The Cat Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis, DVM, is a practical resource that helps cat owners recognize urgent medical situations before they become crises. Because cats often hide their discomfort, the book focuses on subtle changes in their behavior, appetite, breathing, or movement that may signal a serious problem. Dr. Chivvis outlines the most common feline emergencies and toxic exposures, giving readers a clear sense of which conditions require immediate veterinary care and which steps can be taken at home before seeking professional help. The guide emphasizes calm observation and structured assessment, helping owners feel less overwhelmed when something seems wrong. In addition to emergency scenarios, the book includes useful tools such as first-aid supply recommendations, medical authorization forms, and quick-reference charts for common situations. The overall message is that preparation and awareness can make a meaningful difference when time matters.

The writing is straightforward, organized, and grounded in real emergency medicine experience. The pacing is efficient, moving through topics in a clear, reference-friendly way that makes it easy to return to during stressful moments. Dr. Gal Chivvis balances her professional expertise with an understanding of how frightening uncertainty can be for pet owners, creating a steady, reassuring tone. Readers will appreciate the step-by-step approach, the helpful charts and images, the emphasis on prevention, and the practical checklists that translate medical knowledge into everyday preparedness. This book will especially appeal to new cat owners and longtime caregivers seeking a dependable home resource. It is well-suited for anyone who wants to feel more equipped to respond thoughtfully and quickly when a beloved cat’s health changes unexpectedly. The Cat Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies should be in every feline's home.

Emergencies involving pet cats require an immediate response. Dr. Gal Chivvis, DVM, describes how to identify what is amiss and recommends appropriate action in The Cat Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies. It all begins with preparation, from keeping a well-equipped first aid kit and having the cat’s medical history available for the veterinarian, to pet insurance, pet travel arrangements, and notes for caregivers while the owner is away. Planning should include having the telephone numbers of the veterinarian and nearby emergency facilities readily available. Owners should have a secure pet carrier at the ready in case transportation is needed. Ten common emergencies are described, with advice on how to handle them. Common symptoms are evaluated, along with the likely diagnosis, treatment, interventions, and prevention. The author advocates regular examinations and vaccination, and avoiding pet obesity, while encouraging activity and movement, backed up with healthy nutrition and hydration. There are guidelines on pet-proofing the home, and notes on medication and care, noting that dog and cat products are not interchangeable.

Dr. Gal Chivvis is an experienced emergency veterinarian and has also authored The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies. She provides an extensive tool kit that includes tips on how to monitor your cat’s health in the home. The types of cats most susceptible to particular ailments provide additional clues. When in doubt, always seek professional advice. Other quick reference lists that stand out include ten common toxicities, which include a few surprises and features common to household substances. The writing style is concise, and the presentation is excellent, with informative tables, flow charts, and appropriate illustrations. A list of references and additional resources rounds off an outstanding publication that will be a useful addition to any cat lover’s shelf. As a cat owner, I am delighted to recommend The Cat Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies to prospective readers.