Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey knowledgeable recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet guardian or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may preserve your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline positive. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Has Develop into Aggressive!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Notts is a rescue alongside along with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. After I bought them, Notts bought alongside nice with my different cats til we had him mounted. He completely modified. He’s imply and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that dangerous. However because the final 3 years handed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his principal goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes received’t depart the kitchen or get on the ground, He received’t use the cat pan. he poops and pees on my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no enamel so he can’t defend himself. My as soon as blissful cats at the moment are fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving dwelling with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous yr. l don’t need to do away with them So what ought to I do? Please assist, Dr. Paola!” – Sheila
Sheila, I can hear how a lot you like your cats and the way heartbreaking this case has turn out to be for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious dwelling turns into a spot of concern and pressure, and I like your dedication to preserving your cats collectively whereas looking for an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation over time, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for all the group dynamic. This isn’t simply a difficulty of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed concern, and that degree of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. It’s good to strategy this from each a medical and behavioral standpoint to revive peace.
First, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical causes for Notts’ aggression. Regardless that you observed that his habits modified post-neutering, different components like continual ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological circumstances could possibly be influencing his growing hostility. A vet go to is a should to verify for ache or discomfort that would make him extra reactive. Mr. Toes must also be examined, his refusal to make use of the litter field and his excessive avoidance of the ground recommend emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in critical well being issues.
Behaviorally, you will have to hit the reset button on your own home’s social construction. Notts must be quickly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to provide Mr. Toes a likelihood to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to supply Mr. Toes with a very secure house the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out concern of ambush.
After a while away you can begin engaged on a managed reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with constructive reinforcement, use bodily limitations, and progressively transfer to quick, constructive interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.
You could additionally be sure you improve their entry to environmental enrichment. A wide range of vertical areas, puzzle feeders, and structured play time might help redirect Notts’ vitality in productive methods. Multi-cat artificial pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements can also assist to ease pressure.
As a result of this aggression has persevered and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist in case you really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made strategy, and in some circumstances, focused remedy might help cut back reactivity whereas coaching is applied. A veterinary behaviorist might help with each. This case is difficult, however it’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured strategy, stability will be restored in your house. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cats Smells like Dying!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Pumba has a extremely dangerous odor that smells like loss of life. I haven’t tried to provide him a shower but and he doesn’t appear to have some other issues, ought to I simply give him a shower and see if the odor disappears.?” – William
William, a powerful, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, will not be regular in cats and sometimes signifies an underlying difficulty that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba may quickly cut back the scent if it’s because of one thing exterior, it’s vital to first decide the supply. Cats are glorious groomers, so a persistent dangerous odor normally suggests a medical concern relatively than simply a difficulty of cleanliness.
The scent could possibly be coming from his mouth, presumably because of dental illness, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra basic or coming from his pores and skin, there could possibly be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands could possibly be the trigger. Given the depth of the scent you describe, I strongly suggest having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as potential. If you happen to’re not sure the place the scent is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case positive, a teletriage veterinary service might assist you assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.
Nevertheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or in case you discover any adjustments in his habits, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is crucial.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! What Are the Aspect Results of Prednisilone?
“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiratory a aspect impact? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have numerous results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiratory will not be a standard or anticipated aspect impact. Whereas delicate panting can sometimes happen, particularly in moments of stress or pleasure, persistent or labored respiratory is a crimson flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
Heavy inhaling a cat taking Prednisolone might point out an underlying difficulty resembling fluid retention, hypertension, or an underlying coronary heart situation which will have been unmasked by the steroid. In some circumstances, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory issues, significantly if there may be an undiagnosed coronary heart situation or an an infection.
Moreover, steroids suppress the immune system, which may permit infections (particularly respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a gentle underlying respiratory difficulty, the steroid could weaken his capacity to battle off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or problem respiratory.
As a result of respiratory issues in cats are all the time critical, I strongly suggest having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as potential. If the respiratory is speedy, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiratory, this ought to be handled as an emergency.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
