Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can preserve your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for skilled steering 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 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 all the time vomited rather a lot. Even after making an attempt totally different meals. We took one (Jake) to the vet for statement they usually discovered no points. Now Jake reveals no actual urge for food and projectile vomits a ton of liquid every single day. Any thought what could be occurring 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. Continual vomiting in cats may be brought on by many points starting from delicate meals intolerances to extra severe situations like inflammatory bowel illness (IBD), meals allergy symptoms, pancreatitis, and even gastrointestinal lymphoma, significantly as they age.
Since Jake is now projectile vomiting day by day and has misplaced his urge for food, that is harmful and might be indicating an emergency reminiscent of a blockage. Whereas the earlier vet go to didn’t reveal points, the escalation of indicators means Jake possible wants additional diagnostic testing. I’d suggest a recheck along with your veterinarian as quickly as doable. Bloodwork, belly imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), and probably endoscopy or biopsies could also be essential to determine the issue. Within the meantime, making an attempt to maintain Jake hydrated is essential, as extreme vomiting can result in dehydration.
His brother’s continued urge for food however occasional vomiting might point out a milder or associated problem, so it’s value mentioning each cats’ histories once you go to the vet. I perceive this may be irritating, and tense, however with well timed intervention, many situations may be managed successfully. Don’t wait.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
Communicate To a Vet On-line From the Consolation of Your Sofa!
If you’ll want to converse with a vet however can’t get to 1, head over to PangoVet. It’s a web-based service the place you’ll be able to discuss to a vet on-line and get the customized recommendation you want in your pet — all at an reasonably priced worth!
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 elements 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 always impacts the joints, significantly within the ankles and paws. Consider her joints like hinges on a regularly used gate. Over time, they will put on down and develop into stiff, particularly if they don’t seem to be 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 instances. Whereas it doesn’t usually unfold to different elements of the physique, the affected joints might proceed to indicate gradual put on and tear as she ages.
The development can range relying on her exercise degree, total well being, and weight. If she stays lively and comfy, her high quality of life can stay fairly good with a number of considerate changes. Ensuring she maintains a wholesome weight is essential as a result of even a bit of additional weight provides pointless pressure to her joints, very similar to carrying a heavy backpack on a protracted stroll. Offering her with a snug atmosphere, reminiscent of tender bedding or quick access to her favourite spots, might help her transfer round with out discomfort.
It’s also essential to look at for any indicators that her discomfort is growing, take word for instance if she hesitates to leap, her day by day exercise appears to be lowered, or if the is any swelling round her joints. These are all indicators that her joints want additional consideration. If you happen to discover modifications, discuss to your vet about the right way to preserve her pain-free. Joint dietary supplements or different therapies may make a giant distinction. In case you are not sure whether or not her indicators require rapid care, you’ll be able to all the time schedule a name with our veterinarians by way of our tele-triage service, PangoVet, the place they might help information your subsequent steps.
Another factor Gail; I simply needed to let that we all know you actually look after Lillian, we acknowledge your case from a earlier remark in certainly one of our posts in regards to the illness. Thanks for that! Along with your love, consideration, and proactive care, she has a successful benefit in persevering with to get pleasure from her golden years comfortably and fortunately by your facet.
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 permit them to do it however their begging and making an attempt makes me a bit of loopy. It’s largely vegetable scraps, too, so we’re all the time confused once they attempt. They’re indoor/out of doors cats, so I don’t know what they eat throughout the day, however now we have good moist meals for them, although they nonetheless actually appear to need our scraps.”
– Petey
Hello Petey, it seems like Ginny and George are retaining you in your toes! Their curiosity in meals scraps and rubbish is definitely fairly frequent amongst curious cats, even once they’re well-fed. Whereas it may be irritating, this conduct is realized and infrequently pushed by curiosity, instincts, or the tempting smells of human meals.
Even when the scraps are largely vegetable-based, cats may be drawn by the scent and the potential for a deal with. Since discovering meals is a self-reinforcing conduct in the event that they had been profitable as soon as, they may preserve making an attempt. Nevertheless, it’s not a protected behavior to permit. Cats are obligate carnivores, that means their our bodies are designed to course of animal-based proteins reasonably than plant matter. Past being nutritionally inappropriate, many human meals, like onions, and garlic, are poisonous to them. Even harmless-seeming objects may upset their stomachs and fatty scraps may also contribute to weight problems or different well being points.
Different dangers of looking out by scraps or rubbish embrace ingesting one thing indigestible or sharp, which may trigger choking or an intestinal blockage, in addition to publicity to moldy or spoiled meals, which can make them sick. Even when they’re simply exploring, the potential for hurt makes prevention important. To handle 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 protected alternate 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 could even be looking or scavenging outdoors, which may reinforce their realized habits and affect their dietary consumption. Making certain their meals are nutritionally full and satisfying might help cut back their curiosity in different meals sources. If their conduct persists, consulting a veterinarian might be useful to rule out any underlying points, like dietary deficiencies or parasites. With constant boundaries, participating actions, and a little bit of persistence, you’ll be able to assist them keep protected and discourage this curious behavior, a minimum of when they’re inside. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
