Urban Tigers: Tales of a Cat Vet

by Kathy Chisholm

Urban Tigers is a gentle, humourous, heart-warming account of Dr. Emily McBride’s first year at Ocean View Cat Hospital under the guidance of the flamboyant Dr. Hughie Doucette. While he is regarded by his devoted clients as The Cat Messiah, Emily is at first known only as “that girl”. But her sense of humour and dedication soon earn her a loyal clientele; Herbert Grant, retired history professor and cat devotee whose cherished felines drink only bottled water and sniff organically-grown catnip, Mrs. Eunice Dalrymple, self-proclaimed cat psychic and, of course, Titus Tid the Third from Tidsville, a smug Persian with a peculiar affliction. The very real characters and their beloved pets enrich Emily’s life in unexpected ways.Drawn from her own experiences in a feline practice, Chisholm’s Urban Tigers is a poignant reminder that loves comes in all shapes and sizes. If you have ever cared for a pet, or the owner of a pet, this is the book for you.

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Cats

300 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2011

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart warming stories of the cat patients in a cat only hospital as related by Dr. Emily McBride in her first year of practice. The cats have unique personalities and so do their owners.

[Annthelibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun and funny. A novel about a woman vet who returns to her native Nova Scotia to work in a local veterinarian practice. Way better than I thought it would be!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I'm a softie for books about animals, and this novel (that reads like a memoir) was a great read. I read most of it with Annabelle on my lap and Mozart curled by my side. (They're my two cats.) it's a collection of stories based on the author's experience in working alongside her husband, a veterinarian, in one of Canada's few feline-only practices. I laughed, I cried, I related with the owners who worried about their pets and would do anything for them. The author is a gifted writer, with an enviable talent at turning a descriptive phrase. In addition to the book I bought for myself, I also bought two copies as Christmas gifts for friends. Ms. Chisholm is at work on Urban Tigers Two, and I eagerly anticipate its release in the fall. Her website, www.kathychisholm.ca, is also worthy of some of your time.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book, funny, heartwarming and eye opening, the author uses turns of phrase that leave me chuckling and full of admiration. A vets working life must indeed be full of challenges. A light and very enjoyable read. On to book two!

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like James Herriot books, but set in Halifax. Good and very amusing.

[Thalarctos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, reminded me of the James Herriott series.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book for cat lovers. Set in Halifax.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, Well Written

The entertaining clever writer describes a cat only veterinary practice in Nova Scotia. The book really is a pleasure to read