Louis J. Camuti

Louis J. Camuti was an Italian-born American veterinarian, author, and pioneer of feline medicine who is widely regarded as the first veterinarian in the United States to devote his entire practice exclusively to cats. Born in Parma, Italy, he immigrated to New York City with his family as a child and earned his veterinary degree from New York University in 1920 after studying at Cornell University. At a time when cats were often overlooked by the veterinary profession, Camuti recognized the growing bond between people and their feline companions and dedicated his career to improving their care.

Beginning in the early 1930s, Camuti built a unique practice centered entirely on cats, making house calls throughout New York City for more than six decades. His compassionate approach and deep understanding of feline behavior earned him the nickname "the Cat Doctor" and helped transform public attitudes toward cats from utilitarian animals into cherished family companions. His pioneering work laid the foundation for feline medicine as a recognized veterinary specialty.

Camuti shared his experiences through the books Park Avenue Vet and All My Patients Are Under the Bed, combining humorous anecdotes with heartfelt stories about the cats and people he encountered throughout his career. His memoir introduced countless readers to the unique challenges and rewards of caring for cats, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of veterinary medicine. He remained devoted to his patients until the end of his life, dying of a heart attack in 1981 while on his way to a house call.