In NSW it is law that all cats/kittens must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or rehomed. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin, normally between the shoulder blades. It is a slightly larger needle than used for other injections so we will sometimes do this at the time of desexing, once microchipped your cat will need to be registered with your local council for a one off fee.
Since then, her career has taken her internationally as she studied vet nursing under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London. During school, she worked at a general practice where she later became head nurse. During this time she also worked at the RSPCA and at an after-hours emergency Veterinary hospital.
In 2012, Ashley volunteered at the Tree of Life for Animals; a busy animal hospital and rescue center in Rajasthan, Northern India. Here she helped treat injured animals, sterilize street dogs and assist in community efforts to eradicate the rabies virus.
Upon returning to Australia, Ashley has worked in many general practice and emergency and referral hospitals throughout Sydney. While Ashley has extensive training in all aspects of veterinary nursing, including holding valuable additional qualifications in emergency and critical care and nursing exotics, her interests lie in feline friendly medicine, surgery and behaviour, bringing her to The Inner West cat hospital. She brings with her a passion for feline care and behavior and an ability to put her feline patients at ease, no matter the situation.
Ashley lives with her partner and two cats – Patrick and Panda. When she is not working or studying she enjoys going to gigs or hitting up the beach!
Patrick
Patrick hails from the streets of Kings Cross where he was found as a 5-week-old kitten. It was apparent from an early age that Patrick was a sensitive soul and wanted to give you love – but only on his terms.
When Patrick is not batting your ankles as you walk past him in the hall, he can be found in his bedroom in bed, eating BBQ chicken or lying in the plants outside. Patrick lives with his sister Panda who he loves to hate.
Panda
This little darling was handed in at only 2 weeks of age and covered in lice. Panda suffered from “swimmers” and needed many hours of physio to become the athletic kitty she is today.
Panda wants to love you every minute of every day. As soon as you sit down she will be there 10 seconds later, keeping you warm.
Panda lives with her brother Patrick who she loves more than anything else, much to the annoyance of Patrick.
Michaela became a vet with one specific goal in mind - treating cats and kittens exclusively and to a gold-standard level. The Inner West Cat Hospital was born of desire to treat cats in a low stress environment where everything has been designed specifically for their needs, and to make their experience as fear-free as possible. Michaela graduated vet school at USYD in 2011, and completed internships at both the University of Sydney Teaching Hospital and North Shore Veterinary Specialist Hospital before attaining her specialty memberships with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2017.
She then turned her attentions to the planning and building of a world-class feline hospital in the Inner West of Sydney, a locality and lifestyle she has lived and breathed for the past 15 years, and where she knows the very best cats live. When she is not at work, she is an active member of the local swing dancing and rock and roll community and can usually be found wherever a live band is playing.
Bringing your cat the to the vet can be an anxious and stressful time for both of you. Please read through these helpful hints before your next visit to try it make it as stress free for everyone.
- Take out the cat box a few days before your scheduled vet visit. Try to make it as inviting as possible – feed your cat in or near the carrier, put their favourite blanket in there etc. Spraying it with “Feliway” daily is also useful.
- Using “Feliway” spray on any bedding in the cats carrier on the day of transportation. Spray it on a blanket at least 15 minutes before you place the cat in the carrier. Please ask us if you need to source some Feliway.
- Having a top-opening carrier will make it easier to put your cat in the carrier.
- Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel sprayed with Feliway.
- When transporting the cat in the carrier, try to hold it by the sides instead of the handle so that it doesn’t swing back and forth when you walk and is not at risk of being dropped or springing open.
- If driving, secure the cat carrier in the foot-well or seat with a seat belt.
- Some cats will need medication to make their trip to the vet less stressful – ask us about medication for your cat before its next visit if your cat does not travel well.
Jess began her professional career working in web design and game development, but quickly grew tired of the industry. While she still enjoys living the nerd life on her own time, she prefers work that forces her to temporarily abandon her hermit lifestyle and interact with the world. Her love of helping people and cuddling cats has led her to the Inner West Cat Hospital, where she currently enjoys working as a receptionist.
In her free time she enjoys playing video games, travelling, reading, and dreaming up overly ambitious projects she will never finish. She is happiest with a cat on her lap and a mug of strong tea in her hand.
Jess currently lives in the Inner West with her partner and their two cats – Athena and Mochi.
Athena (AKA Tiny)
Athena was just a tiny kitten of two weeks old when she and her siblings and their poor starving mother were brought to Jess’ family home (AKA the crazy animal house) by concerned neighbours in 2007. She was an adventurous little scamp from the get-go, and Jess was overjoyed when she was the only kitten her neighbours chose not to adopt – those fools! The two have been inseparable ever since. Athena can usually be found cleaning her fat fluffy belly in the sun, or sitting on the couch meowing impatiently for someone to come and provide a lap to curl up on – like the cranky old princess she is.
Mochi (AKA Moch-Moch)
Mochi was a hungry flea-ridden kitten when she was surrendered to a vet clinic Jess was working at in 2018. Her big bright eyes and cuddly personality convinced Jess to take her home for a weekend that turned into a lifetime. She’s a chaotic little bundle of nerves and anxiety, but loves to play and cuddle with her chosen family. Her favourite hobbies include knocking things off shelves while her humans are trying to sleep, snuggling under blankets, and worshipping Athena (who is generally unimpressed by the gesture).
This experience ignited her passion for fostering and for as long as she can recall, she has rescued kittens found stray in the streets, taking them home to be nurtured. Her family and friends know her as 'the cat lady', because she is either often accompanied by a cat or goes to great lengths to rescue vulnerable felines.
When Georgia joined the team as an animal attendant, she was finally living out her dream to work with cats, her most favourite animal. She loves the rewarding nature of the job, particularly caring for sick and injured cats and helping them get better.
Outside of work, Georgia is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at USYD. She most enjoys cooking and baking, alongside eating out at different foodie spots. She has two cats; Poppy and Anela, and a little chihuahua called Willow.
Brooke has special interests in cardiac disease internal medicine. She graduated vet school from the University of Queensland in 2011, and completed internships at both the University of Sydney Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Cardiac Referrals.
Brooke is currently studying towards an Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) in Cardiology with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Kylie’s bright and passionate personality for all pets is something she’s carried with her from as early as she can remember. Having joined the veterinary industry in 2019; Kylie has been eager to learn more about this ever-changing industry and went on to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Since becoming a qualified veterinary nurse, Kylie has continued to expand on her skillset by completing a Wildlife Treatment & Care Certificate from the Taronga training institute.
Kylie is currently studying a Certificate in Feline Nursing with the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) to increase her knowledge for her feline friends, and soon to be completing a Basic & Advance Life Support course for small animals. Kylie plans to continue to grow, learn, and bring forth that enthusiasm and positivity for clients, colleagues and, of course, all her patients.
Kylie currently has two rescue cats of her own. The youngest, Bebe, who is a black and white tuxedo domestic short hair. The eldest, Suki, is a tabby and white floofy domestic medium hair. These little ladies are also affectionately known as; menace, cheeky bum, maow wow, chubby cheeks; along with many other names for each of them. These two amigos love spending time lounging in their hammocks, protecting their mum from roaches and overseeing her cooking.