From Brooklyn to Egypt: How Dr. Christina Kaye Became the Adventurous Feline-Loving Vet We All Need
Meet Dr. Christina Kaye—a veterinarian, baker, adventurer, and advocate who’s redefining what it means to be a modern vet. From her Brooklyn roots to her sunny Florida home, Dr. Kaye’s journey is as colorful and dynamic as her personality. Whether she’s hiking with her cat, baking muffins for her colleagues, or mentoring the next generation of veterinarians, Dr. Kaye is proof that you can do it all—and have fun while doing it.
The Early Years: A Brooklyn Girl with Big Dreams
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Kaye’s love for animals started early. As an undergraduate at Rutgers University, she volunteered at specialty hospitals, where she discovered her passion for veterinary ophthalmology. But life had other plans, and she decided to trade the Big Apple for the Deep South, moving to Alabama to attend Tuskegee University from 2016-2020.
Since then, Dr. Kaye has completed multiple internships (including two in ophthalmology), worked as an ER clinician, and most recently, discovered her love for feline medicine. Her mission? To provide cats with the care they deserve while creating a stress-free environment for her furry patients.
Meet the Menagerie: Khaleesi, Calypso, Nubs, and Kaa
Dr. Kaye’s love for animals extends far beyond the clinic. She shares her home with a lively crew:
Khaleesi, her adventurous cat who joins her on hiking trips (though kayaking is still a no-go).
Calypso, a bearded dragon with a personality as big as her name.
Nubs, a Chinese water dragon who’s always up to something.
Kaa, a ball python who’s as cool and collected as his namesake from The Jungle Book.
When she’s not caring for animals, Dr. Kaye loves exploring Florida’s outdoors—hiking, kayaking, running races like the Tough Mudder and Savage Race, and soaking up the sun at the beach. And if you’re lucky, you might get a taste of her latest dessert creation—baking is her ultimate stress reliever and creative outlet!
If Not a Vet, Then What? A Pastry Chef in Another Life
If Dr. Kaye hadn’t become a veterinarian, she’d likely be whipping up pastries as a baker or pastry chef. Baking has been a lifelong passion, starting when she was old enough to use her family’s handheld mixer.
During her internships, her colleagues knew she was stressed when she showed up with two or three dozen freshly baked muffins—even if there were only 10 people on her team! From creating her own recipes to baking for birthdays, holidays, and even her best friend’s baby shower, Dr. Kaye’s kitchen is always full of love and delicious treats.
Three Qualities That Define Her: Resilience, Support, and Advocacy
Dr. Kaye credits her success to three core qualities:
Resilience: Despite facing setbacks—like applying for an ophthalmology residency five times—she never gives up. “I’ve been knocked down, but I always get back up and keep moving forward.”
Support: Whether it’s her patients, clients, or colleagues, Dr. Kaye is always there to lend a hand. She’s known for creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for help.
Advocacy: As a visually impaired veterinarian, Dr. Kaye is a fierce advocate for others with disabilities. She mentors students and young veterinarians, helping them navigate the workplace and access the resources they need to thrive.
The Adventure That Changed Her Life: A Vet in Egypt
One of Dr. Kaye’s most transformative experiences was traveling to Egypt during her second year of veterinary school. Not only was it her first time out of the country, but it also combined her love for Ancient Egyptian culture with her passion for veterinary medicine.
From vaccinating animals at the Cairo Animal Shelter to exploring the pyramids and kayaking on the Nile River, the trip was a whirlwind of adventure and discovery. It even inspired her to conquer her fear of kayaking—now, she owns her own kayak and hits the water whenever she can!
How She Unwinds: Baking, Orange Theory, and Running
After a stressful day, Dr. Kaye turns to her favorite stress relievers:
Baking: Whipping up new dessert recipes and sharing them with friends.
Orange Theory: A fitness community that keeps her motivated and helps her leave her stressors behind.
Running: From 5Ks to Tough Mudders, running has become a relaxing and empowering part of her routine.
Advice to Her Younger Self: Be Unapologetically You
Dr. Kaye’s message to her younger self is simple yet powerful: “Be unapologetically you.”
“No matter how many times you get bullied or face criticism, it’s okay to be yourself. Love who you are, and everything else will fall into place. The journey to self-love isn’t linear, but it’s worth it.”
Why Dr. Christina Kaye is a Vet Candy Favorite
Dr. Kaye’s story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of following your passions. Whether she’s baking muffins, mentoring students, or kayaking on the Nile, she’s proof that veterinarians can do it all—and have fun while doing it!
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or stuck, take a page out of Dr. Kaye’s book: bake something sweet, go on an adventure, and remember to be unapologetically you.
Follow Dr. Christina Kaye’s journey and get inspired to live your best life—both in and out of the clinic!
