Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 dad or mum 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can maintain your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline superb. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care on your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! I Am Anxious My Cat Could Get Fleas!
“ Are you able to give a advice for flea therapies for Persian cats? My cat is usually indoors however generally the neighbor’s out of doors cat comes round and I fear she is going to 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 might be prone to flea infestations, as fleas can enter properties on clothes or by open home windows.
For Persian cats, with their luxurious lengthy coats, topical therapies are sometimes efficient and easy to use. These therapies usually supply safety in opposition to fleas for a month and needs to be reapplied promptly to take care of their efficacy.
Earlier than initiating any flea remedy, it’s essential to seek the advice of along with your veterinarian. They will present steerage tailor-made to Lola’s weight and particular well being wants, making certain the chosen product is each secure and efficient for her.
Finest 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 plenty of are very delicate to environmental stimuli. All cats, however particularly rescue cats, are delicate to emphasize, so it’s necessary to determine and reduce potential stressors, akin 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 incredible thought to pay attention to Dolly’s preferences for textures and flavors, akin to pâté versus shredded or particular protein sources like hen or fish, and think about providing high-quality, commercially out there recent cat meals.
These choices are sometimes extra interesting as a consequence of their pure style and aroma, and they’re full and balanced to fulfill her dietary wants. You may additionally attempt to entice her urge for food by mixing just a little little bit of species-appropriate meals into her weight loss plan, akin to cat-safe bone broth or small parts of cooked hen, turkey, or fish, which might be extra engaging and nutritious. Cats who eat a wide range of meals are inclined to adapt higher and are much less vulnerable to turning into fixated on a single weight loss plan, which might be helpful for his or her long-term well being.
Steadily introduce new meals to keep away from digestive upset and preserve a constant feeding schedule in a peaceful, quiet area. If Dolly’s pickiness persists or she exhibits indicators of digestive misery or weight reduction, seek the advice of your veterinarian to run some assessments and rule out any underlying medical points affecting her urge for food.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Will get Hairballs!
“I’ve learn that cats shouldn’t get hairballs, however it’s usually a stereotype I hear about cats, that they get hairballs. Why is that this? And why achieve this many cats get them in the event that they shouldn’t? My cat Kaley will get them every now and then and I’m feeling a bit responsible once I learn this isn’t regular” – 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 exhibits how a lot you take care of her, which is really admirable. Whereas it’s a standard false impression that hairballs are regular for cats, they’re not one thing that ought to happen often. Cats naturally ingest hair whereas grooming, however their digestive techniques are designed to cross it by their stool. Hairballs occur when extra hair accumulates within the abdomen and may’t be expelled, usually as a consequence of a weight loss plan missing in moisture or fiber, extreme grooming, and even underlying points like gastrointestinal motility issues. There are some things you possibly can attempt. The primary and most useful step for Kaley is to make sure she’s on a high-moisture weight loss plan, akin to high-quality moist or recent cat meals, as this helps digestion and helps hair transfer easily by her system. You also needs to think about 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 best 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!
Type regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
