Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver 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 mum or dad or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline effective. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Has Change into Aggressive!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Notts is a rescue alongside together with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. Once I obtained them, Notts obtained alongside nice with my different cats til we had him fastened. He completely modified. He’s imply and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that dangerous. However because the final 3 years handed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his important goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes received’t go away the kitchen or get on the ground, He received’t use the cat pan. he poops and pees on my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no tooth so he can’t defend himself. My as soon as blissful cats at the moment are fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving dwelling with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous yr. l don’t need to do away with them So what ought to I do? Please assist, Dr. Paola!” – Sheila
Sheila, I can hear how a lot you’re keen on your cats and the way heartbreaking this example has turn into for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious dwelling turns into a spot of concern and stress, and I love your dedication to retaining your cats collectively whereas in search of an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation over time, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for the whole group dynamic. This isn’t simply a problem of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed concern, and that degree of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. It’s essential to method this from each a medical and behavioral standpoint to revive peace.
First, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical causes for Notts’ aggression. Regardless that you observed that his conduct modified post-neutering, different components like continual ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological situations may very well be influencing his growing hostility. A vet go to is a should to verify for ache or discomfort that would make him extra reactive. Mr. Toes must also be examined, his refusal to make use of the litter field and his excessive avoidance of the ground recommend emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in severe well being issues.
Behaviorally, you have to to hit the reset button on your property’s social construction. Notts must be briefly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to provide Mr. Toes a probability to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to offer Mr. Toes with a very protected house the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out concern of ambush.
After a while away you can begin engaged on a managed reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with constructive reinforcement, use bodily limitations, and steadily transfer to quick, constructive interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.
It’s essential to additionally ensure you improve their entry to environmental enrichment. A wide range of vertical areas, puzzle feeders, and structured play time will help redirect Notts’ power in productive methods. Multi-cat artificial pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements can also assist to ease stress.
As a result of this aggression has continued and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist for those who really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made method, and in some instances, focused treatment will help cut back reactivity whereas coaching is applied. A veterinary behaviorist will help with each. This example is difficult, nevertheless it’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured method, stability will be restored in your house. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cats Smells like Dying!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Pumba has a very dangerous odor that smells like demise. I haven’t tried to provide him a shower but and he doesn’t appear to have every other issues, ought to I simply give him a shower and see if the odor disappears.?” – William
William, a powerful, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, just isn’t regular in cats and sometimes signifies an underlying problem that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba may briefly cut back the scent if it’s as a consequence of one thing exterior, it’s vital to first decide the supply. Cats are wonderful groomers, so a persistent dangerous odor often suggests a medical concern moderately than simply a problem of cleanliness.
The scent may very well be coming from his mouth, probably as a consequence of dental illness, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra basic or coming from his pores and skin, there may very well be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands may very well be the trigger. Given the depth of the scent you describe, I strongly advocate having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as potential. Should you’re uncertain the place the scent is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case effective, a teletriage veterinary service may enable you to assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.
Nonetheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or for those who discover any modifications in his conduct, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is crucial.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! What Are the Aspect Results of Prednisilone?
“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiratory a facet impact? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have numerous results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiratory just isn’t a typical or anticipated facet impact. Whereas delicate panting can often happen, particularly in moments of stress or pleasure, persistent or labored respiratory is a purple flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
Heavy inhaling a cat taking Prednisolone may point out an underlying problem akin to fluid retention, hypertension, or an underlying coronary heart situation that will have been unmasked by the steroid. In some instances, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory problems, significantly if there may be an undiagnosed coronary heart situation or an an infection.
Moreover, steroids suppress the immune system, which may permit infections (particularly respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a light underlying respiratory problem, the steroid could weaken his skill to battle off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or issue respiratory.
As a result of respiratory issues in cats are at all times severe, I strongly advocate having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as potential. If the respiratory is speedy, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiratory, this must be handled as an emergency.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
