UPDATE: A letter from Dr. Elizabeth Colleran

​Sunday, May 24, 2020
 
Dear Chicocats Caregivers and friends,
As we remember those who gave their lives defending our country, it feels particularly poignant to do so as others fight for us today in the midst of this pandemic.
 
For nearly three months, which seems much longer, we have changed the way we see our patients, care for them and communicate with you. We are all anxious to return to a “normal” life that includes you in our hospital.
 
As everyone explores how to emerge from our current circumstances, we are working with other feline hospital medical directors and local ones, to create a sensible and safe plan. With many businesses beginning to re-open we are eager to welcome you back into our hospital. For now, however, we feel it is prudent to continue our present form of service until we have a comprehensive plan.
 
When I graduated from veterinary school, my colleagues and I took an oath. The key promises we made were to:
  • protect animal health and welfare
  • prevent and relieve animal suffering
  • conserve animal resources
  • promote public health, and
  • advance medical knowledge
You might not think of us as protectors of public health but that is a critical and integral part of our work. Diseases shared between animals and people are part of our responsibility to safeguard against. COVID-19 shares our attention with Rabies, intestinal parasites, Cat Scratch Fever (it is a thing) and more.
 
Our present form of service is meant to protect all of us from transmission of this virus and to use these methods to protect the people we all go home to, shop with, care for or worship with. Some of you have found this comforting, others frustrating, we agree with both assessments. As we formulate a plan and continue to assess the disease incidence in communities that are opening more rapidly than others, we will keep you informed of next steps.
 
Meanwhile, take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) -  wear a mask, wash your hands and practice physical distancing. We want you all back in our hospital to deepen our shared connection with you and your beloved cats.
Keep in touch and share a lap,
 
 
Elizabeth Colleran DVM
Medical Director and Feline Specialist
Chico Hospital for Cats

​The safety and well-being of our families and their cats are have always been the of the utmost importance to us.  With the mandate from Governor Gavin Newson on March 19, 2020, we will only allow hospital personnel inside our hospital.  We are still open and are here for you.  

The following guidelines have been established to care for your beloved kitties:
  • Clients will remain outside the building at all times.
  • Upon arrival at our hospital, clients and patients should stay in the car and call us to announce your arrival.
  • All cats must be in a carrier
  • A team member will take a full history and collect all pertinent information from the parking lot or over the phone.
  • Patients will be brought inside the hospital for their examination, diagnostic testing and treatment.  The doctor will stay in contact with the owner to discuss recommendations, findings and treatment plans.
  • Once complete, a team member will bring your kitty to your car.
  • Payments can be made by credit card over the phone.

Prescriptions/Refills/Preventives
  • You can call the office, use the app or your Petly portal to request needed items.
  • Once we receive your order, we will e-mail an invoice so you can pay in the luxury of your home.  You can also call and make a payment.
  • Call us when you arrive and we will deliver the items to your car.
  • We also have our Online Pharmacy available for those that would like preventives and food delivered directly to their home.  

Boarding will remain open at this time
  • We ask you to leave all personal belonging such as blankets and toys at home.
  • Your cat must be in a carrier.
  • You may bring your cat's food if they are on a specific diet.
  • Upon arrival for Boarding, please call from the parking lot.
  • A team member will come and get your kitty and their special food.
  • For pickup, please call to let us know you are here and we will bring them out to your car.
  • Payments may be made by credit card over the phone.  

We will update as soon as we have more information available.

If you have any questions, we are here to help.  Please call or text us with your questions.  
Since 1998, Chico Hospital for Cats is the only feline-exclusive veterinary hospital servicing Chico and our neighboring communities.  Our Gold certified Cat Friendly Practice provides our clients and their feline family members with the most comprehensive animal care available. Our expertise lies in the understanding of feline behavior. By creating a welcoming environment your cats will begin to look at going to the veterinarian in an entirely different way.

Please stop by our animal hospital anytime and see the difference for yourself. We look forward to the opportunity of optimizing the health and quality of life for all of your furry friends. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment please give us a call at 530-892-2287.
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​For the safety of your cat and all hospital patients, cats must be in carriers. Here are some helpful tips on getting your feline friend in a carrier.  You should plan on spending 40 minutes with us.  We look forward to seeing you soon.