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The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten: Even More Tales from the Accidental Veterinarian
From Dr. Schott’s 30 years in veterinary practice come over 60 heartwarming, funny, and adorable stories about angry pelicans, bug-eyed goldfish, and plenty of cats and dogs
In the third book in this bestselling series, we meet the oddest creatures, from an escaped newt to a baby snow leopard, but the focus is on the dogs and cats that make up most of a pet vet’s day and on the wacky and wonderful people who bring them in.
Dr. Schott also pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a veterinarian. Do some vet students faint at the sight of blood? (Yes.) Is it easier for vets to bring their own pets in for procedures? (No.) Did the pandemic change veterinary practice? (Yes, and how.)
You will also learn how to bathe a dog, why some rats love cats, why Dr. Schott is afraid of parrots, and a surprising way for a dog to accidentally get drunk. And, of course, you will meet Supercat, the Siamese kitten with the mightiest lungs
In the third book in this bestselling series, we meet the oddest creatures, from an escaped newt to a baby snow leopard, but the focus is on the dogs and cats that make up most of a pet vet’s day and on the wacky and wonderful people who bring them in.
Dr. Schott also pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a veterinarian. Do some vet students faint at the sight of blood? (Yes.) Is it easier for vets to bring their own pets in for procedures? (No.) Did the pandemic change veterinary practice? (Yes, and how.)
You will also learn how to bathe a dog, why some rats love cats, why Dr. Schott is afraid of parrots, and a surprising way for a dog to accidentally get drunk. And, of course, you will meet Supercat, the Siamese kitten with the mightiest lungs
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
11 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Philipp Schott
11 books149 followersPhilipp was born in Germany in 1965. A year later his family emigrated to Canada. Philipp grew up in Saskatoon, regularly returning to Germany to visit. He studied biology the University of Saskatchewan before switching to veterinary medicine. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg with his classmate and future wife, Lorraine. Except for a year taken to backpack around the world, Philipp has been in the same Winnipeg small animal practice since 1990.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 15, 2022
In my continuing efforts to read a greater variety of books I picked this one purely based on the title and the adorable cover. I didn’t read the blurb. I had a Siamese cat for 15 years (Lily) she was quite the character!
This is not fiction, rather a series of anecdotes from the author who has worked as a vet for over 30 years. Many are humorous, some are sad, some gross and some informative but they are all interesting and give you
a great insight into what these wonderful people do on behalf of our beloved pets. The book also highlights the difficulties the vet practice faced during the various COVID restrictions.
I enjoyed this little excursion into a different world and applaud the work that vets and all their staff do under difficult circumstances. The author writes in a very engaging manner and I had a few laugh out loud moments where I had to read excerpts to my husband. On behalf of all pet owners - thank you vets! Many thanks to Netgalley and ECW Press for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
This is not fiction, rather a series of anecdotes from the author who has worked as a vet for over 30 years. Many are humorous, some are sad, some gross and some informative but they are all interesting and give you
a great insight into what these wonderful people do on behalf of our beloved pets. The book also highlights the difficulties the vet practice faced during the various COVID restrictions.
I enjoyed this little excursion into a different world and applaud the work that vets and all their staff do under difficult circumstances. The author writes in a very engaging manner and I had a few laugh out loud moments where I had to read excerpts to my husband. On behalf of all pet owners - thank you vets! Many thanks to Netgalley and ECW Press for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
September 16, 2022
I have to admit the title and the cute kitten on the cover drew me in to this book – plus I’m a sucker for veterinary and animal stories. I was also totally amused to discover the small kitten in question is named Supercat.
This is the third book veterinarian Phillip Schott has written about his experiences as a small animal vet in Winnipeg and it’s packed full of anecdotes and tales of his patients (and their owners) told with humour, and occasionally self-deprecation, in his chatty, accessible style. He also touches on the challenges faced by vets during the covid pandemic, which those of us with pets needing regular visits to the vet will relate to. A fast enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys animal tales or is wondering about what it would be like to be a vet.
with thanks to ECW Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
This is the third book veterinarian Phillip Schott has written about his experiences as a small animal vet in Winnipeg and it’s packed full of anecdotes and tales of his patients (and their owners) told with humour, and occasionally self-deprecation, in his chatty, accessible style. He also touches on the challenges faced by vets during the covid pandemic, which those of us with pets needing regular visits to the vet will relate to. A fast enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys animal tales or is wondering about what it would be like to be a vet.
with thanks to ECW Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
January 22, 2023
My thanks to ECW Press for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten (2022) is the third volume of memoirs/anecdotes by German-born, Canadian veterinary doctor and writer, Dr Philipp Schott (I have previously read and reviewed the second volume, How to Examine a Wolverine, as well as a work of detective fiction by the author, featuring of course a vet as the detective, Fifty-four Pigs, both of which I enjoyed very much).
Like his previous sets of memoirs, The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten too, contains 60 short pieces, this time not categorized in any way (by type of experience or kind of animal—arranged alphabetically by title instead) and covers a whole lot of ground. We have stories of specific patients, Dr Schott’s memories of his childhood, his own training, initial days in practice (including how he never ever got a job he interviewed for) and his absentmindedness, as well as some colleagues, besides also some general pieces (for instance, on bathing dogs—and thankfully not having to bathe cats; or doctors’ struggles to keep up with advances in medicine). Well aware that his work, though in a different vein, is bound to be compared to James Herriott, Dr Schott goes ahead and does so himself, including telling us how he never read Herriott until quite late in the day.
Being written during the pandemic, this is a theme that comes up every so often in the book, from pointing out how people’s reliance on pets increased during this time (so many more being acquired, and understandably so), to how pets (and animals more generally) continued to be just as they were, unperturbed by all that was happening and carried on purring and woofing as always, and also how veterinary practice itself changed during the time (only urgent cases allowed, and pet parents having to wait in the car while patients were fetched with some conversations between doctor and parents taking place in well-below freezing temperatures in the parking lot). Perhaps bearing this in mind Dr Schott chose to include mostly cheery episodes (which I for one was very glad about), although a few heart-breaking and melancholy ones do creep in as well.
Again, like in the previous volume, while most stories are of small animal practice (dogs and cats), we meet some unusual patients (as the equipment at their hospital is at times used to help out the zoo) including a snow leopard cub, and a pelican (the latter story painlessly teaching us something about ultrasounds and about pelicans). He even gets to ultrasound a tiny fish, another experience I’m sure not many have been through. And we also learn why he tries to stay far far away from parrots!
Some of my favourite stories in this volume included Scott, a Labrador Collie mix who was suddenly unable to walk or stand very well with a very surprising reason behind it (I won’t spoil it for you by telling you what), or Dr Scott’s experience bringing his one of own cats, Lucy in for a check up when she developed some trouble (as much a struggle as any of us ‘ordinary’ pet parents face). And also an entertaining ‘conversation’ between Dr Schott and one of his patients during the pandemic (for parents had to wait outside). And how can I not talk about the Siamese kitten of the title, ‘Supercat’ who not only had an extraordinarily loud caterwaul (as though he was being ‘dumped into bubbling lava’), but also a lunge apparently like ‘Rocky Balboa going at the punching bag with the video sped up ten times’—wouldn’t want to be in his path!
Written in a humorous style that I very much enjoyed, this collection once again gives us a mix of entertainment, fun, heart-warming moments and lots of lovable animals but also puts across at the same time, plenty of useful information and trivia, and raises issues that are socially relevant (like the need for support for the elderly to be able to continue to have pets who can provide much needed company and comfort at their stage of life).
With wonderful illustrations by Brian Gable to complement many of the pieces, this is a book that any animal lover would enjoy, whether read spread out or all together!
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten (2022) is the third volume of memoirs/anecdotes by German-born, Canadian veterinary doctor and writer, Dr Philipp Schott (I have previously read and reviewed the second volume, How to Examine a Wolverine, as well as a work of detective fiction by the author, featuring of course a vet as the detective, Fifty-four Pigs, both of which I enjoyed very much).
Like his previous sets of memoirs, The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten too, contains 60 short pieces, this time not categorized in any way (by type of experience or kind of animal—arranged alphabetically by title instead) and covers a whole lot of ground. We have stories of specific patients, Dr Schott’s memories of his childhood, his own training, initial days in practice (including how he never ever got a job he interviewed for) and his absentmindedness, as well as some colleagues, besides also some general pieces (for instance, on bathing dogs—and thankfully not having to bathe cats; or doctors’ struggles to keep up with advances in medicine). Well aware that his work, though in a different vein, is bound to be compared to James Herriott, Dr Schott goes ahead and does so himself, including telling us how he never read Herriott until quite late in the day.
Being written during the pandemic, this is a theme that comes up every so often in the book, from pointing out how people’s reliance on pets increased during this time (so many more being acquired, and understandably so), to how pets (and animals more generally) continued to be just as they were, unperturbed by all that was happening and carried on purring and woofing as always, and also how veterinary practice itself changed during the time (only urgent cases allowed, and pet parents having to wait in the car while patients were fetched with some conversations between doctor and parents taking place in well-below freezing temperatures in the parking lot). Perhaps bearing this in mind Dr Schott chose to include mostly cheery episodes (which I for one was very glad about), although a few heart-breaking and melancholy ones do creep in as well.
Again, like in the previous volume, while most stories are of small animal practice (dogs and cats), we meet some unusual patients (as the equipment at their hospital is at times used to help out the zoo) including a snow leopard cub, and a pelican (the latter story painlessly teaching us something about ultrasounds and about pelicans). He even gets to ultrasound a tiny fish, another experience I’m sure not many have been through. And we also learn why he tries to stay far far away from parrots!
Some of my favourite stories in this volume included Scott, a Labrador Collie mix who was suddenly unable to walk or stand very well with a very surprising reason behind it (I won’t spoil it for you by telling you what), or Dr Scott’s experience bringing his one of own cats, Lucy in for a check up when she developed some trouble (as much a struggle as any of us ‘ordinary’ pet parents face). And also an entertaining ‘conversation’ between Dr Schott and one of his patients during the pandemic (for parents had to wait outside). And how can I not talk about the Siamese kitten of the title, ‘Supercat’ who not only had an extraordinarily loud caterwaul (as though he was being ‘dumped into bubbling lava’), but also a lunge apparently like ‘Rocky Balboa going at the punching bag with the video sped up ten times’—wouldn’t want to be in his path!
Written in a humorous style that I very much enjoyed, this collection once again gives us a mix of entertainment, fun, heart-warming moments and lots of lovable animals but also puts across at the same time, plenty of useful information and trivia, and raises issues that are socially relevant (like the need for support for the elderly to be able to continue to have pets who can provide much needed company and comfort at their stage of life).
With wonderful illustrations by Brian Gable to complement many of the pieces, this is a book that any animal lover would enjoy, whether read spread out or all together!
October 12, 2022
Philipp Schott is a Canadian veterinarian, and he’s very funny. This meaty compendium of essays runs the gamut, and the overall effect is a calming one, like the fish tank in your doctor’s waiting room, but more entertaining. My thanks go to Net Galley and ECW Press for the review copy. This book is for sale now.
I came to Dr. Schott’s work through the back door, so to speak. A Goodreads friend recommended a mystery he wrote, Fifty-Four Pigs. While I was requesting the galley for that one, I saw that this was also available, so I put in for it as well. I am glad I did, because while the mystery is pretty good, this little gem is even better.
I have never said this before without intending it as an insult, but I do so now: this book is great for insomnia. Here’s what I mean. I’m tossing and turning and after half an hour of that, studies suggest that one must give the battle up and go do something for a bit in order to reboot the brain. When we cannot sleep, it eventually upsets us, and when we are upset, it’s even harder to get to sleep.
When I am sleepless, I am too groggy to do much. I’ve had a sleeping pill, and my motor skills make me unfit to clean house or do anything else that is useful. Once my eyes are able to focus on text, reading is the obvious activity to breach the difficult night hours, but I cannot be certain I’ll remember what I’ve read the next day, and I’m not with it enough to take in complex literature or nonfiction. Thrillers are completely out; they’ll wake me up further, once I’m coherent enough to understand what I am reading.
When all is said and done, short stories or collections of essays, are the best, and Dr. Schott’s are particularly congenial. Each is engaging; a few are tear-jerkers, and while some are persuasive or informational, most are humorous. Although Dr. Schott’s practice is almost entirely there for house pets that are mammals—so, cats and dogs—he has a handful of essays describing cases where he has gone far afield. The zoo wants an ultrasound of that pregnant snow leopard? He’s on it! Beluga whales? YES!
There’s one in which he waxes eloquent about the healing bond that occurs between the very elderly, particularly those in assisted living facilities, and elderly cats and dogs, and he decries the way most such facilities exclude pets; he advocates for a large scale effort to remedy this, including volunteer corps to assist with the extra labor that including these beloved beasties creates. He makes a strong case.
Funniest of all, however, is the title piece, in which he and his wife attempt to take their own cat to the office for shots and whatnot:
"I don’t think we veterinarians appreciate how difficult it is to bring some cats to the clinic. Dogs are more easily fooled, only catching on once they get to the clinic door, but it is the rare cat who cheerfully saunters into their carrier, purring in euphoric anticipation of the double joy of a car ride AND a veterinary visit…
“Lucy, look! Extra treats today! And that special catnip mouse! Don’t you want to go in? Her facial expression was clear: ‘How dumb do you think I am?’… "Play our cards wrong, and she could bolt for the cat sanctuary above the basement ceiling tiles. The cats think of it as their secret rebel base; we know where it is, but we still can’t get them out of there."
The pandemic has inspired countless previously petless households to seek out four-pawed companionship, and so, during the period when many businesses have suffered from a lack of customers, Dr. Schott has been even busier than usual. It’s lucky for us that he’s found the time to sit down and write these agreeable essays. In addition to aiding the sleepless, it’s a fine addition to a guest room or yes, the bathroom, because each entry is fairly brief, and the reader can be assured that they’ll have time to finish what they’ve started. Regarding the book, I mean.
Highly recommended.
I came to Dr. Schott’s work through the back door, so to speak. A Goodreads friend recommended a mystery he wrote, Fifty-Four Pigs. While I was requesting the galley for that one, I saw that this was also available, so I put in for it as well. I am glad I did, because while the mystery is pretty good, this little gem is even better.
I have never said this before without intending it as an insult, but I do so now: this book is great for insomnia. Here’s what I mean. I’m tossing and turning and after half an hour of that, studies suggest that one must give the battle up and go do something for a bit in order to reboot the brain. When we cannot sleep, it eventually upsets us, and when we are upset, it’s even harder to get to sleep.
When I am sleepless, I am too groggy to do much. I’ve had a sleeping pill, and my motor skills make me unfit to clean house or do anything else that is useful. Once my eyes are able to focus on text, reading is the obvious activity to breach the difficult night hours, but I cannot be certain I’ll remember what I’ve read the next day, and I’m not with it enough to take in complex literature or nonfiction. Thrillers are completely out; they’ll wake me up further, once I’m coherent enough to understand what I am reading.
When all is said and done, short stories or collections of essays, are the best, and Dr. Schott’s are particularly congenial. Each is engaging; a few are tear-jerkers, and while some are persuasive or informational, most are humorous. Although Dr. Schott’s practice is almost entirely there for house pets that are mammals—so, cats and dogs—he has a handful of essays describing cases where he has gone far afield. The zoo wants an ultrasound of that pregnant snow leopard? He’s on it! Beluga whales? YES!
There’s one in which he waxes eloquent about the healing bond that occurs between the very elderly, particularly those in assisted living facilities, and elderly cats and dogs, and he decries the way most such facilities exclude pets; he advocates for a large scale effort to remedy this, including volunteer corps to assist with the extra labor that including these beloved beasties creates. He makes a strong case.
Funniest of all, however, is the title piece, in which he and his wife attempt to take their own cat to the office for shots and whatnot:
"I don’t think we veterinarians appreciate how difficult it is to bring some cats to the clinic. Dogs are more easily fooled, only catching on once they get to the clinic door, but it is the rare cat who cheerfully saunters into their carrier, purring in euphoric anticipation of the double joy of a car ride AND a veterinary visit…
“Lucy, look! Extra treats today! And that special catnip mouse! Don’t you want to go in? Her facial expression was clear: ‘How dumb do you think I am?’… "Play our cards wrong, and she could bolt for the cat sanctuary above the basement ceiling tiles. The cats think of it as their secret rebel base; we know where it is, but we still can’t get them out of there."
The pandemic has inspired countless previously petless households to seek out four-pawed companionship, and so, during the period when many businesses have suffered from a lack of customers, Dr. Schott has been even busier than usual. It’s lucky for us that he’s found the time to sit down and write these agreeable essays. In addition to aiding the sleepless, it’s a fine addition to a guest room or yes, the bathroom, because each entry is fairly brief, and the reader can be assured that they’ll have time to finish what they’ve started. Regarding the book, I mean.
Highly recommended.
August 28, 2023
This is a collection of 60 short essays by Dr. Philipp Schott, a veterinarian living in Winnipeg. He has a great sense of humour, which is necessary if you live in Winnipeg. These essays are fun to read, even the few sad ones where a beloved pet dies in the end.
Given its title, I had hoped that Schott would write more about cats, but there are relatively few stories about cats in this book. However, I did learn how to calculate the age of cats in human terms. My Siamese is approximately 50 years old in human terms—still much younger than me. I got him as a six-week old kitten for my 75th birthday.
While reading this book I was reminded of the old Reader’s Digest stories—short descriptions of events designed to both entertain and enlighten the reader. It would probably make a great audiobook to listen to while doing housework because one could forget about the drudgery while enjoying Schott’s short vignettes about his animal patients, their human owners, and his own shortcomings.
This is not an impressive novel, or even a collection of outstanding short stories, which is why I have given it only a three-star rating. But it is an enjoyable collection of short sketches. I recommend it when you want to spend a few hours living in a veterinarian’s shoes.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing an ebook copy of THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN.
Given its title, I had hoped that Schott would write more about cats, but there are relatively few stories about cats in this book. However, I did learn how to calculate the age of cats in human terms. My Siamese is approximately 50 years old in human terms—still much younger than me. I got him as a six-week old kitten for my 75th birthday.
While reading this book I was reminded of the old Reader’s Digest stories—short descriptions of events designed to both entertain and enlighten the reader. It would probably make a great audiobook to listen to while doing housework because one could forget about the drudgery while enjoying Schott’s short vignettes about his animal patients, their human owners, and his own shortcomings.
This is not an impressive novel, or even a collection of outstanding short stories, which is why I have given it only a three-star rating. But it is an enjoyable collection of short sketches. I recommend it when you want to spend a few hours living in a veterinarian’s shoes.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing an ebook copy of THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN.
October 4, 2022
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is the third non-fiction book by Canadian veterinarian and author, Philipp Schott. Another catchy title and cover picture make it clear that this is a book by a vet about animals and, of course, their owners. It consists of sixty essays in roughly alphabetical order with intriguing titles like: Does Your Cat Smoke, Parratosaurus, Pelican Surprise, Screaming Beagles and The Song of the Guinea Pig.
The topics are quite varied. Schott covers many aspects of veterinary practice including what running a clinic during the COVID pandemic entails (like parking lot medicine in -20C). He tells the reader what an odd child he was and describes how the first dog that was his actually lived on another continent. He pays homage to a late colleague who didn’t hesitate to muck in for the dirty jobs: there’s lots of gore and gross stuff in vet practice.
The text is enhanced with amusing illustrations by Brian Gable and Schott manages to include a great deal of information in easily-assimilated form, as well as lots of good advice. There’s plenty of humour, but also a good helping of interesting trivia.
His anecdotes, most (but not all) of which have happy endings, demonstrate: the importance of checking the client’s understanding of what will be done; that not all kittens are nervous at the vet’s (some, like the eponymous Siamese kitten, are ANGRY); how challenging it can be to bring the cat to the clinic; and that clients’ care for their pets can’t always be judged by attitude or appearance, admitting “I had been taught this lesson several times before, but apparently I’m not done learning it yet.”
He puzzles over the steep rise in puppy ownership with the pandemic and theorises that “it’s also because it is therapeutic to engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle and the traumas our species inflicts on itself.”
He compares the role of veterinarians and car mechanics: regular checks and maintenance benefit both pets and cars; he notes the rise in popularity of pet rabbit ownership, as gauged by pet-cams; he notes the increasingly complex nature of veterinary medicine requiring the proliferation of “ologists” with an associated rise in costs; he compares country vs city practice; and acknowledges the potential to slide into quackery.
Schott talks about: Eccentric Cat Ladies (not all are crazy and some perform a valuable service); territory, cats fighting and injuries sustained; cats who dream excessively; the reasons pets lick wounds; why some rats love cats; how often to bathe your dog (hardly ever); and he gives a formula for dog (and cat) years.
He describes: how he overcame a childhood dread of dead things; how young Philipp Schott learned to be a vet in practice with real people; how gratifying it is to give a client good news; how a day at the clinic can be like an emotional slot machine; and how thrilling it is to ultrasound a snow leopard cub.
Schott freely admits to errors: after all, no one is infallible. He describes how he mistook a hairball cough for asthma and “For those of you keeping count of how many medical errors I have confessed to in my stories over the years, I’m going to ask you to please not be alarmed. I’m a dab hand at self-criticism and even then, I don’t think my number of mistakes is above average. It’s just that stories of mishaps are much more entertaining than stories of successes.”
His imagined conversation with a dog is very amusing. He answers the question “Can you perform an ultrasound on a fish?” Ditto, a pelican. He admits to zero expertise with amphibians, and lacking both the knowledge and the courage to treat parrots (and why). Many veterinary mysteries require thinking laterally, especially when eg dealing with a drunken dog.
Even when he mounts his soapbox on something about which he feels strongly, such as vaccine skeptics, mismatched dogs and owners, dog training, or the importance for pets in the elderly, he’s never preachy; rather his explanations are redolent with expertise and common sense. The tone is conversational and this makes the book very readable. You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this informative, entertaining, often moving and frequently hilarious book.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press.
The topics are quite varied. Schott covers many aspects of veterinary practice including what running a clinic during the COVID pandemic entails (like parking lot medicine in -20C). He tells the reader what an odd child he was and describes how the first dog that was his actually lived on another continent. He pays homage to a late colleague who didn’t hesitate to muck in for the dirty jobs: there’s lots of gore and gross stuff in vet practice.
The text is enhanced with amusing illustrations by Brian Gable and Schott manages to include a great deal of information in easily-assimilated form, as well as lots of good advice. There’s plenty of humour, but also a good helping of interesting trivia.
His anecdotes, most (but not all) of which have happy endings, demonstrate: the importance of checking the client’s understanding of what will be done; that not all kittens are nervous at the vet’s (some, like the eponymous Siamese kitten, are ANGRY); how challenging it can be to bring the cat to the clinic; and that clients’ care for their pets can’t always be judged by attitude or appearance, admitting “I had been taught this lesson several times before, but apparently I’m not done learning it yet.”
He puzzles over the steep rise in puppy ownership with the pandemic and theorises that “it’s also because it is therapeutic to engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle and the traumas our species inflicts on itself.”
He compares the role of veterinarians and car mechanics: regular checks and maintenance benefit both pets and cars; he notes the rise in popularity of pet rabbit ownership, as gauged by pet-cams; he notes the increasingly complex nature of veterinary medicine requiring the proliferation of “ologists” with an associated rise in costs; he compares country vs city practice; and acknowledges the potential to slide into quackery.
Schott talks about: Eccentric Cat Ladies (not all are crazy and some perform a valuable service); territory, cats fighting and injuries sustained; cats who dream excessively; the reasons pets lick wounds; why some rats love cats; how often to bathe your dog (hardly ever); and he gives a formula for dog (and cat) years.
He describes: how he overcame a childhood dread of dead things; how young Philipp Schott learned to be a vet in practice with real people; how gratifying it is to give a client good news; how a day at the clinic can be like an emotional slot machine; and how thrilling it is to ultrasound a snow leopard cub.
Schott freely admits to errors: after all, no one is infallible. He describes how he mistook a hairball cough for asthma and “For those of you keeping count of how many medical errors I have confessed to in my stories over the years, I’m going to ask you to please not be alarmed. I’m a dab hand at self-criticism and even then, I don’t think my number of mistakes is above average. It’s just that stories of mishaps are much more entertaining than stories of successes.”
His imagined conversation with a dog is very amusing. He answers the question “Can you perform an ultrasound on a fish?” Ditto, a pelican. He admits to zero expertise with amphibians, and lacking both the knowledge and the courage to treat parrots (and why). Many veterinary mysteries require thinking laterally, especially when eg dealing with a drunken dog.
Even when he mounts his soapbox on something about which he feels strongly, such as vaccine skeptics, mismatched dogs and owners, dog training, or the importance for pets in the elderly, he’s never preachy; rather his explanations are redolent with expertise and common sense. The tone is conversational and this makes the book very readable. You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this informative, entertaining, often moving and frequently hilarious book.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press.
July 1, 2022
Phillip Schott is a veterinarian in western Canada, and has treated a variety of different animals. Apparently he has already written two books about his 30 years of experience as a vet. These anecdotes are short, similar to blog posts, and are recommended for those who enjoy short writings about animals, as long as they don't expect James Herriot. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 6, 2022
Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is a memoir of Philip Schott’s 30+ years as a small animal veterinarian in Winnipeg, Canada, told in short 3-to-5-page essays. In the author’s own words, it is “a series of snapshots or vignettes…, mixed up with respect to the timeline, and varying in style and content, veering erratically from advice to trivia to stabs at humor to shameless tear-jerking.” It is certainly all of that, colored by the author’s warm personality and sense of humor.
Naturally there are chapters on the life of a vet, like Smelly Pants, about which I need not elaborate, or the funny and informative chapter about doing an ultrasound on a pelican. It is not all fun, though, and The Last Pet gives a very moving picture of the effect of euthanizing a pet on the vet as well as the grieving owners.
There are bits of philosophy involving man and beast, such as the essay Pets Don’t Care, where he reflects on how nice it is to “engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle and the traumas our species inflicts on itself.”
There were fun factoids, e.g., approximately 15% of the population is prone genetically to faint at the sight of blood. He even added to my vocabulary with words like “borborygmus”, which are the rumbly and squirty sounds your stomach and intestines make while they are in action.
This book is the third in Schott’s serial memoir, but given the structure there is no reason you cannot begin with this volume. You WILL want to go back and read the earlier books, which I have read and enjoyed as much as I enjoyed this one, and there are no spoilers.
Just as you can read the books out of order, you can also read the chapters out of order or read them a few at a time as an enjoyable diversion.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and ECW Press. My review reflects my honest opinion.
A book to make you laugh and cry!
Naturally there are chapters on the life of a vet, like Smelly Pants, about which I need not elaborate, or the funny and informative chapter about doing an ultrasound on a pelican. It is not all fun, though, and The Last Pet gives a very moving picture of the effect of euthanizing a pet on the vet as well as the grieving owners.
There are bits of philosophy involving man and beast, such as the essay Pets Don’t Care, where he reflects on how nice it is to “engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle and the traumas our species inflicts on itself.”
There were fun factoids, e.g., approximately 15% of the population is prone genetically to faint at the sight of blood. He even added to my vocabulary with words like “borborygmus”, which are the rumbly and squirty sounds your stomach and intestines make while they are in action.
This book is the third in Schott’s serial memoir, but given the structure there is no reason you cannot begin with this volume. You WILL want to go back and read the earlier books, which I have read and enjoyed as much as I enjoyed this one, and there are no spoilers.
Just as you can read the books out of order, you can also read the chapters out of order or read them a few at a time as an enjoyable diversion.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and ECW Press. My review reflects my honest opinion.
A book to make you laugh and cry!
June 19, 2022
Another good collection of stories from Philipp Schott based around his veterinary practice. Some are funny, some touching and I even learned a few things too.
The story about the lion cut was hilarious. I can't believe the owner didn't ask questions. I definitely share his opinion of off-leash dog parks. In theory, they sound great, but too many dogs aren't well socialized and there are too many dangers with unknown dogs running loose and clueless owners not understanding their own dog's limitations.
I appreciated the author's honesty and frankness about his job. This truly is a challenging profession with so much to keep up with. I know I appreciate when my own vet was honest this week on not knowing much about a rare condition one of my cats is currently dealing with. I'd much rather have her research current treatment options rather than guess based on something she vaguely recalls from school. I think too many clients assume their vet should be an expert in all things but no one has the time for that. Books like this are great for reminding clients that their vet is human and has a life outside the clinic. Emotions can be high when handling tough situations with the animals we love.
Thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story about the lion cut was hilarious. I can't believe the owner didn't ask questions. I definitely share his opinion of off-leash dog parks. In theory, they sound great, but too many dogs aren't well socialized and there are too many dangers with unknown dogs running loose and clueless owners not understanding their own dog's limitations.
I appreciated the author's honesty and frankness about his job. This truly is a challenging profession with so much to keep up with. I know I appreciate when my own vet was honest this week on not knowing much about a rare condition one of my cats is currently dealing with. I'd much rather have her research current treatment options rather than guess based on something she vaguely recalls from school. I think too many clients assume their vet should be an expert in all things but no one has the time for that. Books like this are great for reminding clients that their vet is human and has a life outside the clinic. Emotions can be high when handling tough situations with the animals we love.
Thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2022
Philipp Schott is not James Herriot. This book isn't about creatures great and small in pre-war Yorkshire - but the pets that come in to this Winnipeg clinic are just as entertaining. The kitten of the title didn't want to leave his travelling kennel when he came to be vaccinated - “he opened his mouth so wide when he screamed that his whole face seemed to consist only of mouth, his eyes squeezed shut to little slits.” Plan B, after he had drawn blood, was to upend the pet carrier, but the kitten “starfished” itself across the opening. Plan C called for heavy duty leather gloves to detach the tiny kitten, one paw at a time, from the carrier. “He even fought us going back into the kennel. It was clear he was after a decisive victory, not just an unseemly draw.”
Chico, a little dog, aged 11, about the size of a large cat, nearly toothless, was the victim of a savaging from a big dog. Chico's elderly owners faced the choice of skin grafts (expensive and not locally available), euthanasia (unthinkable), or trusting to makeshift surgery and the healing of time. Five months of daily home care and weekly visits to the vet later, Chico survived. “All his scars were on the outside. On the inside there was only joy.”
Then, there's Rufus. “He was a gorgeous middle-aged longhair cat, and he was a deep orange.” His owner “was an elderly pink-haired woman in a green pantsuit, so she, with carroty Rufus, made a striking pair.” Rufus, however, had a hopelessly matted coat, and grooming was essential. The “Lion cut” proposed by the vet was a mistake – Rufus felt cold and looked ridiculous, but “he looked quite fetching in his midnight black cable-knit sweater, purchased for him from the local pet shop by his remorseful doctor.”
Humour keeps cropping up – the mysterious illness of the dog who kept having seizures and running round in circles was solved when the vet spotted that a claw from the dog's right forepaw was locked in matted fur by the right ear – but in between the tales of pets and their people, Schott flags up some effective campaigns. He's scathing about people who don't believe in vaccination and he's on the side of the animals when it comes to politics - “It is therapeutic to engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle.”
He argues for the value of pets to elderly owners – the last years of life are often the loneliest, so “access to ownership of an animal should be made easier then, not more difficult”. A pet can be essential to the well-being of a lonely senior, and he pleads for pet-friendly accommodation for pensioners, a neighbourhood rota of pet-watchers and a register of people prepared to take on a dying owner's pet to ensure that it will go to a welcoming home when the owner passes on. A thoughtful vet indeed. (This review originally appeared in the Chesil magazine, Dorset.)
Chico, a little dog, aged 11, about the size of a large cat, nearly toothless, was the victim of a savaging from a big dog. Chico's elderly owners faced the choice of skin grafts (expensive and not locally available), euthanasia (unthinkable), or trusting to makeshift surgery and the healing of time. Five months of daily home care and weekly visits to the vet later, Chico survived. “All his scars were on the outside. On the inside there was only joy.”
Then, there's Rufus. “He was a gorgeous middle-aged longhair cat, and he was a deep orange.” His owner “was an elderly pink-haired woman in a green pantsuit, so she, with carroty Rufus, made a striking pair.” Rufus, however, had a hopelessly matted coat, and grooming was essential. The “Lion cut” proposed by the vet was a mistake – Rufus felt cold and looked ridiculous, but “he looked quite fetching in his midnight black cable-knit sweater, purchased for him from the local pet shop by his remorseful doctor.”
Humour keeps cropping up – the mysterious illness of the dog who kept having seizures and running round in circles was solved when the vet spotted that a claw from the dog's right forepaw was locked in matted fur by the right ear – but in between the tales of pets and their people, Schott flags up some effective campaigns. He's scathing about people who don't believe in vaccination and he's on the side of the animals when it comes to politics - “It is therapeutic to engage with a living being that is so blithely oblivious to the human news cycle.”
He argues for the value of pets to elderly owners – the last years of life are often the loneliest, so “access to ownership of an animal should be made easier then, not more difficult”. A pet can be essential to the well-being of a lonely senior, and he pleads for pet-friendly accommodation for pensioners, a neighbourhood rota of pet-watchers and a register of people prepared to take on a dying owner's pet to ensure that it will go to a welcoming home when the owner passes on. A thoughtful vet indeed. (This review originally appeared in the Chesil magazine, Dorset.)
November 5, 2022
Oh my... Of course I had to read Supercat's story right away, before delving into any of the other anecdotes. Because I, too, once owned a Siamese (or, to be specific, a Siamese mix) who used to sass the vet on the regular. Although Luna was more inclined to glare, complain, and occasionally growl. But physical aggression? Never! My girl was far too dignified to lower herself to any of Supercat's primal antics.
Rather, the story more reminded me of my current cat, Lilo, whose stripey appearance is about as un-Siamese as they come. Whose full name, by the way, is Bruce Lilo. And trust me when I say this spicy little bad-ass totally lives up to her moniker and takes no crap from anyone. Not me. Not her brother, Gizmo. Not even my husband, who she adores above and beyond everyone and everything else (except for maybe treats). And most of all not the vet. And due of a slue of health issues when she was a (very feral) kitten, she's seen several, both regular docs and specialists. And she's infamous among ALL of them. In fact, Dr. Silver, our main vet, once confessed that Leester has a chili pepper sticker on her record due to her sassy-spicy nature. You know, to warn the unsuspecting individual not to underestimate her or to believe she's as sweet as she looks (Because Lee's secret weapon is a near angelic adorableness that belies her true nature). Picture the irresistible cuteness of Nermal from Garfield crossed with the zestiness of a Komodo Dragon and you'll have Lilo.
Anyway... I did enjoy the rest of the stories, but none more than Supercat's visit to the vet. That one tickled me in a way no others did because it was so REAL.
p.s. Please note that Lilo was never abused or treated in any way other than to be loved on and doted on. She just never fully lost her feral nature. Please ALSO note, that this girl can be very sweet as well. And she can be quite the flirt and quite the cuddle bug, when the mood strikes. But Sshhhh...don't tell her I told you, because such knowledge becoming public could ruin the reputation she's worked so hard to cultivate.
p.p.s. Lilo's brother Gizmo (who you see pictured in my profile) is the polar opposite of his sibling: As sweet and non-aggressive and tolerant as they come. A squishy soft marshmallow of a cat.
Rather, the story more reminded me of my current cat, Lilo, whose stripey appearance is about as un-Siamese as they come. Whose full name, by the way, is Bruce Lilo. And trust me when I say this spicy little bad-ass totally lives up to her moniker and takes no crap from anyone. Not me. Not her brother, Gizmo. Not even my husband, who she adores above and beyond everyone and everything else (except for maybe treats). And most of all not the vet. And due of a slue of health issues when she was a (very feral) kitten, she's seen several, both regular docs and specialists. And she's infamous among ALL of them. In fact, Dr. Silver, our main vet, once confessed that Leester has a chili pepper sticker on her record due to her sassy-spicy nature. You know, to warn the unsuspecting individual not to underestimate her or to believe she's as sweet as she looks (Because Lee's secret weapon is a near angelic adorableness that belies her true nature). Picture the irresistible cuteness of Nermal from Garfield crossed with the zestiness of a Komodo Dragon and you'll have Lilo.
Anyway... I did enjoy the rest of the stories, but none more than Supercat's visit to the vet. That one tickled me in a way no others did because it was so REAL.
p.s. Please note that Lilo was never abused or treated in any way other than to be loved on and doted on. She just never fully lost her feral nature. Please ALSO note, that this girl can be very sweet as well. And she can be quite the flirt and quite the cuddle bug, when the mood strikes. But Sshhhh...don't tell her I told you, because such knowledge becoming public could ruin the reputation she's worked so hard to cultivate.
p.p.s. Lilo's brother Gizmo (who you see pictured in my profile) is the polar opposite of his sibling: As sweet and non-aggressive and tolerant as they come. A squishy soft marshmallow of a cat.
Read
October 24, 2022Most of us have owned a pet during our lifetime. The majority of us pretty well considered it a member of our family. It was always there for us, and when the pet was happy and healthy we were happy too. But there were times when medical attention was required. This was why caring veterinarians like Dr. Philipp Schott entered the picture.
This is the third book that Dr. Schott was written about experiences with the animal world. He has been a practicing vet for three decades, seeing all sorts of things during that time. In this most recent book THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN, he again offers another vast array of animal tales that are sure to make you smile, laugh, and there might even be a tear coming to one’s eye with certain stories.
Vets have feelings as well about the animals they treat, and as Dr. Schott points out in the book, there are even times when they are called upon to provide euthanasia for a pet, they too feel the pain and sadness that owners do. It is not easy being part of this end of life process, but Schott lets us know that he cares about what has happened, and the people affected by this procedure.
There are so many interesting stories here about animals one might not necessarily attribute to vets. Dr. Schott talks about having to give an ultrasound to a goldfish, something definitely not likely covered in the vet medical books. It was a tricky procedure, but one Dr. Schott was able to do through a bit of ingenuity. He also gave an ultrasound to a snow leopard at a zoo, which was also a rather interesting procedure. He mentions his admiration and awe for this magnificent creature. The stories in the book are quite short, and the approximately sixty of them are filled with lots of facts and information as well as anecdotes, that readers can identify with and appreciate. There are also stories of dealing with pelicans, guinea pigs, rats, horses and much more. But of course it the more traditional stories of cat and dog stories that we can associate with, and the stories about these animals that have left an indelible imprint on his psyche and heart.
Animal lovers will more than appreciate THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN, a short book that is big on heart and sentiment.
This is the third book that Dr. Schott was written about experiences with the animal world. He has been a practicing vet for three decades, seeing all sorts of things during that time. In this most recent book THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN, he again offers another vast array of animal tales that are sure to make you smile, laugh, and there might even be a tear coming to one’s eye with certain stories.
Vets have feelings as well about the animals they treat, and as Dr. Schott points out in the book, there are even times when they are called upon to provide euthanasia for a pet, they too feel the pain and sadness that owners do. It is not easy being part of this end of life process, but Schott lets us know that he cares about what has happened, and the people affected by this procedure.
There are so many interesting stories here about animals one might not necessarily attribute to vets. Dr. Schott talks about having to give an ultrasound to a goldfish, something definitely not likely covered in the vet medical books. It was a tricky procedure, but one Dr. Schott was able to do through a bit of ingenuity. He also gave an ultrasound to a snow leopard at a zoo, which was also a rather interesting procedure. He mentions his admiration and awe for this magnificent creature. The stories in the book are quite short, and the approximately sixty of them are filled with lots of facts and information as well as anecdotes, that readers can identify with and appreciate. There are also stories of dealing with pelicans, guinea pigs, rats, horses and much more. But of course it the more traditional stories of cat and dog stories that we can associate with, and the stories about these animals that have left an indelible imprint on his psyche and heart.
Animal lovers will more than appreciate THE BATTLE CRY OF THE SIAMESE KITTEN, a short book that is big on heart and sentiment.
November 27, 2022
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is the third collection of stories by Dr. Philipp Schott from his 30 years in practice as a small animal practice veterinarian. Released 11th Oct 2022 by ECW Press, it's 282 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a warm and entertainingly written collection of stories gathered over a long and full career of service to his patients and their humans. He's a gifted writer and the stories are told with wit and compassion (and occasionally a little eye-rolling exasperation). The stories are arranged alphabetically by the author's admittedly eccentric chapter names (Thud, Scrumpy, and Emotional Slot Machine to give a few examples).
My family had a tradition of reading short, well-loved, stories to one another after traditional "family" meals such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. This book, and its predecessors, would be ideal candidates for those situations. Inevitable comparisons will be made with Herriot's classics. They're not at all derivative, obviously, but fans of the latter will find much to love here.
Classic and humorous, this would be a good choice for holiday gift giving, public library acquisition, and home use. For reading out loud, readers should be aware the book contains some mild cursing (sh*t and d*mn a couple times, nothing worse).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is the third collection of stories by Dr. Philipp Schott from his 30 years in practice as a small animal practice veterinarian. Released 11th Oct 2022 by ECW Press, it's 282 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a warm and entertainingly written collection of stories gathered over a long and full career of service to his patients and their humans. He's a gifted writer and the stories are told with wit and compassion (and occasionally a little eye-rolling exasperation). The stories are arranged alphabetically by the author's admittedly eccentric chapter names (Thud, Scrumpy, and Emotional Slot Machine to give a few examples).
My family had a tradition of reading short, well-loved, stories to one another after traditional "family" meals such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. This book, and its predecessors, would be ideal candidates for those situations. Inevitable comparisons will be made with Herriot's classics. They're not at all derivative, obviously, but fans of the latter will find much to love here.
Classic and humorous, this would be a good choice for holiday gift giving, public library acquisition, and home use. For reading out loud, readers should be aware the book contains some mild cursing (sh*t and d*mn a couple times, nothing worse).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 26, 2022
The cutest cheeky kitten on the cover made me request this book on NetGalley, was very pleased my request for a ARC was accepted, Thank you here is my fair and honest review.
I really liked the tone the author set in this book, he used funny stories from his many years experience as working as a vet to educate and give factual, helpful information. The writing was conversational in tone, parts were funny, parts were sad, parts were lovely and parts were gross.
I will be honest and say I skipped some parts, there was a icon at the start of each chapter giving you a hint about what animal was going to feature ,I found my skipping to the cat stories, I didn’t skip the other parts because of the writing it was cause am to use the authors term a eccentric cat lady and who really wanted to read the cat parts, of which there is loads all which are purrfect.
Each chapter was a short story, and they could be read as stand alones.
The story featuring the Siamese cat had me crying with laughter…so funny .I liked the touching story of the last pet “rosebud”, I cringed for my own wee cat with the lion cut story, and like the author I have always loved snow leopards so I loved that story but would have loved it even more if there had been pictures.
This book is one that animal lovers will love, it features great cartoon sketches which were a nice touch although would have liked some real pictures in among it.
It’s a good insightful, informative book but first it off it will make you laugh.
This was the first book I have read from the author and I will now look out for his previous work as I really enjoyed this as did my own little “super cat” Alfie
I really liked the tone the author set in this book, he used funny stories from his many years experience as working as a vet to educate and give factual, helpful information. The writing was conversational in tone, parts were funny, parts were sad, parts were lovely and parts were gross.
I will be honest and say I skipped some parts, there was a icon at the start of each chapter giving you a hint about what animal was going to feature ,I found my skipping to the cat stories, I didn’t skip the other parts because of the writing it was cause am to use the authors term a eccentric cat lady and who really wanted to read the cat parts, of which there is loads all which are purrfect.
Each chapter was a short story, and they could be read as stand alones.
The story featuring the Siamese cat had me crying with laughter…so funny .I liked the touching story of the last pet “rosebud”, I cringed for my own wee cat with the lion cut story, and like the author I have always loved snow leopards so I loved that story but would have loved it even more if there had been pictures.
This book is one that animal lovers will love, it features great cartoon sketches which were a nice touch although would have liked some real pictures in among it.
It’s a good insightful, informative book but first it off it will make you laugh.
This was the first book I have read from the author and I will now look out for his previous work as I really enjoyed this as did my own little “super cat” Alfie
November 23, 2022
I had a delightful journey through a series of tales, compared by the author to snacks, in Philipp Schott’s latest book Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten. It is his third book of this type. It includes animal stories, vet stories, and client stories along with memories dredged up from his unusual childhood as a German immigrant. We gain insight into how he thinks and how he relates to others. There is a lot of humor in the book, and Schott doesn’t shy away from laughing at himself. He has a great way with words that lets the reader experience the animal encounters whether they be disgusting and smelly, bloodletting, or laugh out loud funny. The second tale about a two pound “gorgeous fluffy kitten who channels Satan” will ensure that you are fully engaged as this tiny, very loud, little guy “starfished himself across the entrance” to the kennel looking for a “decisive victory.”
Philipp Schott draws on over 30 years of experience with animals. He is the kind of vet you would want for your own pets—caring, hardworking, kind, intelligent, and honest. Unless you live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, you are unlikely to meet him. He lives there with his family and four animals who admittedly receive people food from time to time as treats. Although she did not contribute to this book, his wife is also a veterinarian and probably a very patient person.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Philipp Schott draws on over 30 years of experience with animals. He is the kind of vet you would want for your own pets—caring, hardworking, kind, intelligent, and honest. Unless you live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, you are unlikely to meet him. He lives there with his family and four animals who admittedly receive people food from time to time as treats. Although she did not contribute to this book, his wife is also a veterinarian and probably a very patient person.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 15, 2022
I like reading books about animals and that's why this one caught my eye. This is the third book I've read by this author.
Dr. Schott is a veterinarian in Winnipeg, MB. He has advanced training in diagnostic ultrasound and for the last fifteen years has had the largest ultrasound referral practice in Manitoba. His other special interests in practice are cardiology, oncology and internal medicine. He has also been the chair of the provincial Peer Review Committee (professional discipline) for a number of years.
After reading all his qualifications, you would think that the writing in this book would be stilted and super professional. It was quite the opposite ... I like his writing style as it was mostly amusing and casual. When he did get technical or not for the faint of heart, he gave a head's up and tried to make it as interesting and fun as possible.
The book is full of stories of his experiences, some sad, some strange, most funny, of being a vet and treating various animals, including his experience with a couple farm animals, which is not his forte. He also describes the serious side of being a vet like euthanasia of pets, how COVID affected the vet industry, and more. It was interesting to read the stories about the animals he's helped and get the scoop on what it's like to be a vet.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2022/05...
Dr. Schott is a veterinarian in Winnipeg, MB. He has advanced training in diagnostic ultrasound and for the last fifteen years has had the largest ultrasound referral practice in Manitoba. His other special interests in practice are cardiology, oncology and internal medicine. He has also been the chair of the provincial Peer Review Committee (professional discipline) for a number of years.
After reading all his qualifications, you would think that the writing in this book would be stilted and super professional. It was quite the opposite ... I like his writing style as it was mostly amusing and casual. When he did get technical or not for the faint of heart, he gave a head's up and tried to make it as interesting and fun as possible.
The book is full of stories of his experiences, some sad, some strange, most funny, of being a vet and treating various animals, including his experience with a couple farm animals, which is not his forte. He also describes the serious side of being a vet like euthanasia of pets, how COVID affected the vet industry, and more. It was interesting to read the stories about the animals he's helped and get the scoop on what it's like to be a vet.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2022/05...
August 2, 2023
Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is the third book in this bestselling series by veterinarian Philipp Schott, where we meet the oddest creatures, from an escaped newt to a baby snow leopard, but the focus is on the dogs and cats that make up most of a pet vet's day as well as the wacky and wonderful people who bring them in. I enjoyed this series of anecdotes from the author who has worked as a vet for over 30 years. Many are humorous, some are sad, some gross and some informative but they are all interesting and it made me look at vets in a different way, seeing what these wonderful people do on behalf of our beloved pets. The book also highlights the difficulties the vet practice faced during the various COVID restrictions. Everyone was quick to complain about sitting in the parking lot while someone came out to collect their pet for treatment and sometimes even euthanasia, but reading this I was able to see how it affected the vets as well. Philipp Scott has an engaging and entertaining manner and I enjoyed his writing. I laughed, I cried, I was grossed out at times, but I enjoyed this book. It is reminiscent of James Herriot, in a modern, citified way. If you are an animal lover, a pet owner or just someone who wants to learn more about what it's really like to be a veterinarian, then I recommend you pick up Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten. I will be looking for the other two books in this series.
October 16, 2022
This is the third book to follow the author who is a practicing veterinarian in Winnipeg Canada. He has been in practice for over thirty years. Who happens to also be an expert in administering ultrasounds and he has performed them on a wide array of animals. If you have not read the previous two books it is alright as each story is an individual story about a case or a moment in Vet school. Some of these stories may make you smile and laugh with an occasional that will pull on your heartstrings. Don't worry there not too many disgusting or gross stories. I did find it funny that someone so adverse to dissections in high school and college would become a successful Vet. You will learn that the Doctor who has treated many different types of creatures he is not a fan of one and this one he will not treat. There are even a few lessons to learn along the way the importance of getting your pets examined, that you cannot always judge a person by looks on how caring they will be for their pets, and the real reason that pregnant women should stay away from cat boxes. There is a great chapter where he described how a visit would go with one of his clients if he had the ability to be like Dr. Doolittle. Last but not least can you imagine having to force feed a rabbit? Read this book and you will see what i mean. Like i said previously you do not have to read the other two books first to read this one, but I would definitely recommend that you read them all at some point as they are all three a good read.
October 16, 2022
Just finished The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten, my 2nd book by this author. First off thank you to @netgalley the author and @ecwpress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really love Dr. Schott’s short stories. They always cover a range of things experiences, some are sad (who ever wants to hear about an animal that has to be put down) to happy endings and some funny stories too.
I love he passes on bits of knowledge to the reads too like xylitol is deadly to dogs (which I recently learned while researching some formulas for my work).
One of my favourite stories from this one was about his disappearing Mr. Newt. Although his story didn’t have a happy ending, it reminded me of my last year in high school which is when I first got my Mr. Nigel E. Newt (who is still alive btw). I went to clean his tank after school and left my brother Matt to watch him while he was in a small open container on the coffee table. Matt fell asleep on the couch and Nigel took full advantage. He was missing when I came back and my dad heard me scream and came running. We slowly moved the pillows and cushions and found him under the couch trying to make a break for the vent. Luckily he was unharmed and just wearing a bit of a cat hair sweater. Nigel is now getting close to 20 years old and has never been given the opportunity to make another break for it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really love Dr. Schott’s short stories. They always cover a range of things experiences, some are sad (who ever wants to hear about an animal that has to be put down) to happy endings and some funny stories too.
I love he passes on bits of knowledge to the reads too like xylitol is deadly to dogs (which I recently learned while researching some formulas for my work).
One of my favourite stories from this one was about his disappearing Mr. Newt. Although his story didn’t have a happy ending, it reminded me of my last year in high school which is when I first got my Mr. Nigel E. Newt (who is still alive btw). I went to clean his tank after school and left my brother Matt to watch him while he was in a small open container on the coffee table. Matt fell asleep on the couch and Nigel took full advantage. He was missing when I came back and my dad heard me scream and came running. We slowly moved the pillows and cushions and found him under the couch trying to make a break for the vent. Luckily he was unharmed and just wearing a bit of a cat hair sweater. Nigel is now getting close to 20 years old and has never been given the opportunity to make another break for it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 17, 2022
This was a brilliant book packed full of very interesting tales from the authors veterinary practice in Canada. I just couldn't put it down and had to read it in one sitting. I was definitely laughing at some of these stories. It is a real roller coaster ride of successes and failures. It does have a couple of sad stories so be prepared. The author wrote this book so well and it flowed perfectly. It was such I joy to read and I was so happy I found this book. I was actually gutted when it ended I could of read this authors stories forever. I am gutted that I missed the other books to read and review especially not having a budget for books. This is the authors 5th and if this one is anything to got by then the rest would have the same rating im sure. I especially loved the story from the authors student days and the story that gave this book its name. I also have to say how much I loved the cover. I can't recommend this book enough. If your loved vet stories or animal stories they you really should read this book.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this fantastic collection of stories that I loved so much.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this fantastic collection of stories that I loved so much.
April 6, 2022
“Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten: Even More Tales from the Accidental Veterinarian,” by Philipp Schott, (ISBN: 9781770416697), publication date: 11 October 2022, earns two stars.
This is an honest telling of the happenings of an experienced and witty veterinarian, taking the reader from his early years in school to a thirty-plus career in veterinarian medicine. It is full of wisdom, humor, self-deprecation, and great pet owner tips. Apparently, it is the third in a series book from Dr. Schott.
The book is comprised of over 60 theme-based short stories about everything from a baby snow leopard to a baby newt, but it focuses on dogs and cats and their often-intriguing owners. It certainly won’t win a Pulitzer Prize, but it will make you laugh, feel empathy, and vicariously experience the joy of having a pet of any type in your life. It’s a fun, fast read.
Thanks to the publisher, ECW Press, for granting this reviewer the opportunity to read this Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
This is an honest telling of the happenings of an experienced and witty veterinarian, taking the reader from his early years in school to a thirty-plus career in veterinarian medicine. It is full of wisdom, humor, self-deprecation, and great pet owner tips. Apparently, it is the third in a series book from Dr. Schott.
The book is comprised of over 60 theme-based short stories about everything from a baby snow leopard to a baby newt, but it focuses on dogs and cats and their often-intriguing owners. It certainly won’t win a Pulitzer Prize, but it will make you laugh, feel empathy, and vicariously experience the joy of having a pet of any type in your life. It’s a fun, fast read.
Thanks to the publisher, ECW Press, for granting this reviewer the opportunity to read this Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
October 19, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Animal lovers and animals will get a kick out of the anecdotes that are shared in this book. From his days in veterinary school to thirty years in practice, the book is filled with heartwarming stories that are often funny. Some are filled with pathos. I guess that is the lot of a vet. It certainly gives us, the ones the vets treat, a new perspective.
Like James Herriot before him, many of the stories are self deprecating. Being a vet can be a very mucky business. Very mucky indeed. It would impossible to be an expert in all animals and all conditions but the family vet is faced with a myriad of situations that they must do their best to diagnose and, if possible, cure. I would think laughter is the only way to ease some of the sadness when their skills cannot turn things around. I liked the humility that is shown because we often think the vet should be all and know all. And the reality is they are only human.
It is a quick and easy read that can be done in small chunks or all at once. Four purrs and two paws up.
Like James Herriot before him, many of the stories are self deprecating. Being a vet can be a very mucky business. Very mucky indeed. It would impossible to be an expert in all animals and all conditions but the family vet is faced with a myriad of situations that they must do their best to diagnose and, if possible, cure. I would think laughter is the only way to ease some of the sadness when their skills cannot turn things around. I liked the humility that is shown because we often think the vet should be all and know all. And the reality is they are only human.
It is a quick and easy read that can be done in small chunks or all at once. Four purrs and two paws up.
September 18, 2022
The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten is another enjoyable book written by Phillip Schott, The Accidental Veterinarian. He writes short tales in easy-to-read plain language that can be read individually or can be read together as a group. He reflects on his over thirty years experience of being a vet and shares the joys and difficulties of being a vet. Speaking to the pet owners is just as important as the pets. He captures his passion for animals and he admits his mistakes revealing his humanity within these short tales. Situated in Manitoba - sometimes he is the last stop as there are not always specialists nearby and he can sometimes have to deal with birds like Buddy, tree frogs or a bush dogs that attack 1 in 4 people - no matter what animal walks through his dog - Doctor Schott will deliver the best treatment he is capable of!
October 11, 2022
This is veterinarian Dr. Philipp Schott’s third collection of short stories, but the first of his books that I have read. The author shares personal stories, anecdotes about his 30 years of veterinary practice, and short essays to help the reader better understand animal care. The stories are organized somewhat randomly in alphabetical order by title, and include stories about cats, dogs, birds, and various other animals.
Many of the stories were humorous, some were sad, and many were informative. Dr. Schott has some strong opinions, but he tries to share his stories with empathy and compassion for both people and pets. Animal lovers and those curious about the veterinary profession will probably appreciate this.
Thanks to ECW Press for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
Many of the stories were humorous, some were sad, and many were informative. Dr. Schott has some strong opinions, but he tries to share his stories with empathy and compassion for both people and pets. Animal lovers and those curious about the veterinary profession will probably appreciate this.
Thanks to ECW Press for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
June 19, 2022
I loved this book as much as I loved the other book by Philipp Schott I read, “How to Examine a Wolverine”. The writing is clever and some of it downright funny. I’ve never had pets, but this book was still relevant to me because it’s about people. Philipp Schott is a great writer and he captivated me the whole way through the book. He’s one of those writers, where, when the book is finished, I feel like I lost a friend. The individual stories are short, so I fell into the trap, as I frequently do, of just one more story. It’s never only one more story. The illustrations in the book were very cute so kudos to Brian Gable. I also loved the front cover, so a shout-out to David A. Gee. This book is well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the advance reader copy.
March 9, 2023
And Doctor Schott has done it again! I always enjoy dipping into his books when I need a lift or am looking for something short and engrossing. A couple of notes:
That kitten! My sister's kitten (then over a year old, and a big guy) also spread out his legs to keep from getting in the carrier--but he was just scared, and has grown into a really sweet cat. I wonder about Supercat's home life--
My car is Bluebelle, too! But she is a Prius, and a girl (all the cars in our family are girls).
Yes, birds are dinosaurs. Absolutely. It's lucky for us they are as small as they are, but I do enjoy watching them.
I could keep commenting all day, but I won't! I always enjoy reading Dr. Schott's memoirs and always learn something from them, too.
That kitten! My sister's kitten (then over a year old, and a big guy) also spread out his legs to keep from getting in the carrier--but he was just scared, and has grown into a really sweet cat. I wonder about Supercat's home life--
My car is Bluebelle, too! But she is a Prius, and a girl (all the cars in our family are girls).
Yes, birds are dinosaurs. Absolutely. It's lucky for us they are as small as they are, but I do enjoy watching them.
I could keep commenting all day, but I won't! I always enjoy reading Dr. Schott's memoirs and always learn something from them, too.
January 14, 2024
Schott is a veterinarian and this book is part of a series of stories about his experiences providing care to animals. This volume is a collection of vignettes (from A to Z) about multiple topics, including stories of his time as a vet student, his experiences with unusual animals and people and his day-to-day practice of primarily cats and dogs. Most of the pieces are funny. Some contain information I had not known like the effects of Toxo on rats or how to calculate the age of a dog or cat. He gives warnings of certain things to pay attention to in the animals you live with. Of course, in his career he does see death and occasionally describes some of those patients but he does so with sensitivity and care. If you love animals, I think you will appreciate his approach.
January 17, 2023
I loved this book. I totally judged this book by its cover when deciding to read it. Between the title and the fierce little kitten, I couldn’t resist, and I wasn’t disappointed. The book is little more than a series of anecdotes from a veterinarian with 30+ years in practice, and his stories range from humorous to heartbreaking. From determining how to ultrasound a fish, to dealing with dogs (and owners) who judge him throughout the examination, to wondering how to euthanize a pet when he knows it is likely the last pet the elderly owners will have, Schott’s anecdotes are real and easy to visualize. Any animal lover will surely enjoy this book.
August 1, 2024
A wonderful book about a veterinarian and what they go through on a day to day basis while helping our furry friends. It had me falling in love with some of the animals listed in the book and wondering where they are today. Some stories made my laugh and some made me wonder what my dogs vet thought of me. I took off one point because it got into politics and honestly, the last thing I want think about while reading a fun book is politics. I also think the author needs to be less judgemental when it comes to the pet parents. I want the best help for these pets and that should mean unbiased medical care.
September 3, 2024
You can just tell Philip Schott's collection of furry or scaly vignettes of small-town veterinary life has been spread thin. No, sir, we do not need new vet jargons. Thank you very much (but I'll remember "jill" for my next Scrabble session). The latest of three in his "accidental pet practice" series, the screaming Siamese cover does the heavy lifting when it comes to kitty anecdotes, of which was the huge reason why I picked up the book. There aren't enough kitty stories for my liking, quite a few aren't exclusive to veterinary even. Doc Phil knows how easy "hardcore" cat people are to lure and Supercat is the perfect draw.
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