Bunnies and Cats Find Someone Who Understands Them At Catnip and Carrots

Catnip and Carrots Veterinary Hospital is a practice dedicated to the animals that munch on the treats of its clever name.

Specializing in the care of cats and rabbits, Catnip and Carrots has been in business since November of 2000. It is the only veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to these pets in Nassau County.   

Owned by Dr. Jennifer Saver, DVM, the office and facilities are backed by an operation of two other doctors -- Dr. Laura George and Dr. Kathi Dunn -- along with about 25 staff members.  

With years of experience and a focused, comprehensive knowledge of cats and rabbits, Dr. Saver has a fervent and apparent respect for the animals that she works with. 

"I like both of them very much; that's why I chose to specialize in just those," said Dr. Saver.

Cats and rabbits also happen to share a number of similarities which make them particularly fit to share in the same space.

One thing you will immediately notice upon entering the corner hospital at 2221 Hillside Avenue it that is notably silent in comparison to a typical vet's office.

"Rabbits and cats like a nice quiet environment," said Dr. Saver, who explained that by focusing only on the two animals, it eliminates noise and other factors that may clash with their temperament.

"Not that I don't like dogs, but both animals are terrified of dogs barking," Dr. Saver said.

The vet has a dedicated clientele with customers from around the Island returning time and time again. Long time patron Kathie Rokita trusts her four rabbits in the hands of the vets at Catnip and Carrots. She prefers their particularized knowledge over other vets who may not be well enough equipped to provide the proper and delicate care that rabbits require.  

"Dr. Saver and Dr. George are great," said Rokita. Petting the long-eared head of  her aging black and white rabbit, Boo Bunny, Rokita thankfully noted, "she would have been gone a long time ago if it weren't for them."  

On the importance of getting specialized care for cats and rabbits, Dr. Saver says, "you need to go to someone who understands their behavior more than anything else."  

Dr. Saver described how cats as predators and rabbits as prey animals are used to hiding their illness.

"They might appear healthy to their owners, but then turn out to be sick," she said. "For someone who is not used to reading the signs, although they might be subtle sometimes, that is what we're here for."  

Treatment at Catnip and Carrots is limited to cats, rabbits and small mammals such as mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters; no dogs, reptiles or birds.

Services offered are under the blanket of general medicine and surgery, which includes: physicals, vaccines, spay/neuters, dental, x-rays and specialist referrals.

Editor's Note: The author takes her bunny named Spumoni to this vet.