Perth Cat Hospital feline fine after landing business award

THE Perth Cat Hospital in West Leederville has got its paws on a prestigious business award.

Owner Dr Martine van Boeijen and the team were brimming with excitement up on stage as they accepted the ‘Emerging and Energised’ prize at Telstra’s WA Business Awards night, with Dr van Boeijen publicly thanking all the cats in her life.

“It was really unexpected when we won – it still gives me goosebumps just talking about it,” she said.

Dr van Boeijen said the hospital had grown significantly since opening its doors in 2016.

“We’ve grown our practice from no clients, which was really scary, having days with one consult – today, we’re completely fully booked,” she said.

“Our team’s nearly tripled in size.”

The cat hospital is Perth’s first and only veterinarian that caters specifically to felines, aiming to provide a less stressful environment and specialised equipment for cats.

“Being able to come to your local vet where everyone is focused just on cats, and have all the equipment to do everything in one location, is a big thing for people,” Dr van Boeijen said.

The hospital has also assisted the Cat Haven with pro bono surgery work for complex cases, and Dr van Boeijen said she looked forward to working with them and fellow locals the Cat Caf into the future.

“That’s pretty much what we all want to do, just help cats,” she said.

Dr van Boeijen’s number one tip for keeping cats healthy was not neglecting vet check ups.

“Even if your cat seems outwardly well, cats are masters at hiding disease,” she said.

“That annual vet visit, or biannual if they’re senior, allows us to pick up so many things you can’t pick up at home.”