The Cat Doctor & Friends

Utilizing both careful, thorough history taking and physical exams along with digital radiography, ultrasound examination and intraoperative cardiac/respiratory monitors, The Cat Doctor & Friends strives to create a cat and people friendly atmosphere where illness and injuries are rapidly diagnosed and compassionately treated, or better yet prevented. Thirty minute appointments allow our doctors to fully address any nutritional or behavioral concerns.

A common misconception among cat lovers is the assumption that cats who spend their time indoors don't need veterinary care "unless they are sick". Cats who don't come in for annual wellness exams may develop dental disease (since they won't brush their teeth) which can lead to heart, liver or kidney disease. A little preventative care can go a long way. Vaccinations are especially important for kittens, but even indoor cats will need occasional vaccine "boosters" during their adult lives.

Instead of the usual 15 minute appointment, Dr. Melissa Waller and Dr. Megan Thomas enjoy the luxury of half-hour appointments. Longer appointments allow time spent discussing your nutritional and behavioral concerns in addition to wellness and medical care, surgical or dental diagnosis and treatment.  The Cat Doctor & Friends has six comfortable exam rooms.
Kitten with ball
  • 26055 Bouquet Cyn Rd.
  • Santa Clarita,CA 91350
  • Between Magic Mountain Parkway and Cinema Drive
  • Phone: (661) 259-5288
  • Fax: (661) 254-9672
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 6:30pm
  • Sat: 9:00am - 2:00pm
  • Sun: Closed

  • Dr. Megan Thomas

    Dr. Megan is special to us in so many ways. First, she is Dr. Tracy’s best friend. As a matter of fact, they both went to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated the same day. Together Dr. Tracy and Dr. Megan have shared a close friendship for 35 years. 

    As a Southern California native, Dr. Megan started her veterinary career in equine medicine. She spent six years working full-time at southern California racetracks. Then Dr. Megan spent a year in Washington State working as a full-time small animal emergency veterinarian. In 1993 she moved back to southern California and continued to work on small animals. Dr. Megan has always had a special interest in feline medicine. In addition, she has advanced training in ultrasound and dentistry. 

    In her free time, Dr. Megan enjoys a good book and card games. She is owned by 2 cats, Geordie and Barnaby. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1999
    Education:
    UC Davis
    Interests:
    Dentistry

  • Dr. Beth Hagenlocker

    Dr. Beth Hagenlocker has worked in feline practice for over 15 years as an associate and practice owner. She founded The Cat Practice in Marina del Rey.

     

    Dr. Beth is a 2000 graduate of Michigan State University where she assisted with research on feline lower urinary tract disease. She completed a fellowship in veterinary nutrition at UC Davis and has a special interest in internal medicine.

     

    Dr. Beth lives in Venice with her husband and their three cats, Charlie, Penny, and Snug.

     

    Years in Practice:
    May 01, 2019
    Education:
    Michigan State University
    Interests:
    Internal Medicine

  • Dr. Tracy McFarland 08/16/1958-09/24/2018

    In loving memory of our founder Dr. Tracy McFarland. Shortly after Dr. Tracy was admitted into the hospital on Sept. 4, 2018, she was informed she had cancer. On September 24th, 2018 Dr. Tracy passed away with her family by her side. Rest in Peace, our friend and doctor, Dr. Tracy! 


  • Dr. Melissa Waller

    Dr. Melissa Waller is the quintessential “cat lady”. She has had cats from birth and cannot imagine not having a cat to greet her when she comes home. She currently has several cats in her home - rescued, purebred rescued, and purebred. 

    Her first cat at 5 years old was a tortishell Manx named Spicey, and things have never been the same.

    Dr. Melissa graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 and has been exclusively working in feline practice since then. She has practiced in Kansas and Nevada before coming to California to join The Cat Doctor and Friends!

    Her medical interests include ophthalmology, nutrition and dentistry. 

    Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Melissa enjoys attending and participating in TICA cat shows, showing Norwegian Forest Cats and Household Pets. She also enjoys gemology and writing.

    She is a second degree black belt in taekwondo and participated competitively a long, long time ago.

    Dr. Melissa looks forward to meeting you and your beautiful feline family members and is excited to join the incredible team at The Cat Doctor and Friends in August 2017!!!!

    Photo by Rebecca L. Bolam

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2013
    Education:
    KSU
    Interests:
    Ophthalmology, Nutrition, & Dentistry
    Email:

  • Jennifer Bisbee, RVT

    Coming soon
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 17, 2019

  • Jennifer Ries, Practice Manager

    Jennifer has worked in veterinary medicine since she was 18 years old and has been with The Cat Doctor & Friends since 1999. 

    Jennifer's family consists of her longtime partner, a daughter, 3 step kids (they're adults now), a dog named "Zero", a bird and 4 cats. All of her cats and her dog are rescues and she is partial to the siamese cat. Her first cat was a long haired flame point siamese named "Sage". 

    In her free time, she enjoys gardening, arts and crafts.  A long time ago she studied interior design at Mission College and felt she would go into that field but veterinary medicine was just too interesting for her. Everyday in veterinary medicine is met with challenges, new information, and sometimes new beginnings. There is never a dull day in veterinary medicine. 




    Years in Practice:
    Jan 17, 2019