Meet Our Doctors

Chicago Cat Clinic’s Veterinarians

Dr. John Nordwall

Retired February 2021, learn more 

Dr. Nordwall is the medical director and owner of the Chicago Cat Clinic. He received his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from North Park University in Chicago and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. His interest in feline medicine led him to the Chicago Cat Clinic upon graduation. He is a skilled diagnostician and surgeon with a very gentle, compassionate nature. When he has time away from the clinic, he enjoys travel, gardening, cross country and water skiing, music and learning about and enjoying wine. Dr. Nordwall is a longstanding member of AVMA, AAHA, AAFP, ISVMA, CVMA and the Cornell Feline Health Center.

 Dr. Larissa Olenych

Dr. Olenych joined the Chicago Cat Clinic in July 2004. She was born and raised in Chicago, received her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Illinois and has been in practice for 35 years. She is married and has a daughter and a son. She very much enjoys the interaction with her clients and their cats and is a very caring practitioner. Dr. Larissa, as she prefers to be called, tries to always see the best in everyone. Her hobbies include crafting, embroidery and reading. She is a welcome asset to our staff.

Dr. Joyce Li

Dr. Lijoined the Chicago Cat Clinic in May of 2017. She grew up in Chicago and received both of her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences and her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Although she recently joined the Chicago Cat Clinic, she is very eager to meet long-time clients and new clients alike. She hopes to provide the best care possible, with the collaboration of clients, to patients here at the Chicago Cat Clinic. Dr. Li is very gentle with cats but still have a high standard of care for patients. In her spare time, Dr. Li likes to sketch, paint, and work on sewing projects. She is currently an active member of AVMA, ISVMA, CVMA and AAFP.