Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey skilled 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 diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty pleased, wholesome, and feline wonderful. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cat Has Extreme Zoomies!
“ I do know that every one cats get the zoomies, however my cat Hera’s zoomies are beginning to really feel extreme. She is 14 and nonetheless has them 4-5 occasions/day, with out catnip! Is there such a factor as too many zoomies? ” – Percy
Frenetic random exercise durations (FRAP), mostly often known as “the zoomies”, is a pure habits exhibited by most cats. Nonetheless, if the habits is going on too typically we don’t think about it to be regular. This habits can sign Hera is feeling confused or pissed off and likelihood is she wants extra psychological and bodily stimulation. Indoor cats have to be supplied with a number of alternatives to outlet their vitality. This implies including some climbing choices and vertical areas, offering them with puzzle feeders, quite a lot of toys in a rotation, and even a working wheel. Enjoying together with your cat not less than 2 or 3 occasions a day to make sure they transfer round and launch their vitality is essential. For those who already do that utilizing a laser pointer, this may truly be the rationale behind Hera’s frequent FRAPing or zoomies.
Whereas laser pointers are nice instruments to get cats going, they’ll additionally trigger an unbelievable quantity of frustration in cats as this mild appeals to their predatory instincts, nonetheless, they by no means permit them to make a profitable catch. In different phrases, they by no means win. There are particular laser pointer guidelines to observe that may assist. Toss her a toy in order that she will efficiently paw and chunk one thing tangible on the identical time you flip the pointer off. Comply with this with a yummy deal with and even dinner, this permits her to finish her “looking cycle” as an alternative of leaving her hanging up.
Offering Hera with a relaxing setting utilizing artificial pheromones and a number of other protected hiding alternatives also can assist cut back her stress. These are just a few choices to think about, the final thought is to let her have wholesome vitality retailers and in addition present her with a stress-free setting.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Suppose My Cat Can See Ghosts!
“Can cats see ghosts? My cat stares on the wall on a regular basis as if somebody is there however there isn’t. What ought to I do right here?”
” – Daniela
There are a number of potential explanation why cats may be staring at a wall. Their senses are totally different from ours, they’ll hear noises we will’t because of the frequency vary and may additionally be smelling one thing you can’t detect. In lots of circumstances, these are small animals hiding behind the partitions. A cat would look and also you may see their ears transferring to observe the noise’s origin.
You didn’t point out the age but when your cat is a senior, senile dementia or age-related cognitive dysfunction is a chance. Different potentialities embody neurological issues akin to partial or focal seizures. For those who suppose this may be the case, be conversant in different indicators and document as a lot details about it as potential together with, when it occurs, after what exercise, how typically, at what time, and so forth, if potential document a video. The extra information you possibly can convey to your vet, the higher possibilities of a profitable prognosis; though a definitive prognosis would wish an electroencephalogram (EEG). These are the medical potentialities, and though many swear that cats have supernatural powers and may see ghosts, we have now no dependable proof to show that.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! We Need to Go On Vacation!
“My companion and I are pondering of happening a two-week vacation subsequent yr however we’ve by no means left our 3-year-old cat Jackson for greater than 2 days earlier than. We’re pondering of placing him right into a cattery, however then additionally suppose a home sitter may be a greater different. How can we resolve what’s greatest for him?” – Gemma
Hello Gemma.
Cats are creatures of behavior, they’re solitary and territorial by nature. Their properties are their acquainted territory. They spend time every single day guaranteeing every bit of it’s marked with their scent from facial pheromones, which give them a way of familiarity or belonging and make them really feel safe. Shifting them to a very totally different space with many different cats is oftentimes anxious for them. In case you have the chance, I’d suggest you go for the home sitter. Then, not solely will Jackson be cared for, however your private home might be too. I do know that paying for a non-public sitter can get costly, however there are some superb providers on the market the place you purchase a yearly membership to the neighborhood, after which the home sitting is a free change based mostly on belief! Then, you possibly can take pleasure in your vacation extra realizing that Jackson is comfy.
Better of luck, and luxuriate in your vacation!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
