A biography of and interview about Louis J. Camuti
Smith, Donald F.
Louis J. Camuti was the first exclusive feline veterinarian. He was raised in New York City by Italian immigrants and studied at Cornell University before receiving his veterinary degree in 1920 from the now-defunct New York University Veterinary College. He developed a small animal practice in nearby Westchester County, then established a second clinic on Park Avenue in Manhattan. As the feline portion of his practice increased, he developed an ambulatory component and eventually worked exclusively as a house-call feline practitioner throughout the city. Dr. Camuti was an effective spokesperson for the cat, writing articles and making numerous media appearances. He authored two popular books about his life as a feline veterinarian: Park Avenue Vet, and All My Patients Are under the Bed. For many years, he also wrote a monthly column in the veterinary journal, Feline Practice. His legacy is honored at Cornell University’s Feline Health Center where the consultation service is named in his honor.