Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 mother or father or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for knowledgeable 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 to your furry companion.
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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 battle. 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 widespread for cats in a multi-cat family to expertise occasional pressure, particularly with a big age hole, as with Finn and Honey. Older cats like Finn typically have much less persistence 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 approach of speaking discomfort reasonably than aggression.
Alex, you’ll be able to assist enhance their relationship by creating constructive associations. Present Finn with quiet, secure areas the place he can retreat with out disturbance. Have interaction Honey in interactive play periods to redirect her vitality, decreasing the possibilities of bothering Finn. Artificial feline pheromone diffusers can even encourage a calmer atmosphere. Reward peaceable interactions between them with treats or reward to strengthen constructive 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.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
💛 😺 Converse To a Vet On-line From the Consolation of Your Sofa!
If it is advisable communicate with a vet however can’t get to at least one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an internet service the place you’ll be able to discuss to a vet on-line and get the personalised recommendation you want to your pet — all at an inexpensive worth!
Assist! My Cat Retains Sneezing!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 instances per week, principally it’s a brief dry sneeze, twice within the final two months she had a moist one. No adjustments in her habits or consuming 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 sometimes brought on by minor irritants resembling mud or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t proven any adjustments in habits or urge for food, it’s unlikely to be a severe problem.
If Mushka’s sneezing turns into extra frequent, the moist sneezes occur extra typically, otherwise you discover different indicators like nasal discharge or adjustments in her respiration, scheduling a vet go to can be a good suggestion to make sure her respiratory well being. And for those who’re nonetheless uncertain, keep in mind how fortunate you’re to reside in 2025! On-line veterinary help makes it a lot simpler to evaluate conditions like this, supplying you with knowledgeable steerage from the consolation of your property with out the guesswork or problem of a clinic go to. You’ll be able to communicate to certainly one of our skilled veterinarians at PangoVet.com on a one-on-one video name they usually can assist reply any questions you may have and give you a personalised care plan for Mushka.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Gave My Kitten Fried Rooster!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I gave my 10-month-old kitten a bit little bit of fried rooster, no pores and skin and no bone. She is performing nice however I simply wish to verify if she shall be OK, and whether it is secure to present her fried rooster sooner or later or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mother)
Debbie, it’s nice that you simply’re preserving 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 performing nice. Nonetheless, fried rooster isn’t a great 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 choice—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 loss plan. Making certain Tinker Bell will get full and balanced meals designed for her dietary wants will assist maintain her wholesome as she grows. In case you’re ever uncertain about what’s secure for her or discover any uncommon indicators, you all the time have entry to on-line veterinary providers. You’ll be able to communicate to certainly one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they’re going to present knowledgeable recommendation with out the stress of placing her in a service for a clinic go to if it isn’t completely mandatory.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence