The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

About

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Veterinary care for cats only

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill is a full-service veterinary clinic that cares exclusively for felines. We have been caring for cats here in the triangle in a calm and friendly environment for over fifteen years. From the kitten to the senior cat, we are here to help with all of your cat’s medical needs with the highest standards of veterinary care.

Adoption

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Adoption room

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill works closely with area rescues. We provide an adoption room for some of the cats and kittens in Independent Animal Rescue.

Appointments

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Appointments

Our front desk staff will be happy to help you find a convenient time to schedule an appointment for your cat. Our appointments are 8:30 - 11:30 and 2:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday. Saturday we have appointments available from 8:30 - 11:30. It is always preferred to have you here with your cat so we may ask questions and discuss treatment.

** Cat Carriers: Please be careful as our parking lot is heavily traveled. We require all cats to be in their own cat carrier for their own safety. And we highly recommend carrying your cat carrier from the bottom (instead of just from the handle at top) as we have experienced just how scary it can be when the latches break and your cat is no longer safely contained. If you need to borrow a cat carrier from us, please just ask, we have many available and would be happy to loan you one. If you’re having difficulty getting your cat into the carrier, please take a look at this youtube video for some helpful hints.**

Boarding

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Boarding

We have 12 duplex condos for our boarding guests. Each cat has their own duplex with a pass-through so that their litter box can be on one side and their food, water, and bedding can be on the other.

Client Center

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Client Center

Forms

Forms to e-mail or print and fill out in advance of your visit
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Appointments

Information about your appointment
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Payment Options

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, and cash. Checks are accepted on a limited basis.

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Emergency

Please call ahead if your emergency is during business hours.
Learn More |

Educational Resources

Explore resources pertaining to feline care and medicine.
Learn More |

Dental Care

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Dental Care

Good dental health is extremely important for the overall health of your cat. Drs. Margaret Edwards and Rachel Davis perform our dental procedures, from general cleanings to more extensive procedures needing extractions. They are both skilled and experienced and can evaluate your cat’s teeth and then give you an estimate for the procedure. Bacteria from untreated tooth or gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the heart or kidneys. Regular professional dental cleanings are the best way to counteract such problems. The Cat Hospital of Durham requires bloodwork prior to each dental procedure to ensure your cat can safely handle the anesthetic procedure. We use dental x-rays as a means to further evaulate your cat’s dental health. The cat is dropped off early morning and will spend the bulk of the day with us the day of the procedure. Each patient is monitored during the procedure using up-to-date equipment and technology. A member of the staff will contact you to let you know how your cat is doing after the procedure. While your cat is here with us, we will make every effort to keep your cat as comfortable as possible.

Educational Resources

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Potential Toxins

The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is (888) 426-4435. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Common household hazards to avoid.
Toxic plants; a searchable list provided by The ASPCA.
People foods that you should never feed your pet.

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Adopt a cat - save a life and fill your home with love

For a list of rescues that have cats or kittens available, search http://www.petfinder.com

Emergency Care

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Emergency Care

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OUTSIDE BUSINESS HOURS CLICK HERE

Our veterinarians and technicians have experience and specialized training in helping your cat when time is of the essence. Our medical facility is well equipped to support emergency measures on site. We will do all we can to address your pet’s condition when he or she is most in need of medical care.

ExamRoom

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Exam Room #2

We have three exam rooms; each fully stocked with supplies to examine your cat. We offer a clean and safe environment for examinations and consultations.

Forms

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Forms

Click on the buttons below to download a form. You may then either e-mail the completed form prior to your scheduled visit, or print the form and bring the completed version with you.

New Client Form

Download Form |

New Patient Form

Download Form |

Boarding Registration

Download Form

Geriatric Medicine

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Geriatric Medicine

As your cat ages, his or her needs change. We have extensive experience with senior cats, as they generally need more frequent examination and care.

Home 2

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Veterinary Clinic Focused on Feline Medicine

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill is a full-service veterinary clinic that provides care exclusively for felines in a calm and friendly environment. From your kitten to your senior cat, we are here to help with all of your cat’s medical needs. We offer preventative and emergency care as well as boarding and grooming.
Each month we are delighted to feature one of our special feline patients. This month’s star is Lola. This pretty girl came to us as a stray kitten and now has a wonderful, loving home.

In Case of Emergency

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Case of Emergency

If you have a medical emergency during working hours, please come directly to our hospital. If you can, please call us to let us know you are on the way. That way we can be better prepared for your arrival.

There are a few options for after-hours emergency care in the Triangle area. Please try to choose the one that is closest to you and call ahead to let them know that you are coming so that they know you are on your way. You may also call our number after hours and be routed directly to Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in Durham.

International Health Certificate

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International Health Certificate

If you plan to leave the continental United States with your pet, you will need an international health certificate. Our doctors are authorized to issue these certificates. Each country’s travel requirements are different, and as many as six to twelve months of preparation may be required. You can read more by clicking the link below. Click here for more information about international health certificates

Lab

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Laboratory

We have an extensive in-house laboratory that is fully integrated with our computer system, allowing us to perfom labwork efficiently and provide interpretations in a timely fashion. We are able to do a lot of diagnostic work here in our hospital. We also utilize outside labs for more specialized tests.

Medical Services

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Medical Services

We offer a full complement of medical services for felines. Click below to learn more.

Vaccinations	Dental Care Wellness and Preventive Care	Geriatric Medicine	Surgical Care Ultrasonic Examinations	Radiological Examinations

Meet Our Team

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| Mary Szymkowski, DVM
Mary Szymkowski is the relatively new owner of the Cat Hospital and was born and raised in the Chicago area. She earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with highest honors from Northwestern University in 1985. Upon graduation, she accepted a job as Software Engineer and Project Manager at IBM in Raleigh, North Carolina. While at IBM, Dr. Szymkowski earned her Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ultimately Dr. Szymkowski followed her heart into veterinary medicine. She accepted a position at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, leading the design and implementation team for their first online medical records system, while also taking pre-medical classes at Meredith College. She earned the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from NCSU in 2001. In the process, Dr. Szymkowski was contributing author for an article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and did a four week external rotation at UNC Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department to study radiation treatment planning and implementation.

Our Services

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Veterinary Care for Cats Only

Medical Services

We offer medical services ranging from physical exams and diagnostics to disease management and surgeries.
Learn More |

Boarding

We provide a safe, low stress environment for your cat when the need arises.
Learn More |

Emergency Care

We are skilled and experienced at attending to your cat when he or she needs immediate care.

Learn More

Payment Options

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Payment Options

| So that we may continue to provide exceptional care to all of our clients, payment is expected at the time that services are rendered. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express as well as personal checks and cash. A third-party payment option, Care Credit is also accepted.

We will provide estimates for all surgical procedures and most treatment plans in order to avoid any unexpected charges. If you have not received an estimate for your visit and would like one, please let us know.

Pet Records & Online Portal

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What is Petly?

Petly is a secure personal health page for your pet, that gives you direct access to your pet’s health records 24/7. We’re happy to provide Petly to all our current clients who have an active email address at the practice.

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Why Would I Like to Have a Petly Page?

Petly is a great way to view your pet’s health records, anytime, plus you can easily connect with us at your convenience. Petly offers many features to help you keep track of your pet’s health needs, and shares informative articles on the latest trends in pet health.

Radiological Examinations

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Radiological Examinations

We offer digital x-rays for your feline. Our digital x-ray system is fully integrated with our computer system, allowing exceptional clarity and timely interpretations. If your cat needs an x-ray, know we will take the best image possible and offer great care while your cat is here with us. We will provide a disc of your radiographs if needed. We can also send digital copies to other hospitals as requested.

Radiology

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Radiology

Our digital x-ray machine is fully integrated with our practice software; making taking x-rays and interpreting the results efficient.

Reception

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Reception Area

You’ll meet Ashley or Samantha behind the front counter. They are both ready to help you and your cat!

We have our prescription food available for purchase in our lobby. Cat toys, treats and supplements are among the other retail products in the reception area.

Reception2

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reception Area

You’ll meet Ashley or Samantha behind the front counter. They are both ready to help you and your cat!

We have our prescription food available for purchase in our lobby. Cat toys, treats and supplements are among the other retail products in the reception area.

Study

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill Participates in Progressive Study for Cats with Osteoarthritis!

Osteoarthritis is very common in humans and animals alike, causing pain and stiffness in joints. Though there are several FDA-approved products available for humans and dogs, cats have been left behind. Some products do exist, but there are shortfalls, including the need for daily administration, adverse side effects, and lack of evidence to prove long-term efficacy. The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hillis proud to be at the forefront of researching new options for the aging feline with arthritis.

Surgery

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Surgical Suite

Our spacious, fully-equipped surgery suite gives us a great and well-lit environment in which to perform soft-tissue surgeries and biopsies. Our anesthesia setup uses Sevoflurane, one of the safest anesthestic drugs for cats. All surgeries are performed under sterile conditions. Our skilled staff maintains your cats safety and comfort before, during and after any procedure.

Surgical Care

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Surgical Care

Our veterinarians perform routine surgeries (e.g., spays, neuters) as well as soft-tissue surgeries (e.g., mass removals) in our modern surgical suite. All surgical patients will receive a pre-anesthetic exam and labwork to help ensure the safest anesthetic procedure as possible. Each patient is monitored by the doctor and one of our veterinary assistants. Vital signs are continuously evaluated and recorded. The patient is watched closely until fully recovered from anesthesia. The owner is called after the procedure to let you know how the cat has done during surgery. We will do our best to keep your cat as safe and comfortable as possible during the procedure and recovery.

Tboarding

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boarding

We have 12 duplex condos for our boarding guests. Each cat has their own duplex with a pass-through so that their litter box can be on one side and their food, water, and bedding can be on the other.

Tour Our Practice

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Take a Tour of The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

Tour Our Practice 3

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[](/images/7/5/8/2/75820791/add9eb10-c547-448a-908d-46271857219d_4_orig.jpg “Our Facility

We are located in the Indigo Corners Shopping Center off of 15-501 in south Durham. The Cat Hospital of Durham is in the same building as Verizon Wireless and Starbucks. We share the parking lot with Red Robin.

The Cat Hospital of Durham is just a short distance from Interstate 40. We are across Mt. Moriah Road from New Hope Commons Shopping Center. Walmart and Barnes and Noble are located in there.”)

Treatment

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment Area

Minor procedures, blood draws and nail trims are often performed in our treatment area. Our experienced staff ensures your cat’s safety and comfort while here with us.

Ultrasonic Examinations

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ultrasonic Examinations

An ultrasound can be a highly-effective diagnostic tool; whether we are looking for a possible mass, urinary stones or are evaluating cardiac issues. We work closely with Dr. Lisa Woolman for ultrasonography services. She visits our clinic on an appointment-only basis.

Vaccinations

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vaccinations

Each pet is different, and should be treated as such. Our vaccine protocol is tailored to the needs of your cat. Kittens receive a series of FVRCP (Feline Distemper) vaccines according to their age. Also, once they are old enough, they will receive a Rabies vaccine. In general, for adult cats we recommend the following: Rabies on an annual basis, FVRCP (Feline Distemper) every three years, and, if applicable, Feline Leukemia every two years. The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill follows the vaccine protocol approved by the American Association of Feline Practioners.

Waiting

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Waiting Area

We have a few comfy chairs in our quiet lobby, but hopefully you won’t be waiting for long.

Wellness and Preventative Care

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Wellness and Preventative Care

Prevention and overall wellness are essential components for a happy and healthy pet. Complete physical exams allow the veterinarian to inspect your cat from ear to tail. This exam allows the doctor to get a better picture of your cat’s health and help identify potential health issues, ideally before they become serious or life-threatening. Regular labwork provides a more complete evaluation. We offer further diagnostics such as x-ray and ultrasound as particular cases warrant. Our experienced and trained staff is dedicated to taking care of you and your pet. We want your visit to be a positive experience for both you and your cat.

The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

About

​Veterinary care for cats only

Adoption

Appointments

Appointments

Boarding

Boarding

Client Center

Client Center

Forms

Appointments

Payment Options

Emergency

Educational Resources

Dental Care

Dental Care

Educational Resources

Potential Toxins

Adopt a cat - save a life and fill your home with love

Emergency Care

Emergency Care

ExamRoom

Forms

Forms

New Client Form

New Patient Form

Boarding Registration

Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric Medicine

Home 2

Veterinary Clinic Focused on Feline Medicine

In Case of Emergency

In Case of Emergency

International Health Certificate

International Health Certificate

Lab

Medical Services

Medical Services

Meet Our Team

Our Services

Veterinary Care for Cats Only

Medical Services

Boarding

Emergency Care

Payment Options

Payment Options

Pet Records & Online Portal

What is Petly?

Why Would I Like to Have a Petly Page?

Radiological Examinations

Radiological Examinations

Radiology

Reception

Reception2

Study

The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill Participates in Progressive Study for Cats with Osteoarthritis!

Surgery

Surgical Care

Surgical Care

Tboarding

Tour Our Practice

Take a Tour of The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill

Tour Our Practice 3

Treatment

Ultrasonic Examinations

Ultrasonic Examinations

Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Waiting

Wellness and Preventative Care

Wellness and Preventative Care

Veterinary care for cats only