Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your kitty pleased, wholesome, and feline superb. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cats Aren’t Getting Alongside!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’ve 3 cats Finn (14y), Cinnamon (8y), and Honey (4y). They get alongside properly for essentially the most half however my oldest and youngest actually have the most important wrestle. My oldest will even hiss typically when my youngest walks close to him. Why would this be and any suggestions to assist?” – Alex
It’s frequent for cats in a multi-cat family to expertise occasional pressure, particularly with a major age hole, as with Finn and Honey. Older cats like Finn typically have much less endurance for youthful cats’ playful or unpredictable habits. Finn could really feel his area is being invaded, or he is likely to be coping with age-related discomfort that makes him extra irritable. Hissing is his means of speaking discomfort quite than aggression.
Alex, you may assist enhance their relationship by creating optimistic associations. Present Finn with quiet, secure areas the place he can retreat with out disturbance. Interact Honey in interactive play periods to redirect her vitality, lowering the probabilities of bothering Finn. Artificial feline pheromone diffusers may also encourage a calmer setting. Reward peaceable interactions between them with treats or reward to bolster optimistic habits. If Finn’s hissing turns into extra frequent or is paired with indicators of ache, a veterinary check-up can be a good suggestion to rule out any well being issues.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat Retains Sneezing!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 times per week, mostly it’s a short dry sneeze, twice in the last two months she had a wet one. No changes in her behavior or eating habits. Shall I take her to the vet?” – Anna
Occasional sneezing in cats like Mushka, particularly when it’s dry and rare, is often innocent and infrequently attributable to minor irritants similar to mud or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t proven any modifications in habits or urge for food, it’s unlikely to be a critical concern.
If Mushka’s sneezing turns into extra frequent, the moist sneezes occur extra typically, otherwise you discover different indicators like nasal discharge or modifications in her respiratory, scheduling a vet go to can be a good suggestion to make sure her respiratory well being. And if you happen to’re nonetheless uncertain, keep in mind how fortunate you’re to dwell in 2025! On-line veterinary assist makes it a lot simpler to evaluate conditions like this, supplying you with professional steering from the consolation of your property with out the guesswork or problem of a clinic go to. You may converse to one in every of our skilled veterinarians at PangoVet.com on a one-on-one video name they usually will help reply any questions you’ve and offer you a customized care plan for Mushka.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Gave My Kitten Fried Hen!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I gave my 10-month-old kitten a little bit of fried chicken, no skin and no bone. She is acting fine but I just want to check if she will be OK, and if it is safe to give her fried chicken in the future or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mother)
Debbie, it’s nice that you just’re conserving such an in depth eye on Tinker Bell’s well-being! A small quantity of fried rooster with out pores and skin or bone shouldn’t trigger her any points, particularly since she’s appearing superb. Nonetheless, fried rooster isn’t a perfect deal with for cats as a result of the frying course of provides oils and seasonings that aren’t good for his or her digestion or general well being. Sooner or later, plain boiled rooster can be a significantly better possibility—it’s gentler on her abdomen and free from pointless fat or components.
It’s additionally necessary to keep in mind that treats ought to solely make up a tiny a part of a cat’s weight-reduction plan. Guaranteeing Tinker Bell will get full and balanced meals designed for her dietary wants will assist preserve her wholesome as she grows. Should you’re ever uncertain about what’s secure for her or discover any uncommon indicators, you at all times have entry to on-line veterinary providers. You may converse to one in every of our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they’re going to present professional recommendation with out the stress of placing her in a provider for a clinic go to if it isn’t completely vital.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
