Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Cat Veterinary Care in Fairfax, VA
The Cat Hospital of Fairfax has provided exemplary feline care for over 30 years, establishing itself as a trusted leader in cat-friendly veterinary medicine. Our practice is built on a foundation of respect for cats, with every aspect of our hospital designed to ensure feline comfort and reduce stress. We adhere to the American Association of Feline Practitioners' Cat-Friendly Practice standards at the gold level, emphasizing patient-centered care tailored to individual feline needs. Our experienced team prioritizes collaboration, diversity, and continuous adaptation to meet the unique requirements of cats and their caregivers. With a focus on geriatrics, dentistry, pain management, and internal medicine, we deliver comprehensive services including diagnostics, surgery, and hospice care.Our commitment to excellence extends to community-based continuity-of-care, fostering long-term relationships with patients and their families. We combine advanced medical expertise with compassionate handling techniques to create positive veterinary experiences. The practice was founded in 1991 and continues to uphold its mission of enabling cats to live healthier, longer lives through trusted professional care. Our team includes certified specialists and Fear Free-certified professionals dedicated to feline well-being. By integrating cutting-edge technology with empathetic service, we strive to be the premier destination for cat healthcare in Fairfax, VA.
Services
Cat Exams and Consults
Cat Diagnostics
Cat Dental Health Care
Cat Surgery
Cat Hospice Care
Cat Tender Loving Care
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized feline veterinary expertise
- Certified Cat-Friendly Practice with gold-level standards
- Personalized care adapting to each cat's unique needs
- Fear Free-certified professionals for stress-free visits
- Comprehensive services from routine exams to advanced surgery
Associations and certifications
- American Association of Feline Practitioners
What people say
Best visit experience
Gentle and qualified staff
Superior care for special needs
Quick response times
Excellent patient accommodation
Services
Cat Exams and Consults
Comprehensive wellness exams tailored to feline physiology, including preventive care and early disease detection. Our experienced veterinarians conduct thorough physical assessments, behavioral evaluations, and medical history reviews. Services include vaccination planning, parasite prevention, and personalized health counseling for cat owners.
Cat Dental Health Care
Specialized dental care addressing feline-specific oral health needs, including professional cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatment. We utilize advanced imaging technology and pain management protocols to ensure comfortable procedures. Preventive education focuses on maintaining dental hygiene between visits.
Cat Surgery
Full-service surgical care with modern anesthetic protocols and monitoring equipment designed for cats. Procedures include spaying/neutering, soft tissue surgeries, and emergency interventions. Post-operative care emphasizes pain management and recovery in a low-stress environment.
Cat Hospice Care
Compassionate hospice services focusing on comfort and quality of life for senior or terminally ill cats. Our team provides pain management strategies, nutritional support, and home care guidance. We offer emotional support for pet owners during this difficult transition period.
Cat Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostic capabilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory analysis tailored to feline physiology. We specialize in detecting kidney disease, diabetes, and other common feline conditions through minimally invasive techniques that reduce patient stress.
People
Dr. Liz Bolton
Medical Director
Board-certified feline specialist with 15+ years of experience. Graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Special interests include geriatrics and dentistry. Member of multiple veterinary associations.
Jolene
Practice Manager
Certified Health Education Specialist with 7+ years managing veterinary operations. Holds advanced degrees in community health. Focuses on client education and team development while maintaining Max, her black-and-white companion.
Laura
Customer Service Representative
Veterinary Receptionist Certificate holder with 12+ years in feline care. Former nurse and groomer. Fear Free-certified professional dedicated to creating stress-free experiences for cats and owners alike.
Kelly
Veterinary Assistant
Pursuing veterinary technician certification while assisting with patient care. Background in minor league baseball administration. Passionate about client education and feline behavior analysis.
Em
Veterinary Assistant
Former Air Force member with international veterinary experience. Specializes in feral cat care and behavior modification. Currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician while managing three rescued cats.
Questions
What cat-specific services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive feline care including wellness exams, dentistry, surgery, diagnostics, and hospice care in a stress-free environment.
Are your staff specially trained for cat care?
All team members complete Cat-Friendly Practice certification with specialized training in feline behavior and handling techniques.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed weekends and major holidays. Emergency care referrals available during business hours.
How do you handle anxious cats?
Our Cat-Friendly environment features separate waiting areas, calming pheromones, and gentle handling techniques to minimize stress for nervous felines.
Can I access medical records online?
Yes, our PetDesk portal allows secure access to appointment history, vaccination records, and communication with our medical team.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and CareCredit financing. Payment is required at time of service with flexible financing options available.
Reviews (6)
Sissy O.
Jun 11, 2022
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I feel it's weird that over 2 years they are still doing curbside and even when outside they act like the germs will float to their masked face. I think they expected me to wait in the car for the half hour or however long it took the vet to see my cat- I didn't because I was 3 miles away. I loved that the doctor talked to me at length about the problem with my cat's eye, so the immediate need was fulfilled.
They were able to get the electronic records from my vet out in Haymarket so that was cool. But having said that, they said he has alopecia on his stomach. Which is not the case bc my cat is an extreme licker from day one of the 9 years I have had him. So I definitely appreciated the speed with which they were able to see my baby, just some things they probably need to refine to make it worth the $195 one time visit. Overall would recommend.
They were able to get the electronic records from my vet out in Haymarket so that was cool. But having said that, they said he has alopecia on his stomach. Which is not the case bc my cat is an extreme licker from day one of the 9 years I have had him. So I definitely appreciated the speed with which they were able to see my baby, just some things they probably need to refine to make it worth the $195 one time visit. Overall would recommend.
Serena
May 22, 2022
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The cats at this cat shelter scratched me. They scratched me so badly that I had to go to the hospital for ten days. It was sad. My mom cried, but then she got scratched by a Turkish Angora cat too. It was sad :
Candace K.
Nov 14, 2019
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Dr. Ellison is an amazing vet. She has cared for our two cats for many years. She and her staff are compassionate and caring. I recommend her to anyone I know that is a cat owner.
Debbi B.
Nov 16, 2016
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They are simply the best. Dr. Ellison is a wonderful vet who really cares and is so professional and skilled. I have been going to this practice for so many years and am very satisfied.
Tina M.
Jan 22, 2015
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We have been bringing our cats to Dr. Ellison for 10 years. She has always been really caring and willing to work with us as far as the care of our cats goes; she gives you all the options but doesn't push you if, for instance, you're not willing to resort to invasive measures. When she has lab work done, she calls and/or sends detailed emails with the results and what they mean, and her recommendations.
She always follows up after procedures or medication changes to make sure the cat is doing well. We have not always been fond of the other doctors she's had in the practice over the years. Not that the others are bad, but usually they don't stay around very long, and Dr. Ellison knows our cats very well. As has been mentioned before, the big downside is that she's pretty expensive. But we think she's worth the money.
She always follows up after procedures or medication changes to make sure the cat is doing well. We have not always been fond of the other doctors she's had in the practice over the years. Not that the others are bad, but usually they don't stay around very long, and Dr. Ellison knows our cats very well. As has been mentioned before, the big downside is that she's pretty expensive. But we think she's worth the money.
M. U.
Jun 17, 2011
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I bring my cat here for care. The people who work there are very nice and seem to care about my cat. There are 2 vets working there, so it's not very hard to get a appointment. I even brought my cat in without a appointment and they took him in without a problem. Big downside--expensive.
