Each fall we get a boom in new clients, many of them students and many with new puppies and kittens. We understand the appeal: you're finally on your own, with your own place, and it seems natural to get your own pet. But please consider this decision carefully as you are determining the future of a unique living creature...and it's not just for a semester.

If a new pet is on your radar (or an addition to the current family), please carefully consider the following:

1) Time commitment: Fall is arguably the busiest time of the year - back to school, end of summer social events, heading into the holiday season, there is a LOT going on. Do you really have the time and flexibility in your schedule to add a pet that will require socialization, training, vet visits, and lots of love?

2) Stability: Changes in environment cause stress for our animal companions. New roommates, frequently moving to new locations (or going back and forth from your parents each holiday), and changes in daily schedules can throw off your pet's groove and affect appetite, activity, and overall sense of security.

3) Cost: School is expensive. Really expensive. No, really really expensive. So is a new pet. There are supplies, vet visits, the spay or neuter surgery, food, more food, monthly parasite prevention, toys, unexpected vet visits to remove toys that were eaten...and the initial cost of the pet. Plus you gotta pay for your own dinner - Ramen noodles, again?

4) Lifespan: A new puppy or kitten is a decade plus commitment. Where will you be in ten years? Or two for that matter? Other pets including birds or reptiles may live several decades. Can you be positive you will still have the time, space, and devotion to meet all their needs?

We love new pets and new pet owners, but please, please be sure you are prepared for the serious commitment you are making. Each year we see far too many animals homeless or even euthanized because they were an impulse decision and no longer fit into their owner's lives. Be honest and if you're not ready for a pet's complete dependance volunteer at your local shelter, visit pet-owning friends, and mooch all the benefits that make pets awesome while avoiding the commitment of having your own until the time is right.

'Tis the season of pollen and hay fever! Did you know cats can suffer from allergies and asthma just like people?


If your cat has a cough it may be a precursor to a sticky hairball surprise on your bedroom floor...or it could be feline asthma, a potentially life threatening condition. Asthma is the most common cat respiratory disorder we see in veterinary medicine and affects about 1% of our feline friends. Typical signs include a hunched position with a cough sound or spells of rapid breathing with abdominal effort (heaving breaths). During a serious episode cats will often breath through their mouths which is always abnormal since a contented kitty breathes only through his or her nostrils. Episodes can be so severe that the animal may collapse and turn bluish-purple due to lack of oxygen.

Feline asthma is similar to asthma in humans in that the major airways in the lungs, the bronchi, become constricted making oxygen exchange difficult. Common stimuli that result in bronchial inflammation and irritation include dusty kitty litter, cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays or perfumes, and environmental allergens (dust, mites, grass, pollen, etc). Generally it is difficult to determine what triggers an attack but avoidance is very important to minimize recurrent episodes.

Asthma episodes can be single events but most cats have life-long risk of recurrent episodes. X-rays are the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of asthma and the good news is the condition can be successfully managed although a "cure" is usually not possible. There are many options for treatment including oral medications to help with bronchial constriction and steroids to reduce inflammation in the airways. We can also use special cat inhalers to help get medication directly to the lungs as a preventative or to assist with a severe episode. If you notice your cat is having difficulty breathing, please contact your veterinarian immediately as this is a true emergency!

This video shows what a feline asthma attack looks like: