Just Cats Veterinary Clinic Prepares for Major Move to Mechanicville, NY

Just Cats Veterinary Clinic, a beloved feline-only practice serving the Capital Region for over 30 years, is preparing to open the doors of its newest and largest facility yet—this time in Mechanicville, NY. Known for its specialized focus on feline wellness and deeply compassionate care, the clinic’s move is both a major milestone and a much-needed expansion to meet increasing demand.

From Humble Beginnings to Feline-Focused Excellence

Founded by Dr. Susan Sikule three decades ago, Just Cats began as a modest operation with only a receptionist and a shared passion for cats. Driven by a love for the species’ quiet nature and distinct needs, Dr. Sikule created one of the few veterinary clinics in the region dedicated exclusively to feline care.

“I just found myself gravitating toward working with cats,” she explained in a recent Buying Local podcast interview. “By nature, I’m sort of quiet-ish, and I think they sort of gravitate toward that a little bit.”

Since its inception, the clinic has expanded to two locations in Guilderland and Saratoga Springs. Over the years, Just Cats has become a trusted destination for everything from kitten vaccinations and senior care to advanced surgeries and dentistry. It’s a reputation built not just on medical expertise, but also on a profound respect for feline behavior and wellbeing.

A New Chapter in Mechanicville

Set to open officially on August 4, 2025, the new Mechanicville facility marks a significant upgrade—tripling the space previously available at the Saratoga location. The building, formerly used as an urgent care center, is being transformed into a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic equipped with five exam rooms, a surgical suite, dental suite, spacious treatment areas, and plenty of parking.

“We were stumbling over each other in Saratoga,” Dr. Sikule said. “Now, there’s room to grow, more opportunity to bring in staff, and we’ll be able to provide even better care.”

Missy Filirecki, the clinic’s practice manager, noted that the Mechanicville site is much more accessible. “It’s at a major intersection with a red light, easy to get in and out, and has ample parking—which is rare in the Capital District. That’s a huge win, especially for cat owners juggling carriers.”

The move also means the closure of the Saratoga Springs location, a bittersweet decision driven by logistics and staffing challenges. Still, the team hopes longtime clients will follow them the short distance to Mechanicville for continued care.

A Clinic That Stands Apart

What continues to make Just Cats unique is its singular dedication to feline health. The team has adopted cutting-edge technologies like AI-assisted note-taking during visits and maintains a deep bench of highly trained professionals who understand how to handle cats of all temperaments with care and confidence.

From addressing common concerns like vaccinations and dental health to treating complex conditions like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)—which once was fatal but is now treatable—the clinic has remained on the forefront of feline medicine.

The team also acknowledges a larger shift: cats are no longer seen as secondary pets. “We’re seeing more and more cat owners,” said Dr. Sikule. “People are taking better care of their cats, treating them like family—and we’re here for every stage of that journey.”

Looking Ahead

The Mechanicville expansion isn’t just about space; it’s about enhancing service, expanding appointment availability, and meeting growing demand in the region. The clinic is actively looking to add another veterinarian to its independently owned practice—another rarity in today’s world of corporate veterinary chains.

For cat owners in the Capital Region, the new Just Cats facility represents an exciting opportunity to access compassionate, expert care in a modern, accessible environment. And for Dr. Sikule and her team, it’s a natural next step in a journey that started with a simple vision: to do more, and better, for cats.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit justcatsvet.com.