First-time author Dana Jennings has navigated some of the most challenging moments in her life with the help of a feline friend she met in Italy.

It all starts when a scrappy cat named Luigi saunters into Jennings’ life in Italy just after she elopes with her study-abroad boyfriend Roberto.

In her new memoir, “Luigi: Mischief & Love with an Italian Cat,” Jennings, her husband, and their crooked-tailed cat circle the globe on a harrowing journey to start their new life in California.

Luigi tests their patience with his hilarious antics and feline silliness, but transforms into a pillar of strength and resilience just when they need him most, supporting her husband through a life-threatening accident and illness.

With a local focus in her book, Jennings describes Santa Barbara and how she found her community here. Local readers will likely recognize familiar scenes including the Thomas Fire and the Montecito mudslide.

“Luigi was like a salve for our family whose zeal for adventure and unconditional love helped us get through some rocky times,” Jennings said. “This is a family friendly story to snuggle up to if you’ve ever loved an animal, dreamt of life in Italy, and are eager to escape the monotony of daily life.”

“Luigi” the book is available at the Santa Barbara Public Library and at Chaucer’s Books.