The Cat Doctor

I have taken 5 of my cats to Dr. Oeben at The Cat Doctor for going on probably 10 years now and Dr. Oeben and her staff, Peggy and Kat, are absolutely the best. They have helped me with simple things like when I gave my kitten too many treats resulting in a tummy ache (opps!) to more serious issues like the management of cancer and heart disease in my older cats. Dr. Oeben, Peggy and Kat are exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to cats, and they are truly kind, caring and compassionate to both the cats and their owners. I will forever take my cats to Dr. Oeben at The Cat Doctor and you should too! more

After being away on business for a week, my cat has been laying around sort of blob like and not eating much for a few days so I was getting worried. She sometimes acts out when I travel, but this time she seemed sick and my dad found out their cat had tapeworm so I thought I'd take her to a vet to be on the safe side. I normally go to Banfield but wanted something cheaper and more personal so I called around this morning and found the Cat Doctor and was told the exam would be $37, much better than other places, so I made my appointment. Now, I'm not dumb, I know medications and so on cost money, which at Banfield usually add up to maybe 60 or $70 and I wanted to avoid those little extra costs, but I know they happen. Dr. Oeben seemed very concerned, and all the staff were very friendly and seemed to genuinely care for my cat's wellbeing. She ran some tests, took her temp...nothing major wrong. She had a slight temperature. So she gave her some antibiotics and fluids along with flea and worm medications. Then I went out to pay and they charged me ::: $379!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What????? They gave me the whole shpiel that they had to rule out a bunch of terrible things like leukemia and liver problems, etc with the blood tests and they were expensive, but they were just so concerned and my cat seemed so sick and ....excuse excuse excuse. I was never once warned of the costs, they did not explain what they were doing, or ASK if I wanted all the tests done. She said she didn't pick up on the fact that I was concerned about the financial aspect of the visit, and that I just seemed to be concerned for the cat's health, and did not seem like someone strapped for cash....major ?? again here. Am I supposed to appear poor to not be ripped off? I mean, yes I care about the cat, but I don't even pay $400 or even 1/20'th of that for my own doctor's visits, and even if I'm dying, I'd like to be warned beforehand of the costs. So, no, I will not go back here, and I suggest that unless you are rolling in money and put your cat on the same plane as a spoiled rich child, don't go. more

My cat is terrified of the vet after going to some other places where he jumped off the table and everyone went running after him while he hissed and fought back. \r At the Cat Doctor it was a much much much more calm experience, first off - you couldnt hear dogs barking the whole time. They put my cat into a pillow case so he wouldnt see what was going on and he was much happier. \r Once we got back to the house, he was already back to his playful self. After one bad vet experience, he hid - even in our house!\r I will continue to give them my business. Pros: cat friendly, different techniques more

I think Dr. Oeben is a very sweet and caring vet and she has the best intentions. However, she saw my cat (a regular patient of hers at the time) 5-6 times over a 2 month period and failed to diagnose what was making her sick . I finally took my cat to another clinic, but it was too late. She had kidney failure and she had to be put to sleep. There were several symptoms that Dr. Oeben refused to address on the occasions I brought the cat in - she told me that they were not meaningful symptoms and were not worth exploring. It turned out that those symptoms were key in diagnosing my cat's illness, and if she had been treated in the beginning, she may have survived. more

I can't say enough great things about Dr. Oeben. As one reviewer mentioned, she deserves six stars. It's pure luck that her office is a block away from me; I will continue to bring my little Desi to her even if I move. I've had bad experiences with vets in two other states, and Dr. Oeben more than exceeds my expectations, for a price below what I've paid for vets who could not remotely compare. She quite literally saved my little guy's life, and he loves her (which is a plus, since he is very skittish and picky and loves no one). Point blank: The Cat Doctor is worth any trip if you're in the Houston area. She and her staff are all wonderful, caring and personable, and truly understand how special our feline ""kids"" are; they treat their patients with the utmost kindness and respect. Dr. Oeben's love for cats and those who care for them is so evident in her thorough yet gentle work. She's our vet from now on! Pros: There isn't enough room to list all the pros. I've never felt such genuine kindness and empathy from a vet. Cons: None for me. My cat has never been healthier or happier. more

We adopted two cats from the SPCA that both developed bad upper respiratory infections within a day of being home. Dr. Oeben was able to see them the same day that we called, and the initial exam was complimentary - both huge plusses! She and her office staff were all helpful and caring, and spent a considerable amount of time with us. The cost to treat each cat was ~$50. I don't know how that compares to other vets but it seems very reasonable considering the quality of service that we received! Pros: Caring and helpful staff, nice facilities, easy appointment scheduling Cons: None so far more

My best friend, Butters the Cat, loves Dr. Oeben. \r \r Dr. Oeben's offices look and feel like a real doctor's office. Actually, her offices are better than my family doctor's office! Dr. Oeben is definitely the cat whisperer!!! Her staff is very friendly and they all treat Butters like if he was there own. I think Dr. Oeben deserves 6 stars.\r Pros: Great Staff and Nice Office more

My first visit today with Dr. Oeben. My cat Kali went in for a senior wellness checkup. She's 15 and healthy, and I want to keep her that way. She was so sweet with Kali, and gentle. It is obvious she loves cats. Very clean and quiet. No barking!! Ha. I am very pleased I have found The Cat Doctor! And Kali is happy too!\r \r Pros: Cats only - no dogs barking. Very quite and serene more

Dr. Oeben was very good with my cat. He is normally a little skittish around new people, but he warmed up to Dr. Oeben very quickly. more

I starting going to Dr. Oeben about a year ago and since then she and her staff have become my guardian angels. Every time I feel something just isn't right with one of my babies she actually listens and knows that a mom's intuition is always a strong possibility. My cats all adore her and seem to make themselves right at home whenever they come to visit her. The clinic cats always welcome you with meows and they are there to check everything out. Dr. Oeben day and night has been their for me and all my babies and she is now apart of our family. We wouldn't know what to do with out her love, patience, and devotion to each and every client that comes thru her door!!! Pros: Caring, Loving, Gentle Cons: Not open on weekends more

My old vet was Dr. Marshall in North Houston but I moved to the River Oaks/Montrose area in June and wanted a vet that was closer. I found Dr. Oeben online looking for vets that specialize in cats and made an appointment. I was very pleased with her. You can tell she genuinely cares for her patients and was very thorough in her exam and for a change my cat didn't hiss at the vet which she used to do. I definitely reccomend Dr. Oeben if you are looking for a vet. more