Dolores Catania joined The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 7 and Bravo fans have seen occasional appearances from her daughter, Gabrielle Catania, on the show. As longtime viewers may remember, Gabby spent some time away from the cameras to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Alas, fans have always enjoyed seeing Dolores’ daughter on RHONJ when given the opportunity.
Gabby Catania is the oldest child of Dolores and her ex-husband, Frank Catania Sr. She is 26 years old and was born on September 25, 1995. Gabby’s younger brother, Frankie, is 23 years old and has appeared on the show more often. When the two siblings were little, Dolores and Frank Sr. got divorced. Dolores raised her children as a single mom and took a while to develop an amicable relationship with Frank. Now that the exes are on good terms, Gabby, Frankie, and their parents are able to function well as a more regular family. Learn more about Dolores’ daughter who will be making more cameos on RHONJ season 12.
Gabby Studied To Become A Veterinarian
Gabby loves animals, just like her mom Dolores, and studied to become a veterinarian. She values her education and has earned multiple degrees. The New Jersey native graduated from the University of Delaware in 2017 and attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts later that year. While Gabby was at vet school in the Caribbean, Hurricane Irma hit the island. Dolores missed her daughter while she was away and worried about her during the hurricane. “To Gabby’s credit, she’s a scrapper, she’s a farm girl. She rides horses, she delivers cows, that’s what she did in undergrad – Gabby is a tough chick,” Dolores once told Page Six.
She Survived Hurricane Irma
Fortunately, Gabby survived Hurricane Irma despite losing power and not being able to shower for a few days. She kept in touch with her family through WhatsApp and had rationed food when the storm hit St. Kitts. Gabby was very calm and easygoing and never complained while enduring the wrath of the hurricane. Dolores posted a video on Instagram that was sent from her daughter. The video showed a glimpse of the vet student’s surroundings during the storm. “Hi everyone thank you for all your prayers @gcatans is ok. @rossvetschool no power yet but everyone is safe and sound thank god,” the RHONJ star wrote. She wanted to let her followers know that Gabby was safe after the storm ended.
Gabby Is Done With Veterinary School
After leaving Ross University, Gabby was placed at Tufts University in Massachusetts for her clinical year of vet school in 2020. She graduated in May 2021 and earned a degree to officially become a doctor. “Today @gcatans graduates from @rossvetschool becoming a Veterinarian. Gabby has worked day and night for years to get to this very moment. I am so proud of her dedication to her calling of becoming a vet & resilience when things weren’t easy. My heart is so full,” proud RHONJ mom Dolores wrote in a post. She then announced that her daughter, “Dr. Catania,” will be starting a new job at the Animal Hospital of Sussex County in New Jersey.
She Works At An Animal Hospital
Right now, Gabby is still a veterinarian at the animal hospital as a member of the Caring Vets team. She enjoys working with dogs and making sure they’re well taken care of. The official website for the Animal Hospital of Sussex County details that Gabby’s special interests are Veterinary Dermatology and Surgery. When Gabby was studying in St. Kitts, she adopted four dogs named Banana, Chicken, Bagel, and Potato. She brought the dogs back with her when she returned home from school.
Even though Gabby doesn’t have a lot of screen time on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, she always supports her mom. Dolores and Frank’s daughter keeps her privacy on social media but still pops up on the show sometimes. Now that Dolores and her ex-boyfriend David Principe have broken up, Dolores will be confiding in Gabby for advice in her new relationship. Hopefully, RHONJ fans will see more of Gabby when season 12 premieres.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 12 premieres Tuesday, February 1 at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Sources: Page Six, Dolores Catania/Instagram
