Animal House-Mates

by Kimberly Loomis

Kimberly is a wife and a mother of three children and five pets with over a decade of experience working in the veterinary field. She has worked in many capacities in the veterinary office, from receptionist to veterinary assistant and everything in between. Beyond pets, she also has a passion for writing and blending the two is a natural way for her to share what she loves with her community.

We're a smallish city here in Marysville, yet in the heart of our town there are four different veterinary facilities. Choosing a veterinarian can be an expensive, confusing endeavor and it is best not to wait until your pet is sick to make that decision. Here are some helpful hints to guide you in choosing a doctor for your pet:



* Ask your local shelter. Being recommended by a local rescue group or humane society speaks volumes about the philosophy of a clinic. These recommendations usually mean that a particular veterinarian supports that rescue in some capacity and that workers or adoptive families have had good experiences there.



* Give them a call. Getting put on hold is going to happen, but they should ask you if it is okay first. Once you get to talk to someone, ask a basic question, like how much they charge for an exam. Their level of customer service will be evident in the way you are handled, plus you'll know how prices range from place to place.



* Take a tour. You might have to wait for the employees to finish a procedure or clean up a mess, but it's worth it. Getting a behind-the-scenes view of the place serves to give you a pet's eye view. Also keep in mind that an online "virtual" tour is no match for experiencing the sights, sounds and smells for yourself.



A pet care facility should be clean, friendly, reasonably priced and their philosophy should closely match yours. Taking the time to do a little research will go a long way in helping you find the right match for you and your pets.



Q: Why does one of my cats seem to adore catnip while my other does not?



A: Catnip is actually a weed-like member of the mint family that originated in the Mediterranean, and a cat's response (or lack thereof) to catnip is hereditary. Between 10 and 30 percent of companion cats do not react to catnip at all. A cat's reaction to this interesting herb is processed through the olfactory system, which means that it is the smell of the plant that produces the "intoxicating" effect. Some cats just do not have the type of olfactory system that is sensitive to catnip. In case you were worried, research shows that the reaction to catnip mimics a cat's reaction to pheromones and does not produce negative side effects.