Simon's Cat Off to the Vet . . . and Other Cat-astrophes

Simon's Cat Off to the Vet . . . and Other Cat-astrophes was published in 2015 as part of the widely successful Simon's Cat franchise, created by British animator Simon Tofield. The book originated from Tofield's viral YouTube animation series, which began in 2008 and garnered global recognition for its minimalist, humorous depiction of cat behavior inspired by his own pets. This specific collection was curated to accompany the release of a theatrical short film, focusing on the relatable anxieties and comedic chaos involved in taking a cat to a veterinary appointment.

Tofield utilized his background in traditional hand-drawn animation to create the series, favoring a simple black-and-white aesthetic that highlights the physical comedy and expressive personality of the title character. The publication by Akashic Books sought to translate these animated sequences into the printed medium, maintaining the visual simplicity that fans of the digital shorts had come to expect. The book was well-received by the existing community of cat lovers and followers of the digital shorts, serving as an accessible expansion of the brand's established storytelling style.