Marie Maher, DVM, CVA

Medical Director and Owner

Degrees and Certifications

Some things about me

  • I’ve wanted to be a feline veterinarian for as long as I can remember

  • I was a competitive figure skater growing up and circus acrobat in my twenties

  • I have a rescue background and have fostered over 150 cats and kittens

  • Birds, squirrels, and frogs are my non-cat jam

  • I am originally from the Bay Area, California.

  • I love acquiring new skills I’ll likely never be particularly good at like juggling and being mostly ambidextrous

  • I’ve visited 48 states (only HI and AK left!)

  • All of my cats are leash trained

  • I believe that cultivating play, prioritizing rest, and finding joy in small places are the secrets to happiness :)

The Road to Tranquil Tabby

Following graduation from vet school, I was fortunate to start my career in feline exclusive practice in Massachusetts doing the work I love. In 2020, I moved back to the West Coast and continued working in primarily feline medicine. I learned so much and felt so at home helping cats and their people.

Like most people in the profession, I eventually experienced burn out due to what I consider to be unhealthy, unrealistic, and unsustainable expectations and culture within the profession. I also felt deeply unsettled by the lack of consistently gentle and respectful handling of patients around me. I knew that taking care of animals should not be so damaging to the soul, and I dreamed of doing things differently.

In 2022 I was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that forced me to step away from practice. I took this time as an opportunity not only to heal and recover, but to reevaluate what being a veterinarian means to me, what I want from my career, and how I can best be of service.

As part of my health journey, I moved to Southwest Washington where I was able to cultivate deep restorative rest. With time and support from so many wonderful people, my health improved and I began shifting my focus to how a return to veterinary medicine could look and feel like for me.

I founded Tranquil Tabby in 2023 to provide a new kind of veterinary experience, meaningfully focused on both the physical and emotional wellbeing of cats and people. Over the last few years, the clinic has taken on a life of its own and I’ve been so lucky to know and love our patients and clients like family. I am very excited to continue my vision of how quality feline veterinary medicine can be delivered, calmly in the home with care and consideration, and built on a foundation of trust and respect.

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