The Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. A delivery driver arrived one morning with an unusual package: a small, curious cat had snuck into their van during the night. The vet staff were amused but not surprised—it seemed that every few weeks, a new feline visitor appeared in their waiting room. Soon enough, it turned out these cats were just neighborhood escape artists, seeking adventure or perhaps some extra treats. One day, a delivery driver arrived with a tiny tabby who insisted on sitting next to him throughout his entire route. The vet joked that maybe they should open a ‘Cat Hospital on Wheels’—until a neighbor dropped off her pet for a checkup, explaining she’d found him snoozing contentedly under her porch.

2. One day, a little girl visiting her grandparents in Durham noticed something strange outside The Cat Hospital. As she watched through the window, a vet nurse carefully placed a box on the counter, inside which seemed to be staring back at her—a tiny, furry creature with big, curious eyes. Curious, she asked what it was, and the vet nurse smiled mysteriously, replying only, ‘Just a special patient.’ Later that evening, as grandma unpacked groceries, a delivery driver knocked on the door, holding a small cardboard box. Inside? A sleepy kitten with big, curious eyes—just like the one from the hospital. Turns out, someone had accidentally left their new pet behind.

3. One afternoon, a regular stopped by the counter, puzzled. ‘Why are there suddenly so many cats wearing bandanas?’ he asked. ‘Oh,’ said the vet with a twinkle in her eye. ‘They’re not bandanas, they’re special collars that help prevent scratching during check-ups.’ The regular scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. ‘I guess I’ll have to come back when my cat’s less curious!’

4. One night, a worried neighbor called the hospital. They heard it too—a faint, mournful howling coming from the alley behind the clinic. When they went outside, they found an old cat perched on top of a trashcan, serenading the night with its heartfelt song. Turns out, he was just trying to impress some neighborhood ladies across the street. The staff chuckled and gave him a treat before sending him on his way—another successful love story in the making.