and I really wish they would just hire a new receptionist.

If I could give this place zero stars I would. I brought my cat in because he had been bleeding from his paw and it looked to be a growth under one of his toes. They didn’t do too much about besides give me anti biotic a so it wouldn’t get infected, told me to bring him back when it heals and gave me a $ 1200 quote for dental work. I brought him to a separate vet where they actually took the time to look at it, and took a biopsy. Turns out it’s basal cell carcinoma. Yeah, CANCER! They ignored the cancerous growth on my baby’s paw. He had to get his toe amputated. On top of that, his dental work is only going to cost $ 475 at his new vet. DO NOT BRING YOUR CAT HERE!

Took my cat here for the first time since my vet in eugene recommended them. Wonderful people great clean facility. The vet techs and doctor were all so helpful and answered all my questions ! Even better they called on Monday (had him in on saturday) to check and see how he was doing since he had shots when he was in

I found the Cat Hospital from a random internet search of what was close to my house, and couldn’t have been more pleased. I brought my cat in for a general checkup as well as an infected ingrown nail, and Dr. Gadwood and all of the other staff members could not have been more kind, courteous and helpful. My cat and myself were clearly the top priority of everyone helping us; the visit was in no way rushed, and the doctor and nurses made sure to walk me through everything going on (I was present when they dealt with the nail and gave her an antibiotic shot) as well as all necessary aftercare. I would certainly recommend to anyone in need of an outstanding and reasonably priced cat veterinarian. Five stars for the Cat Hospital!

I took my pregnant cat in this morning and they were great with her but terribly condescending and critical towards me. I only recently have been making enough money to take her in to the vet and I expected the staff and particularly the Dr. to be more understanding of my position. I felt judged, descriminated, and looked down upon by everyone there because my cat is pregnant (I also feel the need to mention that this particular cats blood line has been in my family for over a decade and that is why we allowed her to have kittens. They are being born into a family who will take full responsibility for them but the Dr. did not bother to ask she just assumed I was irresponsible and treated me accordingly) and it was not ok. I do the best job that I can to take care of my cats with my limited means (I think the fact that I was even there and willing to spend whatever necessary for what she needs speaks to that) and I believe everyone has the right to pet companionship not just people who can drop hundreds or thousands at the drop of a hat if need be. Complete financial stability should not be a requirement for having a cat and I understand that the Dr. was attempting to educate me but I am an adult and do not appreciate being spoken down to. You can educate someone without making them feel badly and it would be better received. I will not be returning because of these issues.

Today was our second visit to the Cat Hospital of Portland. I woke up in the morning to find my beloved Cyril showing frightening symptoms of – something. I called the Cat Hospital, and even though we had no appointment, we were being welcomed within three hours. Cyril was given wonderful, careful attention from everyone involved. When I got emotional, all the clinic staff members seemed to understand absolutely.
Both times we’ve been to the Cat Hospital, the experience was as good as a vet’s can possibly be. The doctors, the admin staff, the vet techs – everyone is expert at what they do, and they’re all gracious and helpful, too. I love how they truly appreciate my gorgeous boy. :-) The atmosphere in the clinic is tranquil: so important for a stressed-​out kitty. I recommend the Cat Hospital of Portland enthusiastically!

A very modern, clean facility with super nice staff. The doc we saw was in love with our cat and through in both her exam and explanation of after-​care and meds. We don’t board our cats but their area for boarding looked great, and, of course, no dogs. We have a dog, too, so too bad for him that they are cat only. :-)
This was a second opinion type visit so they are not our regular clinic but we were very pleased with their service, the care and would recommend them if you need a cat vet.

I did everything for The Mario, my baby kitty of 18 years. He needed blood work: we did it. He needed hospitalization: we did it. You name it: we did it.
Treatment was expensive; I did not care about money. I felt my Mario was being cared for by the best. I forwent all of my other financial responsibilities in my attempts to make him well again. Sadly, despite our best efforts, my Mario did not make it. He passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013. R.I.P. baby kitty.
One of the nice things that they did for me was they worked with me financially. I was unable to pay right away. They allowed me to sign a financial agreement thus beginning treatment immediately. I was grateful for that.
I appreciate the thorough and compassionate manner shown to us by everyone there from the moment we were greeted by the receptionist to the sweet vet and vet techs that tried to put my ill, grumpy, hissing kitty at ease.
The vet calmly explained things in terms that I could understand. She made sure I didn’t have any questions. Although his condition was terminal they made sure I knew I did all I could for him. That was helpful because when all you are feeling is hysterical about loosing your beloved pet, validation from his doctor makes that final decision that you already know in your heart anyway, just a little easier to make somehow.
The final helpful thing they did for my Mario was to give me the number of Compassionate Care Home Pet Euthanasia Service. (See review).
I recently adopted a little fur-​baby from the Oregon Humane Society. I brought her to Cat Hospital for her first vet appointment. This is going to be little Mimosa’s regular vet.
Cat Hospital is not the closest vet to home, but when we are there, they make us feel at home.

The type of care I want and my cats deserve — thorough and excellent. The vet we are with (Dr Gadwood) is exceptionally knowledgeable, to a level I have not previously encountered. We came in for a diagnosis on a problem other vets and specialists couldn’t figure out and stayed. Since that first time, they have been great with everything from routine exams to urgent visits. Everybody — the techs, staff, and vets — are open, friendly, and attentive. The hospital is peaceful and clean, and my cats have had great care there.

Best vet visit ever. Just go. They are truly amazing.

I have been coming here since 2006 with my two cats who are now «seniors». Both cats have had excellent care here, including tooth extractions. Sure, they are a little more expensive than other vets, but they get excellent care.
Baker and Burt, the office cats, are great and non-​aggressive. They are almost like therapy cats.
I’ve never had to wait. Service is prompt and I’m usually in and out. Wendy, the receptionist, runs a smooth ship and has been there for as long as I’ve been taking my cats. I like consistency. The cat hospital provides that.

I strongly recommend against this vet. I took my cats here for several years, without incident.
When trouble began with one of my cats, however, I was told that blood work was necessary. Fine, that seems logical. My cat had lost several pounds and was wasting away rapidly — not eating or drinking.
But when the blood work was inconclusive, the doctor called me and told me that I had two options: an unltrasound (around $ 500) plus the cost of subsequent treatment; or euthenasia. Euthenasia? Seriously?
A friend suggested that I get a second opinion & recommended a clinic on Broadway. The vets there had trouble getting a temperature reading because my cat was so feisty (despite being painfully thin & not eating). They gave him a sedative and took his temperature… and in the process, discovered that one of his anal glands was infected and clogged to the extent that it was creating a serious blockage.
The vets drained the infected gland, gave my cat some pain killers, and prescribed some antibiotics. My cat began recovering immediately. A year later? He’s just fine, no further problems.
(The vets at the Cat Hospital had found it difficult to get a temperature reading as well, but they apparently opted to by-​pass the temperature reading & go straight to the ultrasound/​euthenasia options. The blood work that I paid for was unnecessary, as well, in hindsight.)
While I agree with previous reviewers that the office is quiet, calm & serene, I cannot concur with the statement that the veterinarians are thorough. If you would like comprehensive veterinarian service without bill padding, go elsewhere.
The Cat Hospital takes up a large space in a prime area of Sellwood. One has to wonder how they cover their expenses in addition to what must be extremely high rent. I wish I would have written this review earlier, in case it might have helped someone else — but it didn’t occur to me to do this until I received a notice from the Cat Hospital that my cat is due for his annual appointment.
If anyone from the Hospital is reading this, you can take Lucky off of your list. We won’t be returning.
UPDATE… it has now been four years since I wrote this review. My wonderful cat recently passed at age 16. My feelings about the Cat Hospital have not changed one bit — I’m so glad that I took Lucky to a different vet, as this allowed me to have five more years with him.

This is the best veterinarian ever.
Dr. Cary Gadwood and Technician Samantha are the two people who have cared for my cat at the hospital, so this review is mainly based on the attention we’ve received from them.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a team of veterinarians who are so kind, patient and thorough in their care as they are, not only towards the patients but also towards the owners. Dr. Cory has explained clearly, every time, exactly what’s going on with our cat, how serious it is, what the treatment options are, how long it will take for him to get better, etc., to our complete satisfaction. She also made us realize that our cat could benefit from changes in his diet, and she gave us resources, information and guidance during the weight loss process (so far he’s lost a full pound).
Their annual check ups are truly complete, and they will identify problems that other vets might have overlooked for years (like the fact that the teeth on one side of our cat’s mouth were so rotten that he wouldn’t chew with them any more and they needed to come out).
They take a very conservative approach to prescriptions: they will give your cat antibiotics if needed, but not for every single situation. I love it when the approach is more like «this is a concern but it could get better in a few days; please monitor and come back in two weeks» rather than immediately injecting him.
Some of the treatments can be quite expensive (such as thorough teeth cleaning and removal, since they have to sedate the cat completely and monitor its vital signs during the procedure), but we’ve gone ahead with the full confidence that our cat is safe in their hands.
Wendy, the receptionist, is very accommodating with making and reprogramming appointments by email instead of phoning, and she’ll also email appointment reminders which are great. They always give me 8am appointments and they are extremely punctual, so I can usually drop him back home and be at work by 9am.
Since they care exclusively for cats, there’s no risk of inter-​species aggressive behavior. There’s two cats who belong in the hospital but they are usually friendly with the patients.
I truly recommend this place to all cat lovers (and their cats).

The new vet is wonderful and the service remains top-​notch. Unfortunately one of my cats had to be euthanized due to a combination of factors, and the staff really helped me come to a decision and go through the process (for both me and my kitty) as sympathetically as possible. I can’t recommend them enough.

There is no better, more kind, or more generous veterinarian’s office than the Cat Hospital of Portland.
We’ve become regulars of theirs due to an emergency intestinal surgery and leg injury about two months ago and I’ve seen nothing but kindness from every single person who works at this office. They’ve always taken their time with our cat friend and we’ve always felt very well taken care of.
It’s probably a good thing I like them so much because we have another 6 – 8 more weekly visits before his bandage even comes off.
Yay Cat Hospital of Portland!