Why it matters
Cats are not small dogs.
They have their own physiology, metabolise drugs differently, become ill in different ways and express pain in a manner that often goes unnoticed. Caring for them well requires knowing them deeply. At Rovira Veterinary Clinic, in Gràcia (Barcelona), Dr. Lídia Adell has trained specifically for this.
Why specialisation matters
Feline medicine vs. general practice
| Aspect | General vet | Feline specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Drug dosing | Based on dogs or adjusted by weight | Specific to feline metabolism |
| Consultation handling | General protocol for dogs and cats | Low-stress, cat-adapted |
| Common conditions | Broad knowledge, less depth | Specialisation in hyperthyroidism, CRF, feline diabetes |
| Waiting area | Shared with dogs | Separate, free from stress triggers |
| Behaviour reading | General | Subtle signs of feline pain and anxiety |
Dr. Lídia Adell · Feline Medicine Specialist
Postgraduate degree in Feline Medicine (Ifevet PGD). Trained in Zaragoza, with years of experience dedicated exclusively to cat medicine.
What we offer
Four pillars of feline care
Feline internal medicine
Hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, feline diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and other systemic conditions common in adult and senior cats.
Cat-specific prevention
Species-adapted vaccination schedules, internal and external deworming with feline-safe products, and regular health checks from age 7.
Wellbeing & behaviour
Stress, inappropriate elimination, aggression, multi-cat household issues. A cat's emotional wellbeing is part of its health, and we treat it as such.
Cat-friendly consultation
Separate waiting area, low-stress handling and enough consultation time for the cat to settle. Because a calm visit is part of the care too.
How we work
A feline consultation is not just any consultation
The cat arrives at the clinic in a state of alert that can distort the examination. We adapt timing, the order of examination and handling techniques to obtain the most reliable clinical information possible with the least stress for the animal.
Every visit at our Gràcia, Barcelona clinic follows a protocol designed for cats — from how we welcome the animal to how we explain the findings to the owner.
- 1 Detailed feline history (diet, environment, behaviour)
- 2 Full physical examination adapted to the cat
- 3 Blood and urine tests where indicated
- 4 Diagnostic imaging at the clinic
- 5 Individualised treatment plan
- 6 Safe, feline-specific medication and dosing
- 7 Follow-up and reassessment according to progress
- 8 Owner guidance on home management
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most about feline medicine
Why bring my cat to a feline specialist rather than a general vet?
Cats metabolise drugs differently to dogs and their most common conditions require a specific approach. A feline medicine specialist adapts every clinical decision to the species — something that makes a real difference to diagnosis and treatment.
How often should I bring my cat to the vet if it seems healthy?
Young and adult cats: at least once a year. From age 7, every 6 months. Feline ageing is rapid and diseases such as hyperthyroidism or renal failure can progress without visible symptoms.
How do I know if my cat is ill if it shows no clear symptoms?
Cats instinctively hide discomfort. Drinking more water, losing weight, eating less or changes in behaviour and energy are subtle signs that should not be ignored. Regular check-ups are the most reliable way to detect problems early.
Do you handle fear and stress during the consultation?
Yes. We apply low-stress handling protocols: we let the cat explore at its own pace, avoid unnecessary restraint and use pheromones when needed. A calm cat allows a more thorough and reliable examination.
Does your cat need a specialist vet?
Book an appointment