Inspiring Conversations with Tarina Anthony of Aurora Cat Hospital and Hotel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarina Anthony.

Hi Tarina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Michigan but spent most of my childhood in Wyoming. I’ve always loved animals, but it wasn’t until my undergraduate years at the University of Wyoming that I seriously considered a career in veterinary medicine.

I graduated from Colorado State University’s veterinary program in 2007 and quickly discovered a special affinity for cats. In vet med, cats are often misunderstood or overlooked in favor of dogs, and I felt drawn to give them the spotlight they deserve. Since graduation, I’ve worked almost exclusively in feline medicine, taking only a couple of breaks: once when I had my children, and once when we first moved to Colorado.

In 2019, I came across a listing for a feline-only hospital that was for sale. After talking it over with my husband, we decided it was the natural next step in my career. Aurora Cat Hospital & Hotel opened its doors on January 28, 2020. Little did I know that just weeks later, the world would shut down.

The past five and a half years have been full of growth: personal, professional, and emotional. Owning a practice has taught me so much about leadership, balance (still working on that one), and who I am at my core. My greatest passion is helping people better understand and care for their cats. Education and advocacy are a huge part of what I do every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a winding road. The COVID-19 pandemic was the most recent (and most universal) challenge, but it wasn’t the only one.

Personally, I’ve had to navigate the emotional needs of my children, the strain of long hours on my marriage (especially since my husband isn’t in the field), and my own health struggles. Professionally, I’ve faced many of the usual small business hurdles: staffing challenges, a break-in, employee theft, and that ever-elusive work-life balance.

There have absolutely been moments when I felt like quitting. But I’m stubborn by nature, and somehow, I always manage to keep going.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aurora Cat Hospital & Hotel is the only feline-exclusive veterinary clinic serving the Aurora, Centennial, and Parker areas. We’re not just “cat-friendly”; cats are our entire focus.

Every detail of our clinic is designed with felines in mind. Instead of cold steel exam tables, we use soft “nests” perched on cat trees. There are no barking dogs or harsh smells, and we have calming music playing all day, which helps create a peaceful, low-stress experience for both the cats and their people.

Some of our patients were labeled “aggressive” or “unhandleable” at other clinics. But here, they often do just fine. With patience, gentle handling, and the right techniques, we show that they were never “bad” cats, just misunderstood.

What truly sets us apart is not just our expertise, but our love and respect for cats. I have more than 18 years of experience working with them exclusively. I may not hold a formal feline specialist designation, but this is what I’ve devoted my career—and my heart—to.

In the end, I’m most proud of the care we provide and the reputation we’ve built. We’re not just treating cats. We’re changing the way people think about them.

What were you like growing up?
I was more into stuffed animals than dolls and always had a deep love for animals, whether real or imaginary. I was a precocious kid who got good grades, kept a small but close circle of friends, and spent a lot of time in my own world. I wasn’t loud or particularly outgoing, but I was curious, observant, and always asking questions. Unlike many of my classmates in vet school, I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a veterinarian. I just knew I felt connected to animals and fascinated by how they worked and moved through the world. It took me a little longer to realize that those traits—quiet focus, empathy, and a healthy dose of nerdiness—were leading me toward a life in vet med, even if I wasn’t the “typical” vet student personality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auroracathospital.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/auroracathosp
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/auroracathospital