1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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What Makes a Cat Only Hospital Different?
Cats have their own rules. And they’re rarely willing to meet you halfway. The environment they’re in and the people looking after them can make a huge difference to their hospital experience. Being cat-only is one step towards making that experience as comfortable as possible, but there’s much more that goes into helping our feline friends leave feeling healthier and more like themselves.
At Cat Specialist Services, our modern, cat-exclusive hospital in Brisbane is dedicated to providing advanced veterinary care. You won’t find any dogs here, which certainly gets the feline tick of approval. But what really sets the hospital apart is our cat-crazy team of specialists, veterinarians and nurses. Our nurses spend a lot of time with our patients, and the feline-specific knowledge and skills they bring to those interactions are a big part of what makes this place so different.
A hospital designed around cats
Most animals have their own charming personalities. Cats have that and then some. A cat-only hospital, firstly, removes a major source of unfamiliar sensory input. At a regular veterinary hospital, there are typically dogs barking and the smells of many different species throughout the reception and clinical areas. For a sick cat, separation from other animals can be important because seeing, hearing or smelling them can contribute to fear and arousal.
Cats also feel better when they can hide, perch or observe their surroundings from an elevated position. Our hospital is set up with these natural preferences in mind. In waiting areas, carriers can be raised rather than being limited to the floor, while hospital cages provide separate areas for sleeping, eating, drinking and toileting. We’ve also incorporated non-slip surfaces, soft bedding, suitable litter trays and warmer resting areas to accommodate different physical needs, including those of elderly or sick cats and patients recovering from sedation or surgery.
When a patient is admitted and unable to return home, that’s when the calmest possible environment matters most. Illness, pain and time spent in unfamiliar surroundings can increase fear and frustration. Cats need quiet, predictability and a chance to rest without unnecessary disturbance.
Nursing care that starts with the individual cat
Good feline nursing is individualised, not formulaic. Two cats can have the same condition but respond very differently to hospitalisation. One might actively seek attention while the other wants minimal interaction. Our nurses are highly attuned to this, and they spend time learning what each patient is communicating. Sometimes, cats form really strong bonds with one particular nurse, who then becomes an important part of their care.
Cats cannot tell us how they feel, and they are extremely talented at concealing important things like pain or illness, so observation is crucial to their care. Feline nurses are trained to note things like appetite, drinking, toileting, grooming, sleep, activity, posture, facial expression, energy and interest in their surroundings. Our team also uses the feline grimace scale to assess various signs and build a detailed picture of what is normal for each patient and whether they need additional support or attention.
The personal touches feline nurses bring to the role often have practical benefits too. They’re very good at learning what helps each patient eat, relax or engage. Whether it’s a favourite food, a creamy treat, a quiet voice, a gentle pat or simply being left alone, these small details can influence appetite, behaviour and willingness to interact. They also help nurses gauge how the patient is coping and recognise when something changes.
Handling cats on their terms
The way you handle a cat can either ease their fear or add to it. Feline-focused handling isn’t a single technique. It relies on using the least restraint necessary for the individual and the task. A cat that comfortably accepts a blood pressure measurement may react very differently to having an IV catheter placed. Our nurses assess what needs to be done and how the cat is responding. Sometimes food is enough. Other times, gabapentin or another sedative may be more appropriate.
While cats can’t directly tell us when an interaction is too much, they often communicate it well before becoming defensive. People who work exclusively with cats become highly familiar with these signals and know to watch for changes in posture, ear and tail position, facial tension, eye shape and vocalisation, as well as signs such as looking away, hiding, freezing or becoming increasingly alert to an approaching hand. These can all indicate escalating fear or anxiety. And if a cat does reach the point of struggling, swiping or biting, it’s understood as a response to how they’re feeling, rather than deliberate spite or difficult behaviour.
Good cat handling doesn’t always mean pushing through. Sometimes, it means stopping. If a cat becomes increasingly distressed, it’s often far better to pause and reconsider the approach. That might mean giving them more time, trying again later, involving a nurse they already trust or using medication to reduce anxiety. Forcing a procedure can make things harder in the moment and leave the cat more wary of future care.
An entire team immersed in feline medicine
The more you work with someone, the better you know them. Same with cats. The depth of feline knowledge and experience built every day in our cat-exclusive hospital is invaluable. Our specialists, veterinarians, nurses and even administration staff are immersed in feline medicine rather than dividing their attention across different species. The common illnesses. The complex cases. The unusual presentations that don’t come along very often. Even our day-to-day conversations, case discussions and ongoing education are centred on cats.
Feline specialists are rare. There are only three in Queensland, and we’re lucky enough to have two of them at CSS, while also helping to train the next generation. Becoming a registered feline specialist requires extensive postgraduate training and examinations beyond a veterinary degree. Many excellent vets have a particular interest in cats and considerable feline experience, but formal recognition requires a different depth of knowledge and expertise.
Why cat only care feels different
Cats deserve more than good medicine. They deserve people who genuinely understand them, pay attention to them and care about how they’re doing throughout their time in hospital. That’s what we love most about working in a place full of people who are completely cat crazy. Every patient gets to be exactly that. A cat.
At Cat Specialist Services, every part of our facility is dedicated to cats and their care. If your cat needs further investigation or treatment, contact us to learn more.
Vets can refer patients here.
"The way you handle a cat can either ease their fear or add to it."
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a cat only hospital different from a regular veterinary hospital?
A cat only hospital is designed specifically around feline patients rather than accommodating several species in the same environment. At Cat Specialist Services, this includes separation from dogs, elevated carrier areas, feline appropriate hospital cages, warmer resting areas and a team whose daily work is centred on cat health.
Why can separating cats from other animals help during a hospital stay?
Seeing, hearing or smelling unfamiliar animals can contribute to fear and arousal in a sick cat. A cat exclusive environment removes this source of sensory input and provides greater opportunity for quiet, predictability and uninterrupted rest.
How do feline nurses care for cats differently in hospital?
Feline nursing is tailored to the individual patient rather than following the same approach for every cat. Nurses monitor eating, drinking, toileting, grooming, sleep, activity and demeanour, while also learning whether a particular cat responds best to attention, food, gentle interaction or simply being given some space.
How do feline nurses handle cats that become frightened during treatment?
Feline-focused handling uses the least restraint necessary for the individual cat and the procedure being performed. If a patient becomes increasingly distressed, nurses may pause, allow more time, involve someone the cat already trusts or use medication such as gabapentin or another sedative where appropriate.
What is the difference between a feline specialist and a vet with an interest in cats?
A veterinarian can have considerable feline experience and a particular interest in cats without being a registered feline specialist. Becoming a registered feline specialist requires extensive postgraduate training and examinations beyond a veterinary degree, with formal recognition reflecting a different depth of knowledge and expertise.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Marley, and a very rare encounter with Listeria
Marley overcame a rare Listeria infection, hepatic lipidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis with intensive treatment and careful ongoing management.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Key Takeaways
A cat-only hospital removes many of the unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells that can contribute to fear in feline patients.
Feline nurses adapt their care to each cat, closely observing to recognise preferences and changes during a hospital stay.
Working exclusively with cats gives the entire hospital team extensive exposure to common and complex feline health issues.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed