- Julie Cole, DVM, DACT, PhD, has been named the 2026 dvm360 Veterinary Hero in Feline Medicine.
- The award recognizes veterinary professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing animal healthcare.
- Cole founded Cat Tales Davis Feline Health Center, a feline-exclusive practice in Davis, California.
- The hospital was designed to reduce stress and anxiety for feline patients through specialized facility features and handling techniques.
- Cat Tales Davis holds both Cat Friendly Gold status and Fear Free Practice certification.
- Cole will be honored at the 6th Annual dvm360 Award Ceremony in Kansas City on August 30, 2026.
Julie Cole, DVM, DACT, PhD, founder of Cat Tales Davis Feline Health Center, has been selected as the 2026 dvm360 Veterinary Hero in the Feline Medicine category, an honor recognizing her leadership and contributions to feline healthcare.
Presented through the dvm360 Veterinary Hero program, the award celebrates veterinary professionals whose work is helping advance the profession through innovation, clinical excellence, and a commitment to improving patient care.
Building a Practice Around the Needs of Cats
At Cat Tales Davis, Cole has championed a feline-exclusive approach to veterinary medicine, creating an environment tailored to the unique behavioral and medical needs of cats. The hospital was purpose-built to provide a calm and welcoming experience, with design elements intended to reduce stress and support feline wellbeing throughout the veterinary visit.
According to Cole, everything from the clinic’s interior colors and textures to custom feline hideaways and handling protocols was developed to help patients feel more comfortable while receiving care.
“We are redefining how cats experience veterinary care,” Cole said in the announcement. “From the interior colors and textures to custom kitty hideouts and gentle handling, every single detail is meticulously designed to reduce stress, build trust, and accommodate the unique behavioral and medical needs of cats.”
The practice’s commitment to low-stress veterinary care has earned both Cat Friendly Gold status and Fear Free Practice certification, designations that recognize advanced training and protocols aimed at minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary patients.
Recognition by Veterinary Peers
Cole said the award is particularly meaningful because recipients are selected by fellow veterinary professionals from a competitive pool of candidates across the country.
“To be recognized by my peers is an incredible honor,” Cole said. “Feline medicine requires a unique blend of specialized knowledge and deep empathy. This award reinforces our mission to provide an unparalleled, peaceful clinical experience.”
Cole will be formally recognized alongside fellow honorees during the 6th Annual dvm360 Award Ceremony on Aug. 30, 2026, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Cat Tales Davis Feline Health Center provides medical, surgical, dental, and preventive care exclusively for cats and serves clients throughout Davis and the greater Sacramento region. The practice also operates the Tabby Tea Cat Lounge as part of its broader mission to promote feline wellbeing and strengthen the human-animal bond.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
