Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver professional 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 father or mother 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 provide insights that may preserve your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! I Am Fearful My Cat Could Get Fleas!
“ Can you give a recommendation for flea treatments for Persian cats? My cat is mostly indoors but sometimes the neighbor’s outdoor cat comes around and I worry she will get fleas from him” – Flora (Mother to Lola)
Hello Flora,
It’s nice that you just’re contemplating flea prevention for Lola, particularly given the potential publicity from neighboring out of doors cats. Even indoor cats will be susceptible to flea infestations, as fleas can enter houses on clothes or via open home windows.
For Persian cats, with their luxurious lengthy coats, topical remedies are sometimes efficient and simple to use. These remedies sometimes provide safety towards fleas for a month and needs to be reapplied promptly to keep up their efficacy.
Earlier than initiating any flea remedy, it’s essential to seek the advice of along with your veterinarian. They’ll present steering tailor-made to Lola’s weight and particular well being wants, guaranteeing the chosen product is each protected and efficient for her.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Doesn’t Like Her Meals!
“We rescued our cat Dolly practically six months in the past and her consuming habits are nonetheless a bit odd. She doesn’t appear to love a lot of what we provide her, and after about one week of success with a meals, she alters her thoughts once more. This occurs with moist and dry meals. What ought to we do? – Stephen
It’s not unusual for rescued cats like Dolly to current behavioral issues, and lots of are very delicate to environmental stimuli. All cats, however particularly rescue cats, are delicate to emphasize, so it’s necessary to determine and decrease potential stressors, corresponding to noisy areas, unfamiliar scents, or disruptions of their routine, as these can have an effect on their urge for food. It’s additionally an excellent concept to be aware of Dolly’s preferences for textures and flavors, corresponding to pâté versus shredded or particular protein sources like rooster or fish, and take into account providing high-quality, commercially out there recent cat meals.
These choices are sometimes extra interesting resulting from their pure style and aroma, and they’re full and balanced to satisfy her dietary wants. You might additionally attempt to entice her urge for food by mixing a bit little bit of species-appropriate meals into her food plan, corresponding to cat-safe bone broth or small parts of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish, which will be extra attractive and nutritious. Cats who eat a wide range of meals are inclined to adapt higher and are much less susceptible to turning into fixated on a single food plan, which will be helpful for his or her long-term well being.
Regularly introduce new meals to keep away from digestive upset and keep a constant feeding schedule in a peaceful, quiet house. If Dolly’s pickiness persists or she reveals indicators of digestive misery or weight reduction, seek the advice of your veterinarian to run some checks and rule out any underlying medical points affecting her urge for food.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Will get Hairballs!
“I have read that cats shouldn’t get hairballs, but it is often a stereotype I hear about cats, that they get hairballs. Why is this? And why do so many cats get them if they shouldn’t? My cat Kaley gets them every so often and I’m feeling a bit guilty when I read this is not normal” – Chris (Dad to Kaley)
Chris, please don’t really feel responsible—simply the truth that you’ve observed Kaley’s hairball challenge and are keen to handle it reveals how a lot you take care of her, which is actually admirable. Whereas it’s a typical false impression that hairballs are regular for cats, they’re not one thing that ought to happen usually. Cats naturally ingest hair whereas grooming, however their digestive methods are designed to move it via their stool. Hairballs occur when extra hair accumulates within the abdomen and may’t be expelled, typically resulting from a food plan missing in moisture or fiber, extreme grooming, and even underlying points like gastrointestinal motility issues. There are some things you possibly can strive. The primary and most useful step for Kaley is to make sure she’s on a high-moisture food plan, corresponding to high-quality moist or recent cat meals, as this helps digestion and helps hair transfer easily via her system. You must also take into account a water fountain. Common brushing to take away free fur and monitoring for stress or potential pores and skin circumstances that may trigger over-grooming also can make an enormous distinction. If hairballs change into frequent otherwise you discover different indicators like vomiting, modifications in urge for food, or lethargy, consulting your veterinarian is one of the simplest ways to rule out underlying causes and create a administration plan tailor-made for her. You’re already doing a lot simply by being proactive—Kaley is fortunate to have you ever!
Variety regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
