The Cat Hospital

Business Details

32 Years

experience

Your Trusted Cat Veterinary Hospital in Northampton, MA

Established in 1994, we are a full-service veterinary hospital exclusively dedicated to feline care. Our team of cat specialists brings decades of combined experience in feline medicine, surgery, and behavior. We prioritize creating a stress-free environment through specialized handling techniques, Feliway pheromone use, and cat-friendly facility design. Our staff consists of lifelong cat enthusiasts committed to advancing feline healthcare through ongoing education. We offer comprehensive medical services including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, and surgical interventions.

Our practice philosophy emphasizes preventive care and client education to promote long-term feline wellness. We maintain regular business hours with select weekend availability to accommodate client schedules. Our facility features separate waiting areas and examination rooms designed to minimize feline anxiety. We actively promote carrier training resources to help pet owners reduce visit-related stress for their cats. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care through community education initiatives and pet loss support resources.

Services

Veterinary exams Vaccinations Dental care Surgical procedures Boarding services Pet loss counseling Carrier training Feline behavior consultation

Details

Year established: 1994

Highlights and features

Exclusive focus on feline medicine and surgery since 1994
Veterinary team with decades of cat-specific experience
Feline-friendly facility designed to minimize stress
Specialized handling techniques for anxious cats
Comprehensive wellness and emergency care services

Website

Update Listing

Services

Veterinary exams

Comprehensive physical examinations for cats of all life stages. Our experienced veterinarians assess vital signs, dental health, and overall wellness. Early detection protocols help prevent chronic conditions through regular monitoring.

Vaccinations

Tailored vaccination programs for feline disease prevention. We administer core vaccines and recommend lifestyle-appropriate immunizations. Our protocols follow current veterinary medical guidelines for optimal protection.

Dental care

Professional dental cleanings and oral examinations under anesthesia. We address periodontal disease, perform extractions when necessary, and provide home care guidance to maintain dental health.

Surgical procedures

Routine and complex surgical interventions including spaying/neutering, mass removals, and trauma repair. Our surgical suite features modern monitoring equipment for patient safety during procedures.

Pet loss counseling

Compassionate guidance during end-of-life decisions and bereavement. We provide resources including the Rainbow Bridge poem and connect families with pet loss hotlines for emotional support.

People

Dr. Maureen Ricksgers

Veterinarian

Graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Specialized in feline medicine since 1988 with over 35 years of cat-specific veterinary experience. Founder of The Cat Hospital in 1994.

Questions

What services do you offer for cats?

We provide comprehensive veterinary care including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgical procedures, and chronic disease management specifically for felines.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Call us at 413-586-2287 during business hours or use our online contact form to request an appointment. All patients are seen by appointment only.

What makes your hospital cat-friendly?

Our facility features separate waiting areas, Feliway pheromone diffusers, and specialized handling techniques to minimize stress for feline patients.

Do you offer after-hours emergency care?

We don't provide 24/7 emergency services. For urgent care outside business hours, contact local emergency veterinary clinics listed on our website.

How can I prepare my cat for a visit?

Start carrier training weeks in advance using positive reinforcement with treats and catnip. Leave the carrier accessible in your home for acclimation.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

A. S.

May 24, 2022 Report

I brought my kitties here for a check up and to get established with a vet as we are new to the area. The front office staff and the vet were all very nice, and the vet came out to my car to talk with me about my cats and her findings. While my kitties generally *hate* riding in the car or being in the carriers, they did not seem at all stressed when they were returned to me. Both were quiet on the way home and calm in the evening.

While in the visit, it was discovered that one of my kitties had an ear infection and the vet gave me meds for it. The vet also read the records from my previous vet. I know that's probably expected but it was the first time a vet ever discussed my cats' history so thoroughly and with such attention to detail. I'm happy that we found them!

Makenzy Richardson

Feb 15, 2022 Report

Best place to bring your cats! The staff are friendly and helpful and Dr. Ricksgers is just great. She takes time to speak with you directly and answer your questions which is something you don't get at a lot of other places. I always feel like my cats are given the best care when I bring them. They're even great with my super fractious cat which is so wonderful as he has been treated poorly at other hospitals. Additionally, they always seem to fit me in if we have an emergency which is so appreciated. Hands down recommend this clinic!

Lara Clarke

Dec 17, 2021 Report

Dr. Ritzgers is amazing with cats. She really enjoys her profession, by evidence that she references new studies and new medical skills she is learning. Her staff are very friendly and my cats do very well (even if they still hate the car ride.) I highly recommend for those with feline friends.

Mandy G.

Jul 23, 2021 Report

Called Monday and spoke to a super nice woman on the phone that told me it would probably be about 8 weeks until a new patient appointment (absolutely understandable!) I called again today with the intention of trying to schedule said appointment, however, it wasn't the same woman I spoke to Monday. This woman was the complete opposite. I explained to her my current situation, and she went on to say that because they're so busy currently, they are only taking on cats/kittens without current or ongoing health issues. UM. I'm sorry. Is that NOT what a vet is here to help with?

She told me to call back in a month or so to see where they stand. Disappointing because I had heard such awesome things, but that.that's a no go from me and I won't hesitate to pass that on to my fellow cat lovers.

Lilla Mare

Jul 18, 2021 Report

I can't speak to the veterinary care they provide because I did not end up going. What I can speak to is how rude and disrespectful the staff were to me when I called to try and set up an appointment. I was constantly put on hold and spoken to as if I was trying to do something wrong. I did not fully understand the process and had questions but they treated me like I was a waste of time. I could never go to a place that doesn't have the time or professionalism to simply just answer questions.

Marissa Beaulieu

May 27, 2021 Report

I have been extremely impressed with The Northampton Cat Hospital. This fall I adopted a kitten and have been bringing him here for all of his kitty needs including neutering. The doctors and staff are kind and caring toward my cat and they provide a detailed report card making the experience fun and painless. Very affordable and I highly reccomend.

Hila Kummins

Dec 26, 2020 Report

Love this place, Dr Riskers is extremely thorough and LOVES cats! I've been in the valley 30 yrs and had some awful vets but she is the best I've ever found! Also her office is really friendly & cheerful too!