Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center

This is the third time I have posted a review for Cheshire cat, yet none of them seem to appear on Unilocal.I have gone to Dr. Ann for approx. 15 years with our multiple cats. I have had nothing but excellent experiences with her service and that of her staff and relief vets. They are all very caring and concerned about the well being of my cats. I highly recommend them and feel most comfortable taking my cats here. The environment is less stressful to my cats than a traditional vet with barking dogs in the waiting room. I can’t say enough good things about Cheshire Cat.

I am so happy that my friends recommended me here. My cat was sick and they got me in same day, and took their time in calming both of us down and figuring out what was going on.
Since then they have called to check in on her, send a hand written thank you note,. and when I picked up a medicine refill and I had more questions, went back over her chart and bloodwork to explain what was going on.
Thank you to everyone there for helping me and my Zoe!

I feel badly writing this low of a review, as they’re nice people who work here. But for a cat only vet clinic, they are really bad at handling angry cats. My cat, who’s usually lovely and cuddly at vet visits, got really mad with all the smells at this clinic. The staff and the vet seemed really scared of him each time we brought him in, to the point of flinching when he moved (even when he was calm). Mind you, he’d never scratched or bit them– just hissed and growled. I know because they never actually picked him up or brought him to the back– I did most of the work on both abbreviated visits.
The tech/​assistant who checked him in on our second visit was pretty rude, as if it was our fault he had been mad in the last visit. They just seemed to have no plan for managing cats in distress. Nor did they seem to get how acting like he was going to attack them would stress him out. He was fine at first, rubbing himself against everything and purring. But after ten minutes of waiting, they acted like he was a bomb and ended up cornering him with a towel in the air. I ended up picking my cat up in the towel as they had just cornered him in the office, scaring him even more. Just really bizarre to not have training in this area. I felt bad for stressing my cat out that much on two occasions and never getting an exam from it.
Also, I used to work as a vet tech– I understand that angry cats are annoying to work with– but I also know that it’s part of the job, and that managing angry cats well reduces their stress and helps everyone along. They smartly referred me to another clinic, so I’ll be bringing both my kitties to another place that’s a bit better prepared for their population.

The good: a cat care vet, the bad: high prices for everything that they do for the cats ie: exam, x-​ray, blood work, testing, etc. Now the ugly: there was kitten I saw for adoption and needed surgery for her eyes. I called in the morning told the receptionist that I was interested in adopting the kitten, 4 hours later they call my husband to say the cat got adopted 4 hrs earlier by a staff member. Thanks a lot Cheshire I told you I was interested in adopting, but you never told me that your staff had taken her at that time. Then don’t put out for adoption due to the fact that your staff will take them every time. I am just ranting and I know nothing will be done on this issue, nor will anyone contact me, I have been going there for 20 yrs. You would have gotten more business from me if I got that kitten, instead of a staff member with a discount and/​or free services.

I’ve been a client for many, many years (10+) and I have to say my opinion of them is declining. It seems like the last few times I’ve been they’re chaotic and disorganized, overworked, maybe just too busy. I haven’t had good luck getting return calls or emails answered after paying hundreds of dollars in vet bills. Frankly, it is easier getting advice on Google.
I do really like the assistants. They’re very personable and clearly love kitties.
This clinic isn’t near to my house, I drive 20 – 25 minutes to get there, simply because I thought they were great. Now I’m not sure the drive is worth it.

Dr Middleton is exceptionally competent and very gentle with our three mischief-​makers. It’s great to have a cat-​only vet since she’s so attuned to the details about cat health. The administrative personnel are super attentive and remembered our cats for the second trip. They have a comfortable, good-​sized lobby with treats for humans where they collect donations for shelters. We’ve lived in 5 states with our cats over the past 10 years and this is our favorite cat clinic. The prices are reasonable, and they gave us a good deal on our eldest cat’s teeth-​cleaning, which completely cleared up his fowl breath and brown teeth.

I’ve been taking my cats to cheshire for several years and have never had an issue. The staff here AMAZING! The office offers a very friendly and caring environment. I’ve recommended Dr. Middleton to many of my friends and colleagues who are looking for a Vet that is specialized in cats. Please don’t take your precious kitties to just any «dog and cat» veterinarian, I’d really recommend taking your kitty to a place that REALLY knows cats!
This office is quick to provide the proper diet, care, considerations for many illnesses and issues. My cat had really bad urinary stones/​crystals and through proper treatment and check ups, Dr. Middleton saved my cat. I’m forever thankful to have this clinic in San Diego and will be very sad if I ever leave San Diego because this place is so great.

Do not waste your money in taking your cat here. I called and asked for pricing and was told it would be a $ 59 charge to be seen by the doctor (which I confirmed several times on the phone). Only to take my cat there and be charged an $ 89 fee!!! They called it an «extensive fee» due to my cat having allergies and that they had to research more… are you effing kidding me… he has allergies, he was not hit by a car. I had previously taken him to my local vet and had his blood allergy tested by an outside lab that my vet uses… I was hoping that Cheshire would have more insight into his condition given that they specialize in CATS! Oh no, instead they said that they had never tested cats like this before… really? Bottom line is that they pulled a bait and switch with their office visit fee, and did not provide ANY additional information regarding my cat’s condition. I am thinking about taking them to small claims court to get my $ 30 back.

If I could give this vet. center 10 stars, I would.
I can’t explain how THANKFUL I am to Unilocal (and its reviewers) for introducing me to the Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center. This feline vet. center has gone above and beyond any expectations… actually, it met and surpassed my high standards of feline care that every other vet. has never measured up to.
My cat, Catman, has been diagnosed with FIP, (feline infectious peritonitis), which every other vet has deemed a death sentence right off the bat. A previous vet from another center recommended that I put Catman down back in October 2012. It is now March, and Catman is alive, and we are hopeful. Dr. Middleton has truly been a blessing.
Dr. Middleton took the time to carefully listen and acknowledge all of my concerns for Catman. She took my financial situation into consideration and came up with the best plan for Catman. She did research – printed out articles and highlighted information for me. When going over test results, she explains everything thoroughly and puts information into language that I can understand.
Dr. Middleton and I both share the will and determination to keep Catman healthy. We are trying a new, experimental immunostimulant that has recently been introduced to the market. Catman will be her first patient undergoing this treatment.
The staff at Cheshire Cat are also something to look forward to. They are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They frequently check in, by either phone or e-​mail, just to see how Catman is doing and to remind me that they care… In no way, shape, or form, have I ever felt pressured or «up sold» like I have felt at previous vets. I know that they truly want what is best for my cat.
I legitimately look forward to every phone call, email, and visit. I am expecting a phone call soon to let me know that the immunostimulant has arrived; I look forward to starting Catman on this new treatment. Dr. Middleton and I are also excited to learn what this new treatment may offer… Catman could be creating history!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center for offering Catman and me HOPE when no one else did!!!

I’ve been taking my cat George here since we first adopted him over a year ago. Cheshire Cat Clinic is ONLY for cats so they know more about cats and care for them a lot more thoroughly, I feel like the staff and Dr Middleton spent a lot more time and effort to diagnose and treat George properly than the first general vet office we took him to post-​adoption.
He’s been there for everything from routine checkups to gingivitis and chronic upset stomach (cured) to vaccines. We boarded him for a couple of days this year and they took great care of him, gave him a lot of attention. He was scared the first couple of times we took him in, but now everybody there knows him… he’s a popular guy with the Cheshire staff and he seems to know it because he’s not nervous when we bring him anymore, haha!
Speaking of the staff. They’re always cheerful and fun both on the phone and in person, and very helpful. When I called to schedule George’s vaccines they could only find record of 1 vaccine in the system. The lady on the phone even took time to search records and called me back later with results. When we went in we took the stacks of papers from the SPCA and the staff patiently sorted through them with us to find which vaccines he has/hasn’t had. They are happy to answer any questions over the phone as well.
Oh, and their seasonal decorations are awesome, I love the current Halloween theme they have going, haha.
As long as we live in San Diego we will never take our cat any place else!

This is not a place where I will continue to seek treatment for my cat nor would I recommend this place to anyone.
I had taken my cat to this clinic years ago and decided to go back to them. One of the qualities I thought was important was that this place only served cats. I took my 13 year old indoor cat to see Dr. Middleton four days ago. I was told that someone would call me with results within 24 – 48 hours. Since I had not heard from the clinic two days later, I called to find out the results from the full blood panel that I was recommended to get done for my cat. When I called, Morgan said that he did have the test results and that he could read them to me over the phone. My shock was that he expected me to understand the results without an interpretation. I asked if I could talk to the vet to hear what she thought the results meant and he said that I could come in if I wanted to talk to her but she wouldn’t be calling me to discuss the results. He said the results showed early signs of kidney disease but didn’t provide an answer for why he had been stumbling and falling, so he said I should bring my cat in for more tests. I asked what other types of tests would they be performing and he said that I could get a blood panel done… WHAT! I said, I was told to pay extra for the full blood panel because it would be more comprehensive. And he said, hmm… maybe BP means something else…
At that point, I requested that he email the results to me and have Dr. Middleton suggest a course of treatment for the kidney disease diagnosis. The next day I received an email from Dr. Middleton and she kept referring to my male cat as a female cat. And rather than receiving a suggested course of treatment for the diagnosis that they gave me, she said she would like to do more tests.
When I called for answers neither Morgan nor Dr. Middleton even bothered to look at my cats chart. If the vet does not even pay attention to what gender my cat is, she’s not really paying much attention to caring for my cat either.

I have been taking my cats to see Dr. Middleton for years. I would never dream of taking them anywhere else. The staff is very personable and professional. Dr. Ann is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I trust her entirely!
Do yourself a favor, do your feline friends a favor and bring them to The Cheshire Cat Clinic. You won’t be disappointed!

Another great experience, typical of the last five years or so I’ve been coming here.
Made a last minute appointment on a Friday afternoon for a Saturday AM after I got back from a work trip to find one of my Maine Coons had some issues. They fit me in and off we went the next day.
The team here is nothing but caring, compassionate and genuine. I still wish they were back in PB, but it’s worth the drive to go to people you trust.
They also board cats in these nice little glass condos if you’re in a jam and need someone to watch your feline friends.
Much like the dentist, I wish I didn’t need to go to the vet, but if I have to go, I go to Cheshire Cat Clinic.

The entire staff at Cheshire Cat is absolutely wonderful. We recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable cat Veterinarian.
My wife and I started taking our cat Max here in August of 2010. We had been dissatisfied with our previous vet and were looking for a place that specialized in cats. San Diego on the whole is quite dog-​centric. We were so lucky to find Cheshire Cat!
Max had a chronic condition that needed constant attention. The entire Cheshire Cat staff helped us manage it the best we could for the last year of his life. When we had to go away on trips, we liked to board him at their facility so he could be near his friends. The staff would kindly call us each day of our trip to check in and let us know how Max was doing.
In addition to being feline health experts, the Cheshire Cat staff is a warm, personable group of people. Max looked forward to his visits there and so did my wife Jocelyn and I. When Max’s condition got the best of him, we had to make the hard decision to put him to sleep. Dr. Middleton was compassionate and sensitive throughout the procedure. We miss Max so much and he will always be in our hearts. We are glad that we were able to end his pain in a humane, peaceful manner. We will never forget Cheshire Cat’s kindness on that difficult day.
The San Diego Cat community is very lucky to have Cheshire Cat Clinic to care for our feline companions.

This place is wonderful! I took my cat there because a friend said they were great and I’m so happy I did! I took my cat there because she has asthma and they got my in right away and didn’t do unnecessary tests etc. Gave my cat medicine for a few days but it was clear she needed an antibiotic so I called them and they said to cone pick it up. they didn’t make me take my cat in like other places would and charge a ton! The staff is great as well! Highly recommend this place for any cat!

I have been going to Dr’s Metcalf and Middleton since January of 2008 and they have been affordable, meticulous, and efficient in their care of our feline. We usually only need to bring the cat in for annual visits, but this year we had a real scare when our cat got very sick just before & while we were on vacation. The vet team took great care with our cat, using all their available resources, and referred us to a specialty hospital for emergency surgery when it was necessary. Because we were out of town at the time, they even drove the cat to the hospital for us! The staff could have sat back and said it was our responsibility to find a way to get him to the hospital, but they didn’t; they stepped up and gave us complete care with a very healing touch.
These vets & their staff are very involved and dedicated to your feline family. They answer all your questions, take time with your cat, don’t overcharge, and are very thorough. I give them my highest recommendation.

Took my dubbins to Dr. Middleton for the first time a few weeks ago and getting ready (as I type) to take them back for a booster. Honestly: I wouldn’t take my fuzzy demons anywhere else. They put my most skittish cat right at ease and explained everything that was going on with them.
To quote a previous reviewer: If you have a cat, this is the place to go!

We took our cats here once. I cannot remember which vet we saw but I believe she was deaf — sorry I can’t remember her name.
We didn’t come away all that impressed but we didn’t have a bad experience either. I liked that they didn’t push vaccines for indoor cats or at least thought it was okay wait several years in between shots.
I believe the reason we never went back was that the bill was outrageous for a simple office and a test or two. Also the vet did not seem very comfortable with cats — she was literally afraid of my cat and did not know how to handle him (!). So that was very odd.

Having just moved to San Diego with two cats whom I previously took to an «all cat vet,» I was excited to find out about Dr. Middleton and the Cheshire Cat Clinic. Unfortunately, my excitement was short-​lived. The vet techs were very nice, knowledgeable and good with my cats. The minute Dr. Middleton entered the room, however, she appeared to be afraid of the cats and very tentative about getting near them. Granted, they were growling and my boy cat was really getting worked up. But for a vet who deals only with cats, I didn’t expect to see fear in her eyes and demeanor. I think my boy detected the doctor’s fear and really got himself into a frenzy, so much so that he ended up biting the tech’s hand. HE HAS NEVER EXHIBITED THIS BEHAVIOR AT A VETERINARIAN’S OFFICE! Well, then Dr. Middleton would have nothing more to do with him and left the room. She told me he would have to be sedated the next time he came in. At one point, when she was trying to examine him and he pawed the air as if he was going to scratch her, she jumped back in fear and said «I don’t want to get scratched.» I told her he didn’t have claws, which I would have thought she would have checked first thing. The practice manager spoke to me when I was outside getting into my car and said that the tech who was bitten would be going to the ER and that animal control would be calling me to set up an appointment to come out and put my cat in «quarantine.» I just got that call today. All in all, this was a most disappointing and surreal experience. I will be finding a vet who is comfortable with animals.

We sued Dr. Middleton after she almost killed our old Siamese. Dr. Prupas was wonderful, and when he sold All Care, I was horrified to find he’d sold it to her. When we went to get our current cat’s vet records, they handed us a couple of pages where there had once been a complete file. They said that Dr. Prupas had kept terrible records and that that’s all there was. They were lying like pigs and I cannot urge people enough to stay well away.