Gaming for Cats? This New Form of Therapy is Available in Vienna-Liesing

The cat clinic is Austria's first and only veterinary practice where only felines are treated. With the state-of-the-art radioiodine station, which will open in a few weeks, it sets another milestone in veterinary medicine and expands its treatment offerings with a therapy form that is extremely rare in Europe. Besides the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, this is now the second facility in Austria to offer this innovative treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism.

Only six locations in all of Europe

"Radioiodine stations are an absolute rarity in Europe," explains Dr. Karin Kamm, one of the founders of the cat clinic. "Besides the Vet-Med in Vienna, there is only one station in Switzerland (Bern), two in Germany (University of Giessen, Norderstedt Animal Clinic), and one in Spain (Madrid). With our new facility, we are now the sixth station in all of Europe and create an important treatment option. We expect referrals from all over Europe."

The radioiodine therapy treats hyperthyroidism, the most common hormonal disorder in older cats. Without treatment, weight loss, high blood pressure, and even heart and kidney failure with fatal consequences threaten.

High-tech care for cats in Vienna-Liesing

The new radioiodine station includes a specially shielded area of 120 square meters. In this area, the animal patients must stay for three to five days, with as little human contact as possible due to the radioactive radiation. The well-being of the animals is not neglected: Tablets provide entertainment during the stay, allowing cats to play games where they can catch fish or birds, for example. A daylight simulation, also used in human medical hospitals, compensates for the lack of natural windows in the radiation-protected rooms. Additionally, the cats are monitored by video around the clock. Six cats can be treated per week.

Anniversary for the Vienna cat clinic

The cat practice is also celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The first and only cat-only practice in Austria was founded in 2015 by Dr. Karin Kamm and Dr. Marie-Theres Hoyer. In August 2025, the move to the new 420 square meter premises at Altmannsdorfer Straße 154 in the 23rd district took place.

Why is a cat-only practice needed in Vienna?

Up to 50 patients are treated daily in the practice, which has long made a name for itself beyond the borders of Vienna. “We have patients from all Austrian federal states. Patients also regularly come to us from the Czech Republic and other neighboring countries,” reports Dr. Marie-Theres Hoyer.

In the specialized practice, cats have complete peace because everything is quiet. “There is no loud music, no dog barking, and it doesn't smell of other animal species. We cater to the needs of the cats as best as possible to ensure the treatment is stress-free,” emphasizes Dr. Kamm. “This is also important for the lab results, as stress can significantly distort them.”

The cats are allowed to roam freely in the practice and have retreat options at any time. “First, we observe the cats. What needs to be done to make them feel comfortable? The scruff of the neck grip during examinations is an absolute taboo for us, as it only triggers stress and fear. We try not to restrain the cats during examinations and instead gently limit them,” explain the two veterinarians, describing their cat-friendly concept.

That leaves only one question: Why a cat-only practice? “Because cats are the coolest animals in the world!”

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.