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 offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline tremendous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cats Vomit Loads!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’ve 2 male littermates that flip 12 this 12 months. They’ve at all times vomited so much. Even after attempting completely different meals. We took one (Jake) to the vet for statement and so they discovered no points. Now Jake reveals no actual urge for food and projectile vomits a ton of liquid each day. Any thought what may be happening with him? The brother vomits some however has an enormous urge for food. What ought to we do subsequent?” – Donna
Hello Donna,
Thanks for reaching out about Jake and his brother. Vomiting is regarding, particularly when it turns into frequent or is accompanied by modifications in urge for food, as you’re seeing with Jake’s brother. Power vomiting in cats may be brought on by many points starting from gentle meals intolerances to extra severe circumstances like inflammatory bowel illness (IBD), meals allergy symptoms, pancreatitis, and even gastrointestinal lymphoma, significantly as they age.
Since Jake is now projectile vomiting every day and has misplaced his urge for food, that is harmful and could possibly be indicating an emergency corresponding to a blockage. Whereas the earlier vet go to didn’t reveal points, the escalation of indicators means Jake seemingly wants additional diagnostic testing. I might advocate a recheck together with your veterinarian as quickly as doable. Bloodwork, belly imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), and presumably endoscopy or biopsies could also be essential to establish the issue. Within the meantime, attempting to maintain Jake hydrated is essential, as extreme vomiting can result in dehydration.
His brother’s continued urge for food however occasional vomiting could point out a milder or associated difficulty, so it’s value mentioning each cats’ histories if you go to the vet. I perceive this may be irritating, and hectic, however with well timed intervention, many circumstances may be managed successfully. Don’t wait.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat Has Osteochondrolysplasia!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’m questioning how lengthy the illness osteochondrolysplasia continues to worsen. I’ve a feminine 7-year-old Tabby, Lillian, with the illness that impacts her ankles and paws. She will be able to get round with little or no ache. Will this worsen or journey to different components as she will get older or is it over as a result of she is older?” – Gail
Hello Gail,
Thanks for reaching out about Lillian. Osteochondrodysplasia is a progressive situation that usually impacts the joints, significantly within the ankles and paws. Consider her joints like hinges on a steadily used gate. Over time, they will put on down and change into stiff, particularly if they aren’t cared for correctly. The excellent news is that since Lillian is already seven and experiencing minimal ache, her situation could also be progressing extra slowly than in another circumstances. Whereas it doesn’t usually unfold to different components of the physique, the affected joints could proceed to indicate gradual put on and tear as she ages.
The development can fluctuate relying on her exercise degree, total well being, and weight. If she stays energetic and cozy, her high quality of life can stay fairly good with just a few considerate changes. Ensuring she maintains a wholesome weight is essential as a result of even a little bit further weight provides pointless pressure to her joints, very like carrying a heavy backpack on a protracted stroll. Offering her with a cushty surroundings, corresponding to mushy bedding or easy accessibility to her favourite spots, will help her transfer round with out discomfort.
It is usually essential to look at for any indicators that her discomfort is growing, take be aware for instance if she hesitates to leap, her every day exercise appears to be diminished, or if the is any swelling round her joints. These are all indicators that her joints want further consideration. Should you discover modifications, discuss to your vet about the way to hold her pain-free. Joint dietary supplements or different remedies might make a giant distinction. In case you are not sure whether or not her indicators require fast care, you’ll be able to at all times schedule a name with our veterinarians through our tele-triage service, PangoVet, the place they will help information your subsequent steps.
Yet another factor Gail; I simply needed to let you realize that we all know you actually take care of Lillian, we acknowledge your case from a earlier remark in one among our posts in regards to the illness. Thanks for that! Together with your love, consideration, and proactive care, she has a successful benefit in persevering with to take pleasure in her golden years comfortably and fortunately by your aspect.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cats Are Begging for Scraps!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Can cats eat meals scraps? My two, Ginny and George, actually attempt their hardest to get into our meals scraps bucket and our rubbish cans. We don’t enable them to do it however their begging and attempting makes me a little bit loopy. It’s principally vegetable scraps, too, so we’re at all times confused after they attempt. They’re indoor/outside cats, so I don’t know what they eat throughout the day, however we now have good moist meals for them, although they nonetheless actually appear to need our scraps.”
– Petey
Hello Petey, it feels like Ginny and George are holding you in your toes! Their curiosity in meals scraps and rubbish is definitely fairly frequent amongst curious cats, even after they’re well-fed. Whereas it may be irritating, this conduct is discovered and sometimes pushed by curiosity, instincts, or the tempting smells of human meals.
Even when the scraps are principally vegetable-based, cats may be drawn by the scent and the potential of a deal with. Since discovering meals is a self-reinforcing conduct in the event that they have been profitable as soon as, they may hold attempting. Nevertheless, it’s not a secure behavior to permit. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their our bodies are designed to course of animal-based proteins relatively than plant matter. Past being nutritionally inappropriate, many human meals, like onions, and garlic, are poisonous to them. Even harmless-seeming objects might upset their stomachs and fatty scraps will even contribute to weight problems or different well being points.
Different dangers of looking via scraps or rubbish embrace ingesting one thing indigestible or sharp, which might trigger choking or an intestinal blockage, in addition to publicity to moldy or spoiled meals, which is able to make them sick. Even when they’re simply exploring, the potential for hurt makes prevention important. To deal with this, securing your scraps and rubbish cans with tight-fitting lids or storing them in inaccessible areas (like inside a cupboard) is essential. You could possibly additionally attempt providing them some secure options like interactive feeders or puzzle toys can redirect their vitality and supply psychological stimulation, which can cut back their fascination with your scraps.
Since Ginny and George are indoor-outdoor cats, they might even be looking or scavenging outdoors, which might reinforce their discovered habits and affect their dietary consumption. Guaranteeing their meals are nutritionally full and satisfying will help cut back their curiosity in different meals sources. If their conduct persists, consulting a veterinarian could possibly be useful to rule out any underlying points, like dietary deficiencies or parasites. With constant boundaries, partaking actions, and a little bit of endurance, you’ll be able to assist them keep secure and discourage this curious behavior, at the least when they’re inside. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
