Soon after, Segovia’s other cats contracted parvovirus from the same clinic. Determined not to lose more “furbabies,” she decided to care for them at home. Fortunately, they recovered. The experience left her with a clear realization: cats require specialized medical attention.
That moment led to the creation of The Cat Clinic. For Segovia, it was not just a passion project but a practical response to a gap in the country’s veterinary care system.
“At the time, there was no clinic in the Philippines designed specifically for cats,” Segovia recalled. “Most facilities were built primarily for dogs, with cats treated as secondary patients. We wanted to change that—to create a space where cats were not an afterthought, but the priority,” she said in an interview with InsiderPH.
Redefining veterinary care
In 2021, the first The Cat Clinic opened in Makati. The facility was designed to strengthen infection control and create a calm, healing environment for cats. Every detail—from the clinic’s layout to staff training—was intentionally tailored for feline comfort and safety.
“This level of specialization allows us to deliver a calmer, more precise and more compassionate experience for both cats and their owners,” Segovia said.
The clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostics, a dedicated parvovirus isolation unit, sterilized treatment pathways and a curated cat supply store.
Establishing a cats-only hospital was not an easy task, as there was no local benchmark to follow. Segovia and her team then studied global best practices to address the needs of feline patients. Their research led them to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), a UK-based authority on feline care.
Soon after, The Cat Clinic became the first and only feline hospital in the country to receive the ISFM Gold Standard certification.
“Achieving ISFM Gold wasn’t about chasing a certificate—it was the result of intentionally building our clinic, protocols and training around those standards from day one. Even after earning Gold accreditation, we continue to use ISFM as a framework for continuous improvement,” she recounts.
Growing organically
Segovia shares that the founders used their personal savings to fund The Cat Clinic. She maintained a lean setup, focusing on essentials rather than aesthetics. As the clinic expanded, she reinvested its earnings to acquire additional critical medical equipment.
“Instead of seeking outside funding, we chose to reinvest our own capital and let the business grow organically based on actual demand. We were disciplined about spending, only expanding when the clinic could sustain it through revenue,” she explained.
Over time, Segovia observed a rise in cat ownership, particularly among city residents. Cats, she observed, are often preferred in urban areas because they require minimal outdoor space and easily adapt to smaller homes.
Industry data supports this trend. According to the 2026 TGM Pet Care Insights report, Filipino pet owners are becoming more proactive about their pets’ health and lifestyle compatibility.
The Singapore-based research group noted that more Filipinos now treat pets as family members, driving higher demand for quality veterinary and grooming services. A growing number are also exploring holistic options such as pet massages and spa treatments.
“We’re seeing a clear shift from reactive, illness-driven visits to preventive care—regular checkups, diagnostics, wellness programs and long-term disease management … Pet owners are also more willing to invest in early intervention because they understand it leads to better outcomes and lower long-term costs,” Segovia said.
Consistent demand
Today, The Cat Clinic operates three branches—Makati, Alabang, and Greenhills—with more than 130 team members across medical, operations and support roles.
Expansion was never part of the original plan, Segovia said, but consistent demand showed that cat owners were actively seeking a better veterinary experience. The team is now looking into opening new branches in Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City.
While The Cat Clinic offers a premium level of care, Segovia emphasizes transparency and informed decision-making. Clients are presented with options based on medical need, and the clinic promotes preventive care to help avoid more serious and costly treatments in the future.
Beyond the clinic
Segovia’s advocacy for feline welfare extends beyond the clinic walls. Through The Cat Clinic Foundation, her team partners with local cat communities and animal welfare organizations to promote education, adoption and community health programs.
The clinic’s veterinarians also conduct seminars, training sessions and free consultation initiatives to expand access to care and raise awareness about feline health.
More than just a business
For Segovia, The Cat Clinic represents more than a business. It has paved the way to elevate standards of care while providing meaningful work for veterinary professionals.
“We're grateful to our cats for being the reason this journey began—and for allowing us to turn that blessing into something that benefits others as well,” she added.
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