My cat had started having seizures and while i didn't feel it was an emergency, it was urgent and important. Cheshire Cat Clinic fit me in for a same day appt when my last vet could. I didn't have to wait long to be seen, and while the cause of the seizures still isn't known, Dr. Atid was thorough and explained several things to me that I hadn't had explained previously. I can't recommend Cheshire Cat Clinic enough! Read Less

I've been taking my cats here for several years. The vet and her staff are the best. Being cat only clinic helps reduce stress, and Dr. Atid has a calming and soothing presence. She's very down-to-earth and informative, and does what is best for kitties. You won't be upsold, and you won't be neglected - she strikes the perfect balance. Read Less

CAT OWNERS BEWARE of owner and only Vet Nama Atid. She  is an unethical, heartless  , venial  Vet that practices a choreographed sting operation at its most manipulative when you are emotionally vulnerable.  Read the other negative comments below that echo my experience. I brought my cat in to Cheshire Cat conveniently located a  few blocks  uphill from my house as he was coughing and threw up after eating a couple of times. My cat is 4, always docile and jumps unaided on the exam table curiously sniffing things around and allows vets and assistants to handle him without complaining during exams. Front office could not be nicer. Within a minute into the exam room though something was deeply wrong.  The assistant grabbed the cat so violently from the scruff his eyed bulged out of their sockets. He started hissing  and meowing as she covered him hard with her chest while whispering for me to hear " Be quiet kitty or else Dr wont be able to hear" I tried to object but it was Game  Over!!!  Vet declares she wont touch the cat. He's back in his carrier and she hands me an estimate of  $575 to put him to sleep for an Xray /GI scan and a blood panel done on the premises. " I'll be back in a sec see what you decide." The well trained assistant while exiting the exam room whispers to me the legal caveat "that's not including any cost of therapy".  I am alone looking at my cat or the ceiling.  The well rehearsed, sting operation was on. I have a doctorate  in Medical Sociology that studies the unequal power dynamics and ethical issues that arise between ailing patients  and Medical practitioners.  Over the last 40 years this discipline has helped rid American and European medical practices from arrogant,  autocratic, manipulative,  don't -dare -question-anyone in white robes, practices that used to benefit Drs. and Hospitals. Instead it has transformed First world medicine into the caring, non-coercive,  transparent, consensual system we all now take for granted, unless we step into the Second and Third world.  Not so with Vet Atid.  She breached no discussion, left the room and my only option was to agree to the outrageously, more-expensive-than human, diagnostics. Which I did, relinquishing the cat to come back end of day. Things were even worse on my return when she tried to explain her non-diagnosis.  There is not enough room here to describe the obfuscations, cagy -as-hell eye contact, off the shelf super low quality Xerox 20 page study of dogs(!!) offered instead of showing proof of  the actual GI scan I paid for. " Oh" she said. " It is in the other room now, but... any way...."  as she answered a call from her kids. Scare talk of cancer ensued etc. etc. the worst!She had no interest in therapy follow up whatsoever  after the super high-margin " diagnostic" tests. No medicines prescribed , but shown out the door as assistant came in to say they were getting backed  up. Total bill $757.  No credible diagnosis, no meds.  I paid and will request no refund to delete this post.  You decide. Read Less

It's nice that it's just for cats. But don't expect much from the Vet. We brought our cat in for nutrition advice, because we KNOW she's overweight. But, she's also got a horrible anxiety in regards to food --and dieting her is extremely difficult if you enjoy personal peace in any way. After calling my cat a "rock seal" and basically suggesting we fed her too much on purpose, she suggested a vague new feeding plan to cut her back to an unspecified amount of food. Cut her back until...? I'm not a vet. I need specifics. Fast forward to a year later and my cat has only lost .5lb of body weight, so clearly this diet is not working. I made the decision myself based on personal recommendations and am now trying Raw food. It's working so far. I THOUGHT I was done with Cheshire, but now my cat had a tape worm. I knew vets have tapeworm meds, so I called to see if I could pick some up. The receptionist told me in a snotty rude way it had been over 1 year since they saw my cat and they would need to have another check up with her to give the meds. I explained that we had just moved and my cat (high maintenance obviously) does NOT travel well. She snotted back that it was the LAW and we come in or no meds. Personally, I felt they just wanted to collect some extra money on a technicality. I asked if they had any other vets I could see. Nope, just the one. I told her we'd no longer need their services and I've since switched vets. Really wanted to like this place, but overall, I found it rude. Read Less

I'm a new cat owner, and I adopted a 5ish year old stray from the shelter. I knew Cheshire Cat Clinic would give me a free vet checkup as they are partnered with Oakland Animal Services to provide this service, but I had no idea how good it would be.My cat started sneezing and acting very strange after a few days at home. One day, he started hacking stuff up and was generally acting very unhappy. I called the clinic because I thought that he would need to be seen soon, and they opened up an appointment for me on the same day, a few hours later. It turned out to be a hairball, and then my cat rolled over into a happy loaf, so I called back embarrassed, explained the situation, and apologized for being paranoid. Cheshire Cat Clinic was entirely understanding, had no problem with me moving the appointment to a better time instead of having an emergency one, and did it with no charge and no problems.I had a travel issue and showed up for my appointment a few minutes late, and they were totally understanding and accommodating. When it came time for my cat to get examined, they were incredibly careful and calm with him, and made sure to find out what he liked and didn't like as to now make him uncomfortable. The veterinarian was incredibly helpful, and gave me a lot of information about what to look out for with regards to behavioral issues and medical issues that a 5ish year stray could have. I ended up leaving with a few pamphlets, some medicine for my cat's sickness, To summarize - I made a call for an emergency appointment because I was overly paranoid, they accomodated both an emergency appointment *and* moving said appointment because I was a paranoid fool, were fine with me showing up late for the appointment I freaked out about needing went above and beyond to make sure I knew what to look out for with regards to actual problems, and ensured that my cat had an excellent experience in what has to be a stressful situation for him.Also, the clinic itself is great. They have a few cats who live there, and I feel like seeing other cats chilling out made my cat a bit more relaxed. Read Less

I was asked to pick a clinic for a friend and selected this one. They killed the kitten during neutering. I think it was by an overdose of anesthetic. I asked the vet questions now that I'm back in the area. The owner refuses to answer questions. I feel so bad for my friend, and for anyone else who trusts their pets to the care of this malfunctioning clinic. Read Less

Poor kitty had an eye infection and luckily Cheshire Cat Clinic was able to see her same day I called. They are a cat only clinic, which I feel really helps keep the kitties not as stressed, especially in a new environment. They have resident cats that roam the office, providing a comforting vibe. The staff was friendly and purr-fessional. Will be coming back for future annual visits. MEOW! Read Less

I have had a cat for 17 years and a dog for 12.  I have a very special relationship that I have with my animals and I would do anything for them... like buying expensive organic food, treats, walkers, toys and the very most important of all is our vet, Dr. Trujillo.  I have had a longer relationship with her than I have had with my husband!  And unlike my husband, she is always right!  From teaching me how to care for them from proper grooming to administering medicine.  And we've been through it all.  From the spay and neutering, to the sprains, and sicknesses and most recently the passing of my cat, Otis.  I can't say enough about the care and kindness Dr. Trujillo has shown us.  She has cried with me and comforted me and treated us like she would her family. In sickness and in health, consistently providing the best service and medicine.  I'm lucky to have found Dr. Trujillo and have gotten to experience these 17 years of my beautiful lil Otis kitty and 12 with the oldest French bulldog to date I've ever seen that can still jog. Thank you Doc, you've been an angel to me and my fur family! We love you! Read Less

I recently moved to Oakland and wasn't sure I'd be able to find a vet as good as the one I had in my last city. But the vet and techs at Cheshire Cat Clinic are fantastic and took great care of my cat, and the prices are reasonable too. Highly recommend them! Read Less

Friendly, courteous, and caring staff that I trust completely when it comes to my 12-year old neutered North American Long-Haired Painted (not tuxedo) male buddy, Mozu. He has been in their care for nearly three years now and we could not be more pleased with the knowledgeable health needs provided by providers. Mozu is a client of PAWS East Bay through the Berkeley Animal Shelter and provides a small stipend for visits to the vet and medication but are slow to pay. The staff at CCC are very patient when it comes to receiving payment and I cannot tell you how much of a relief that is while on a fixed monthly income unlike another well known clinic in Alameda. I cannot say enough positive statements about CCC except that I trust them completely when it comes to Mozu's health. Read Less

I've been taking my cats to Cheshire for nearly 30 years I've never been unhappy with their services was bummed when Mark retired but Dr. Atid is just as good She is fairly conservative in her diagnoses, erring on the side of caution. They've never tried to sell me additional services that weren't needed.I don't worry about prices if my cat is kept healthy. I'm sure there are vets who charge less. The whole staff is great, especially John. who's incredibly helpful and accommodating. How many vets provide coffee and cookies at the desk?. Read Less

I can't say enough good things about Cheshire Cat Clinic. I will leave a detailed Yelp review but everyone from the front desk to the vet techs to the doctors are knowledgeable, kind, listen, take their time and most importantly are gentle and attentive with my cats. I love this place and they must love what they do and respect each other, it shows. GO THERE, they will take the best possible care of you and your fur friends. Read Less

The Veternarians and the support staff are some of the most awesome people I know in this field. There handling of my stubborn and shy 10 year old was exceptionally kind and gentle. I am so suprised that Mozu did not make a fuss as he is very stand offish when friends visit my apartment. Keep doing what you doing because it has a great affect on the positive energy of this planet. Read Less

I wish I could give them more stars. Both vets are compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, practicle, friendly, empathetic, and have great bedside manners. I had taken my baby boy cat to Cheshire Cat Clinic since 2002 and I have always received the gold standard of care for him and excellent service. I did something very difficult at the beginning of the year. I had to say "Goodbye" to my baby boy cat who had end stage renal failure at the beginning of this year 2010. The vet knew my baby and knew that he was in pain and suffering. He explained the entire process of what was going to happen with compassion. He handled my baby so well and made him very comfortable. He gave me time with my baby, as much as I wanted, while he was sedated to say "Goodbye." When it was time he did what he had to do and allowed me private time with the body of myy baby so I could say a proper "farewell." It was so very respectful and it felt so peaceful. I did not hesitate to bring my two newest adoptees (a boy and a girl cat) to them for their first check up. It turns out one of them (the girl) had ringworm. I was sent home with a cream to treat the one spot she had. Well after a few weeks, she was clean, now he has it. They prescribed a drug that they both could take to eliminate the ringworm. They knew that I was operating on limited funds. The vet and her assistant called numerous pharmacies on my behalf in order to get the proper dosage at the best price with the most convenience. They even worked with it over a weekend!!! It was easy to deal with the pharmacy that they found for me and the medicine was 70% CHEAPER than their original estimate. How often have you heard that about a vet's estimate? That was much appreciated and it was DELIVERED to my house. It's easy to use and the cats are taking it two times per day with minimal fuss. I hope that this will do the trick. I'm confident that it will since I trust this vet completely. The staff and the doctors are all amazing people. I cannot say enough to praise this place. Read Less

I wish I could give them more stars. Both vets are compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, practicle, friendly, empathetic, and have great bedside manners. I had taken my baby boy cat to Cheshire Cat Clinic since 2002 and I have always received the gold standard of care for him and excellent service. I did something very difficult at the beginning of the year. I had to say ""Goodbye"" to my baby boy cat who had end stage renal failure at the beginning of this year 2010. The vet knew my baby and knew that he was in pain and suffering. He explained the entire process of what was going to happen with compassion. He handled my baby so well and made him very comfortable. He gave me time with my baby, as much as I wanted, while he was sedated to say ""Goodbye."" When it was time he did what he had to do and allowed me private time with the body of my baby so I could say a proper ""farewell."" It was so very respectful and it felt so peaceful. I did not hesitate to bring my two newest adoptees (a boy and a girl cat) to them for their first check up. It turns out one of them (the girl) had ringworm. I was sent home with a cream to treat the one spot she had. Well after a few weeks, she was clean, now he has it. They prescribed a drug that they both could take to eliminate the ringworm. They knew that I was operating on limited funds. The vet and her assistant called numerous pharmacies on my behalf in order to get the proper dosage at the best price with the most convenience. They even worked with it over a weekend!!! It was easy to deal with the pharmacy that they found for me and the medicine was 70% CHEAPER than their original estimate. How often have you heard that about a vet's estimate? That was much appreciated and it was DELIVERED to my house. It's easy to use and the cats are taking it two times per day with minimal fuss. I hope that this will do the trick. I'm confident that it will since I trust this vet completely. The staff and the doctors are all amazing people. I cannot say enough to praise this place. Read Less

I've been going to the Cheshire Cat Clinic for 13 years, through the years of wonderful Mark Youdall and now doctors Sodakoff and Fong. Dr. Sodakoff has not suggested lots of unnecessary tests or treatments, as mentioned in another review. He has helped us care for our Jasmine through years of inflammatory bowel disease, now bowel cancer. In the earlier years of the disease, he suggested treating her with steroids without doing intrusive and expensive biopsies because even if it were cancer, unless we wanted to do extreme measures (which we didn't), the treatment would be the same. We have had many visits since then, when Jasmine went through her down periods, not eating, fading away - and has helped us bring her back, keeping her overnight only when necessary to keep her alive but always giving us the option of treating her at home. He doesn't have Dr. Youdall's lovely manner, but he is really caring about his patients, and knows what he is doing. I don't like Dr. Fong, however. When we saw her, she always blamed Jasmine's problems, whatever they were, on constipation, when all the evidence (think litter box here) contradicted that conclusion. I think she thinks everything relates to constipation, and it reminds me of most chiropractors' belief that alignment of the spine is always the cause or cure for all ills. We only go to Dr. Sodakoff now. I do agree that itemized receipts would be better than their current practice. Read Less

I have been a client at this clinic for 20 years and up until 2 years ago it was wonderful. Dr Mark Youdall sold the business to a Dr. Sodacoff who is primarily interested in getting as much money out of the client as possible. The entire business has gone downhill. There is very little concern about the actual cat and it is always all about more money. The attitude of the staff has changed dramatically and they are unconcerned whether they lose longtime clients or not, as long as they can extract as much money out of you each time you do come in. They also seem to have gotten very disorganized, as the $110 bIoodpanel I got for my cat last year is not even in his chart. One must ask for an itemized receipt and hope it is correct. They also seem to be confused about which shots they have already given and when. I guess it is time to find a new Vet. Read Less

I didn't have any problems making an appointment, even for the same day. The front desk was very nice and the wait wasn't long. What was disappointing was how uninvolved the vet was: I took my cat in for a check up and her shots but he barely spoke to me and spent all of five minutes with her. I may be spoiled with past vets but they were much more enthusiastic about my cat and made a point of talking to me about her and her habits (this vet did not). He was perfectly polite but if you're looking to connect with your vet, this may not be the place, especially at $60 a visit. Read Less

Dr. Youdall at The Cheshire Cat Clinic is a gifted veterinarian. Two of my cats were labeled ""difficult to handle"" by other vets I have been to, but under Dr. Youdall's gentle hands, they were calm through the entire exam! Amazing. And he's fun to talk to, as well. He's just the best. And he knows his stuff. I respect and trust his instincts and his knowledge. I haven't met the other vet at the clinic, though. Read Less