Especially Cats was founded in 1983 as a feline-only practice in San Francisco. We pride ourselves on being a feline-exclusive veterinary hospital. We provide the ideal environment for veterinary care for your cat by specializing in feline medicine and surgery and maintaining a low stress environment.
We offer a variety of payments, from Scratchpay to CareCredit, and also accept pet insurance. We have set up our hospital and trained our staff to meet the standards set forth by the AAFP to be a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Using our new online store, oyu can have your cat's prescription diet and medications delivered right to your door!
We offer a variety of payments, from Scratchpay to CareCredit, and also accept pet insurance. We have set up our hospital and trained our staff to meet the standards set forth by the AAFP to be a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Using our new online store, oyu can have your cat's prescription diet and medications delivered right to your door!
Services
Ensuring the health of your cat through all life stages begins with establishing a relationship with a veterinarian. The first and most challenging obstacle in many situations may be overcoming your cat's fear of coming to the veterinary clinic. Our staff can assist in informing you of different ways to minimize your cat's stress before the visit, during transport, and after the appointment.
Your pet is an important part of your family, and when he or she is ill, you want the best medical care available. Dental disease is one of the most common and preventable problems diagnosed in cats at veterinary visits. Whether you adopt a kitten from a shelter or breeder, or find a stray, kittens all have special needs when it comes to preventive care.
Cats need veterinary care as much as any other pet, however a recent survey of cat owners indicated that most would not bring their pet cat to a veterinary clinic as often as dog owners bring their dogs. Cats often "find" their owners and come with no instructions on health care, vs. dogs which are typically purchased from a breeder or shelter, and with guidance on preventive care.
In order to maintain our high standard of service, we require that payment be made at the time services are rendered. We provide estimates for all surgeries and hospitalizations. If you have not received an estimate, you are welcome to request one at any time for your expected charges. Especially Cats Veterinary Hospital is happy to accept Cash, Check, Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), Scratchpay and CareCredit.
Kittens are typically weaned by 6-8 weeks of age and ready to adopt. Whether you adopt a kitten from a shelter or breeder, or find a stray, kittens all have special needs when it comes to preventive care. Kittens should have their first veterinary visit generally around 2 months (8 weeks) of age.
At their initial visit, a comprehensive physical exam is conducted, evaluating body condition, checking for congenital disorders, external and internal parasites, signs of respiratory disease and ear infections, as well as obtaining initial weight and baseline vital signs.Kittens require a series of immunizations as they develop immune competency.
At their initial visit, a comprehensive physical exam is conducted, evaluating body condition, checking for congenital disorders, external and internal parasites, signs of respiratory disease and ear infections, as well as obtaining initial weight and baseline vital signs.Kittens require a series of immunizations as they develop immune competency.
Reviews (27)
Vanessa Cantillo
Dec 26, 2021
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I had such a lovely experience at Especially Cats Veterinary Hospital. The staff at the front desk were kind and helpful. The vet techs were so sweet and patient with my cat. Callie does not like being handled, and they managed her wiggles and resistance like a pro! I cannot say enough nice things about Dr. Wilson. I am so grateful to have worked with her. She was so thoughtful and thorough when it came to explaining Callie’s dental procedure and what to expect in the future. Overall Especially Cats was beyond professional and compassionate when it came to my little one’s care. I am so grateful
Maggie K.
Dec 17, 2021
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I came to Especially Cats after one of my newly adopted kittens was having some ear trouble that a previous veterinarian could not decipher and didn't seem overly concerned about. I was really worried of course, because I knew he was not feeling well. They managed to get me in sooner than my current vet even could. I took the appointment on a day/during a time when I am really overwhelmed but really wanted my cat to feel better. Consequently I was really disheveled at the appointment. They bent over backwards to help my cat. Quiet, small, low stress exam room and waiting room. A very good
Susan O.
Dec 08, 2021
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I was a client for many years about 10 years ago and had a pretty good experience with both of my cats for basic care. I brought my new cats for their check ups and shots earlier this year. It took a month or so to make an appointment but no big deal. Today, my cat has a medical issue and Especially Cats said I should try to find somewhere else to take them since they had no appts until12/24. Just don't expect comprehensive care for your pet from this clinic.
Alexander Bergo
Dec 03, 2021
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Danelle H.
Nov 27, 2021
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I can't say enough good things about all the folks at Especially Cats. Both Dr. Wilson and Dr. Lawson are wonderful and their support staff are the best ever. They treat your Kitty like family, I trust them with Artemis implicitly. If your cats are your children, this is where you want to take them.
Caglar Unlu
Nov 21, 2021
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Moving abroad soon with a very vague schedule. Dr. Lawson was able to set aside time for our cat's health certificate at short notice and even prepared health certificates for two different countries due to sudden change in plans. Greta also was very accommodating and followed-up with us to make sure everything was done right and in a way that would give us the most flexibility.
Krista L.
Nov 12, 2021
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I sought a new vet because while our previous one was convenient, the facility was dog-centric and this stressed our cats out for several days after every visit. I skipped their annual checkup last year in part because I worried about going back to that vet.
Although Especially Cats is more of a drive than the last place and it's a bit pricey, it is so worth it - Dr. Wilson and the staff are so great with our boys! It sounds silly but they make me feel like they love our cats.
They also have "cat TV" on the monitor (video of birds at a feeder), treats for the patients, and stress
Although Especially Cats is more of a drive than the last place and it's a bit pricey, it is so worth it - Dr. Wilson and the staff are so great with our boys! It sounds silly but they make me feel like they love our cats.
They also have "cat TV" on the monitor (video of birds at a feeder), treats for the patients, and stress
Dennis C.
Oct 20, 2021
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I feel compelled to update my review because Dr. Lindsay Wilson is simply fantastic! She is exactly the kind of vet you need in a crisis or for regular visits. We have one little guy who has had various medical issues for years. Dr. Wilson knows his issues and took him in recently when she had a quick Monday cancellation. She was booked solid. We had a weekend emergency that was getting worse by Sunday afternoon. Especially Cats was not open until Monday. But, if you live in San Francisco you know that whether the cause is the Covid crisis or some other factors, it is a fact that animal clinics
Carl M.
Oct 18, 2021
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My cat has received outstanding care from Especially Cats. I was able to scheduled an appointment for an evaluation of my recent cat's weight loss. Dr. Lawson did the evaluation and follow ups, and we have set a treatment plan going forward. Dr. Lawson and the staff at Especially Cats are very professional, respectful, knowledgeable. I have been going to Especially Cats for many years. I highly recommend Especially Cats.
Oscar L.
Sep 02, 2021
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After being a client for years, when I tried to get an appointment for my cat for a skin condition that had been treated by these people before, I was told the first available appointment was a month away and maybe I should find another vet. I have and will never return to this clinic or recommend it to my friends as I have in the past.
Garrett Robertson
Aug 29, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
Dr. Lawson and her staff are so kind and treat my girl Paloma super well every time. Dr. Lawson is very charismatic and knowledgeable, and always gives my cat plenty of undivided attention. I really appreciate all the folks at this veterinary practice, the prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent!
Dr. Lawson and her staff are so kind and treat my girl Paloma super well every time. Dr. Lawson is very charismatic and knowledgeable, and always gives my cat plenty of undivided attention. I really appreciate all the folks at this veterinary practice, the prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent!
Joan V.
Aug 25, 2021
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I've been bringing my three felines to Especially Cats for ten years and have stayed loyal through the different ownerships and vet changes, until now. Unfortunately, I finally decided to transfer all my cats care to another veterinary business. My main issue with the new corporate ownership of Especially Cats is that money seems to be their main concern and not the feline patients care. Recently when one of my cats had an emergency situation, Especially Cats would not see my cat, I do understand that nowadays most clinics no longer do emergencies - I guess it's the new business model
Crystal S.
Jul 28, 2021
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I have been going to Especially cats since 2013 and was very happy with them. However, this past ltime I had to drop off my cat due to Covid and when I picked her up she Peed in my car and was hiding under the bed for a couple of days which made me very concerned and to top it off the front desk staff are very rude and when I brought it up to their attention it's like they didn't even care and told me they are all under staff and stressed out, which I understand however you should have great customer service. They didnt even apologize. I will be switching my cat to another veterinarian
Summer Wilson
Jul 05, 2021
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Juliana Belinello Andrade
Jun 25, 2021
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Bringing my cat to the vet can be a task since he is a stray and doesn't like getting into carrier. He also freaks out around strangers and he doesn't come out from under the couch for days. I hate putting him through unnecessary stress, but understanding the importance of up keeping with his vaccines and wellness checks, my husband and I bring him to Especially Cats, where he is very well cared for by Dr. Ericka Carroll and the staff. I was quite impressed with the quick response and insightful follow up from Dr. Carroll. She is exactly what I would want my kitty vet to be, a cat lover who cares
Brian H.
May 08, 2021
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We've been going to Especially Cats for over five years but each year their service quality declines. I've heard that they've been bought by a larger group which could be the reason for drop in quality.
What broke the camels back was when we made an appointment for a check up and to check our cat's paw which had a small black growth on it. We were instructed to drop our cat off at around 8:30 AM due to Covid, which went smoothly. We waited patiently until 4:30 PM and decided to call to see what was going on. To our surprise, no one has looked at our cat since we've dropped
What broke the camels back was when we made an appointment for a check up and to check our cat's paw which had a small black growth on it. We were instructed to drop our cat off at around 8:30 AM due to Covid, which went smoothly. We waited patiently until 4:30 PM and decided to call to see what was going on. To our surprise, no one has looked at our cat since we've dropped
Ramiro M.
Apr 30, 2021
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Crash T.
Mar 24, 2021
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I love Dr. Wilson who speaks very slow and in details. However, her staffs are horrible. Every time, they put me on hold, hang up...and rude. Dr. Wilson told me to make an appointment after a week of the medication, but technician told me to wait - ended up not being able to make an appointment soon enough. I am thinking about taking my cat somewhere else.
Tara G.
Mar 18, 2021
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I felt compelled to review after 5 years of using this vet office, it's gone downhill. I love Dr. Wilson and see her exclusively. However, the staff is just not nice anymore. Very rude and impossible to actually talk to, cut you off, and don't listen. Forget about being treated as anything other than a checkbook. You can't leave a message or speak to the Dr directly, follow ups are sloppy, and after talking to the doctor for a new sensitive food diet, they send me an impersonal email with a dry food that the doctor herself told me that my cat couldn't have. Trying to follow up with other direct
Angela T.
Feb 20, 2021
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So happy to find Especially Cats! I took my Cat, Benny for a wellness visit today. I was nervous because I rescued him recently and this was his first visit. I couldn't stay with him because of the current safety precautions for COVID. Thankfully, the process was super easy. The Vet called me shortly after to check in. And Benny was done shortly after that. Benny was so calm when I picked him up. I could tell that this is a great place.
Jimmy T.
Nov 11, 2020
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My senior cat was a patient here from August 2019 to July 2020. She was inherited and arrived in very bad shape. Dr. Carter was our primary veterinarian. We started to build a relationship centered around her experience with radioactive iodine treatments and honestly, an obvious affection for my cat. She wasn't perfect but I always felt comfortable after every appointment.
There are two things which caused things to go downhill for me as a pet owner. First, the operations became really disorganized. I started to chase them for key things: lab results, medicine refills and post-visit summaries
There are two things which caused things to go downhill for me as a pet owner. First, the operations became really disorganized. I started to chase them for key things: lab results, medicine refills and post-visit summaries
Denvid L.
Oct 13, 2020
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It's 2020 and we've been with EspCats since 1991. BUT, we've left.
Dr Carter apparently left the practice early in 2020, but the clinic did nothing to notify her patients.
Our cat became ill, and after all our years with EspCats, they wouldn't see him and told us to find another Vet because they were busy. We took him to SPCA ER on Fillmore (great care and pandemic procedures). EspCats sent incomplete and disorganized records to Dr at Fillmore clinic.
Esp Cats has been outrageously slow about prescriptions and emails and call-backs. Six months into trying to work with them
Dr Carter apparently left the practice early in 2020, but the clinic did nothing to notify her patients.
Our cat became ill, and after all our years with EspCats, they wouldn't see him and told us to find another Vet because they were busy. We took him to SPCA ER on Fillmore (great care and pandemic procedures). EspCats sent incomplete and disorganized records to Dr at Fillmore clinic.
Esp Cats has been outrageously slow about prescriptions and emails and call-backs. Six months into trying to work with them
Kimberly O.
Sep 28, 2020
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Christine K.
Sep 26, 2020
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I have been taking my cat to Especially Cats for years. I like that their focus is cats only. Dr. Wilson was wonderful with my old guy cat. She is an excellent vet -- explains everything clearly and in-depth. It is clear she cares deeply about the animals and their care. I trusted her guidance and my cat was able to live comfortably the last three years of his life. Office staff are kind, patient and quick to assist. They supported me when I was trying to research a cheaper price on some meds. Vet techs are experienced and reassuring. My cat received the best of care and for that I am grateful
Jen W.
Jun 27, 2019
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I can't say enough how refreshing it is to go to a place that specializes in cats. I had no idea especially cats existed until I went down the list on yelp and found this spot. What a relief to be able to bring my Joey in the same day I called. I don't believe this is the norm so I just happened to be lucky that day.
Joey was seen by Dr. Deb Clyons...super friendly, excellent with her, and very informative to us. She was extremely patient answering our questions and explaining everything we needed to do. The staff members were also helpful as Joey appeared to be ok with them considering
Joey was seen by Dr. Deb Clyons...super friendly, excellent with her, and very informative to us. She was extremely patient answering our questions and explaining everything we needed to do. The staff members were also helpful as Joey appeared to be ok with them considering
Kenji Muramoto
Nov 04, 2017
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Friendly staff is really what makes this place top notch. Also the the fact that they really care about every animal that comes in is a huge plus.
If you're looking for a vet for your cat, this is one of the best options around the bay area.
*Don't trust the review of Puja. That lady is obviously being a princess over one incident. I've cancelled last minute before and they rescheduled me for another day.
If you're looking for a vet for your cat, this is one of the best options around the bay area.
*Don't trust the review of Puja. That lady is obviously being a princess over one incident. I've cancelled last minute before and they rescheduled me for another day.
Preston Gresham
Jul 16, 2017
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The staff, from the Vets to the Vet-Tech to Front Desk crew, all are helpful, caring, friendly, knowledgeable. The staff genuinely cares about you and your cat. I have been going there monthly for the past 6 years as my many toed Torti requires a careful pedicure. Of course she has the staff completely fooled, they think she is just sweet and cute, little do they know that she has been a total skitzoid trying to get here to the vet today, leaving me totally done in. But that's ok, that's what we humans are here for, I'm firmly convinced of it. On a health note, hats off to the Vets for their progressive
