Cat Care of Vinings began as a dream of Dr. Michael D. Friedlander in the summer of 2000.  She began working in private practice in the Atlanta area after a post-doctoral internship at University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 1997.  From her earliest work in private practice, she has maintained a strong interest in feline specific care and medicine.  "I believe cat-specific care is an on-going, "fluid" venture as a veterinarian.  Cats demand patience from me in various, sometimes surprising ways in the exam room.  Some have a strong need to assert themselves when they visit, while others passively "explore" the office, seemingly less offended by the disruption of their normal routine while visiting us. 

As a veterinarian, I am astounded by the cat's ability to communicate, seemingly with every fiber to the very tip of each individual hair!  It is my belief that rather than advancement, restraint, and physical control, my staff and I...and ultimately the cat, are all better served by cautious observation, well-timed intervention with physical assessment and care when needed.

This, in theory is a beautiful concept, but difficult day-to-day to accomplish in practice.  Cat Care of Vinings is my attempt to temper my veterinary skills with a
compassionate, ethical approach that demonstrates respect for this species ESPECIALLY when they are cranky or grumpy.  I am convinced it is FEAR, and NOT typicallyany genuine aggression that drive them to be defensive or strike.  Over time and humbling experiences, the practice of veterinary medicine has truly become a privilege---cats are MY daily dose of humility!"

"Dr. Mike" as she is often called, has two cats, Annabelle, (the "gray goddess posing in majesty") she rescued from an ill friend who needed to place her in a safe home, Mona Lisa, her "eldest child" (pictured above) and long-time confidant. Then there is Elliott ("yawning in wait" for another treat), her office cat and only survivor of her oldest brother who has now passed from cancer.  These "true fountains" of unconditional love and acceptance keep her on the straight and narrow when it comes to finicky felines.