All photos were taken by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography.
I felt like I had walked into someone's home. Most vet clinics can be busy and noisy, but the Chatswood Cat Palace was far from it. It felt warm and had lots of character. The waiting room was quiet and the smiling Dr Kim Kendall greeted me. I thought to myself, "my cats would be alright coming here". I would be taking photos of the clinic and grooming salon that day.
Like many, I was under the misconception that only specific breeds of cats needed to have their hair cut. Long-haired cats in summer might fit that bill. Also, washing cats? "No thanks!" I hear my three cats say. Seeing Dr Kim and Fiona (cat groomer) at work that day, changed my mind. I was not only in awe of how smooth the process was but also learned a thing or two about cat grooming. If done right, cats shouldn't be kicking and screaming when coming into the vet clinic.
In fact, I recalled how some of Dr Kim's patients enjoyed going into the cat carrier. Why? Because they expected to turn up at the Cat Palace. The groom started with Dr Kim having a brief look over the cats, followed by a stress-free nail clipping by Fiona.
Fiona then proceeded to give this gorgeous cat a coat clip. (See photo below).
After taking photos of the clinic and grooming salon, I managed to catch up with Dr Kim Kendall. I asked her what she enjoys most about the work she does as a cat only Veterinarian.
From the Vet industry circles, I knew of Dr Kim as the examiner in Cat Medicine, Animal Behaviour. But this was the second time I got to meet her in person. A lovely human being, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cat medicine and behaviour. She tells me about some of the papers she is currently writing with regard to cat behaviour.
Video (below): Dr Kim Kendall on the importance of getting your cats groomed and bathed.
If you hadn't realised from the name, this grooming salon and clinic is for cats only. I definitely believe that the cats and cat-owners alike deeply appreciate this fact. The cats seemed more comfortable with having the place to themselves. It was also clear from the number of positive reviews written about this place why it was the go-to cat clinic for so many. You can check them out yourself below:
Over the course of six months, I've had the privilege of taking photos of Dr Kim Kendall's cats and her staff's cats too. I will be featuring them in our Cat charity book called "Cats are Family Sydney". This book releases in July 2022. Some of her lovely clients are a part of it too! You can show your interest in purchasing them below.
All photos were taken by Keefe at Furry Munchkins Pet Photography.
Thank you so much to the team at The Chatswood Cat Palace for having me around for a day. I know that these photos will look beautiful on your brand new website and in our Cats are Family Sydney book! If anyone is looking for a Cat Vet in the Lower North Shore area, definitely check them out. You and your beautiful feline won't be disappointed.
Check out this special giveaway for the lovely customers of The Chatswood Cat Palace:
You can also indicate interest in purchasing the Cats are Family Sydney book below.
The Chatswood Cat Palace
Address: Unit 18 30-32 Barcoo Street Roseville NSW, Australia.
Phone: 02 9417 3329
Email: info@thecatpalace.com.au
Dr Kim Kendall - Owner, Cat Veterinarian
Qualifications: BVSc (University of Sydney), MACVSc in Cat Medicine, Examiner in Cat Medicine, MACVSc in Animal Behaviour
Fridays 10 am – 7 pm – Consults, Surgery, Meds, Grooms available
Saturdays 9 am – 4 pm – Consults, Grooms, Meds & Diets available
Sundays 12 noon to 4 pm – Consults, Meds, Diets available
Mondays 10 am to 7 pm – Consults, Meds, Diets (Grooming occasionally)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – CLOSED but email and phone messages will be answered within 24 hours.
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