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Why I Dedicated My Career to Cats
Tarkan Özçetin, Veterinarian
A Career That Began and Continued with Cats
It has been about 33 years since I began my journey in veterinary medicine.
For most of those years, I have devoted my work almost entirely to cats. Looking back, I can say that many of the cat-related initiatives in Türkiye began as ideas I wanted to bring to life.
I founded Türkiye’s first and only cat-only hospital. I also created the country’s first cat magazine, and to this day, it remains the only publication in Türkiye focused entirely on cats. In addition, I founded KEDVET, Türkiye’s first feline medicine association, and I was also involved in founding the Ankara Cat Association.
Over the years, I have participated in many projects related to cats. In many ways, my professional life began with cats, and it continues with cats today.
Why I Established Türkiye’s First Cat-Only Hospital
Opening a hospital dedicated entirely to cats was not an easy decision.
From a business perspective, it was a risk. Veterinary medicine is a very broad field. We care for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, farm animals, and many other species. Choosing to focus on only one type of animal meant narrowing that scope significantly.
But throughout my career, I always felt that cats were the animals I understood best.
I also wanted to create something that had never existed before in Türkiye. That desire eventually led me to establish the country’s first cat-only hospital.
Cats are very unique animals. Their behavior, treatment, recovery, and emotional needs are all very different from those of dogs.
For example, when cats are hospitalized, many do not want to see or smell dogs around them. Even the presence of another species can increase stress.
In a cats-only environment, recovery can be very different. Since opening the hospital, I have repeatedly seen that cats often recover faster and remain calmer when there are no other animals nearby.
That experience strengthened my belief that cats benefit greatly from specialized care provided in an environment designed specifically for them.
Why Supplements Matter in Veterinary Care
In my clinical practice, I also use supplements for cats.
Of course, the most important condition is that they must be products I trust. Supplements are not the same as medications, but over time, I have come to see that certain high-quality supplements may offer a complementary option that veterinarians may choose to include as part of a broader care approach.
Especially in chronic illnesses, supplements can play an important role alongside standard medical treatment.
Long-term medications may sometimes place additional strain on the kidneys or liver. Because of that, supplements can become an important part of supporting the body over time.
I also believe supplements are valuable in preventive care.
Preventive care is one of the most important responsibilities we have as veterinarians. Supplements and vitamins can help us support cats before illness becomes more serious.
In other words, they are not only tools we use after a diagnosis. They can also help us keep cats healthier for longer before disease progresses.
How I First Connected with Greycoat Research
I first learned about Greycoat Research through Dr. Toru Miyazaki.
Through Dr. Toru Miyazaki, I came to know about Greycoat Research’s work in Korea, particularly their focus on kidney support for cats.
Later, through him, I also came to know Claire.
I even saw videos of Claire and Dr. Toru Miyazaki together on her YouTube channel, where she shared her cats and her dedication to caring for sick animals.
When I asked Dr. Toru Miyazaki about Claire and Greycoat Research, he told me that he trusted them deeply. He also told me that Claire was a close friend of his.
Now, she has become a close friend of mine as well.
As for Greycoat Research, I believe this is only the beginning. I have no doubt that we will continue to do even greater things together in the future.
Why I Believe Greycoat Research Can Support Cats with Kidney Disease
Greycoat Research has developed very interesting and meaningful products for cats.
They are not limited to only one or two products. Their work covers multiple approaches to supporting kidney health.
Especially for cats living with chronic kidney disease, I believe these products reflect a thoughtful approach to feline care.
Kidney disease is one of the most important long-term health issues cats face. Because of that, I believe Greycoat Research’s products may offer an additional option within a broader care routine and may also support overall feline wellness and quality of life.
Walking a Better Path for Cats
After more than three decades in veterinary medicine, I still believe that treatment matters deeply.
But I also believe that we should not wait until illness becomes severe before we begin to care.
Cats need earlier support, more specialized environments, and a more thoughtful approach to long-term care.
That is why I have dedicated my career to cats.
And that is why I still believe we can do more for them.
About the Author
Tarkan Özçetin, Veterinarian
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