Celebrating 31 Years of Just Cats Veterinary Clinic: A Legacy of Compassion, Innovation & Cat-Centered Care
This fall marks an extraordinary milestone for Just Cats Veterinary Clinic: 31 years of serving our community’s feline families. What began as a modest dream in Guilderland more than three decades ago has evolved into a thriving, two-location practice built on compassion, innovation, and a deep understanding of what makes cats unique.
For founder Dr. Susan Sikule, this anniversary represents far more than a number. It’s a reflection of a lifelong passion—a commitment that began with a simple but powerful belief: cats deserve veterinary care designed specifically for them. In the early days of her career, most veterinary practices centered around dogs, and cats often became an afterthought in busy, noisy waiting rooms where their stress levels skyrocketed. Dr. Sikule saw an opportunity to change that.
“I really wanted a space for cats where they didn’t have to worry about dogs barking,” she shared. That original vision still drives Just Cats today, but the practice has expanded in ways she couldn’t have imagined back in the days of handwritten records and simple exam rooms.
A New Space for a New Chapter
One of the clinic’s biggest transformations came this past year with the move into a spacious new location in Mechanicville. The building—formerly a human urgent care—was practically designed with cats in mind. Each exam room is heavily insulated, offering an exceptionally quiet environment that keeps feline stress low. With six outpatient rooms and an additional inpatient exam room, each cat has the privacy and calm they need to feel safe.
“The response has been great,” Dr. Sikule said. “And even though it’s a bit farther for some clients, I promise it’s worth the trip.”
Meanwhile, the Guilderland location continues to serve long-time clients, though demand there often means longer waiting lists. The expansion has allowed Just Cats to welcome new patients more quickly—and with the same personalized care the practice is known for.
Three Decades of Medical Progress
Feline medicine today is almost unrecognizable compared to 1993. Over the years, Dr. Sikule has embraced new methodologies, new technologies, and a more nuanced approach to handling cats.
“We now know how to wrap them in towels gently, how not to stretch them out… It’s changed so much,” she explained.
The practice has also integrated cutting-edge veterinary technologies, including:
A cold-laser therapy unit, offering relief for arthritis, urinary issues, sinus problems, and more.
AI-assisted note-taking, allowing her team to focus more on patient care while ensuring accurate medical records.
Advances in feline diabetes treatment, including new oral medications that reduce reliance on twice-daily insulin injections.
These advancements mean cats are receiving more effective, less stressful treatments than ever before.
31 Years of Business Growth & Lessons Learned
As Just Cats celebrates its anniversary, Dr. Sikule also reflects on the journey of being a business owner—one filled with both joy and occasional moments of “What have I gotten myself into?”
One of her biggest lessons? The people behind the practice matter just as much as the medicine.
“I didn’t realize early on how important the people who work with me are,” she admitted. Today, she’s built a team she loves—some of whom have been with her for more than 10 or even 15 years.
By prioritizing employee well-being, a healthy culture, and shared passion for cats, Dr. Sikule has built a workplace where people stay—and thrive.
Looking Ahead
With a refreshed logo, a new facility, and a renewed focus on the unique value of a cat-only veterinary practice, Just Cats is stepping confidently into the next chapter.
“We really are just cats,” Dr. Sikule said, emphasizing the pride behind the name. It’s more than branding—it’s a mission.
Here’s to 31 years of extraordinary feline care, and to many more years of helping cats live healthier, happier lives.
