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 guardian or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can hold your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline tremendous. Keep tuned for skilled 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 to your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! I Have a Sneezy Cat!
“ I’ve seen my cat Penny sneezes sometimes. I haven’t actually been ready to determine the set off but, it’s possibly three sneezes/day on a foul day, however just one most days. Ought to I be anxious about her being a little bit sneezy?” – Helen
Hello Helen,
There is no such thing as a must be involved about Penny’s occasional sneezing. Usually, rare sneezing in cats is regular and may be attributed to minor irritants like mud or gentle allergens within the surroundings. Sneezing helps defend the respiratory system by eliminating these small particles. Nevertheless, if Penny’s sneezing turns into extra frequent, or it’s accompanied by different indicators reminiscent of nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, or modifications in exercise ranges or urge for food, it could be greatest to seek the advice of together with your veterinarian as these indicators point out well being considerations. Variety regards!
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Loves Licking Plastic Baggage!
“My cat loves licking plastic luggage, usually ones with out meals in them so it isn’t meals that’s drawing her to them. I hold them away from her as greatest as I can however she is sort of a moth to a flame and if I ever depart one unattended for a second she finds it. Might this be associated to one thing severe? And the way can I cease her?” – Freddie
Hello Freddie, it’s not unusual for cats to be connected to plastic luggage. It could be the feeling or the sounds, however your cat isn’t the one one. Some cats additionally current this suckling habits the place they “nurse” on their human’s finger or inanimate objects like blankets, clothes, or in your cat’s case, plastics. This habits is commonly noticed in kittens who have been separated from their moms too early and is extra frequent in oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese, which can have a genetic predisposition to it.
The primary concern together with your cat presenting this habits could be the chance of asphyxiation or choking and the potential ingestion of the plastic luggage, which could result in harmful obstructions that require emergency surgical procedure. To handle this habits, present various actions like interactive toys to redirect their focus. Additionally, you will have to proceed doing all your greatest to maintain the plastic bag out of her attain to keep away from pointless dangers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat is a Clear Freak!
“Bernie has began giving himself extra-long grooming classes, particularly after I pet him. Is that this him being a clear freak, or does he simply suppose I’m messing up his fur-care routine?” – Tyler
Hey Tyler, petting Bernie could be a great technique to bond with him and present him your affection. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to stroke him in the identical course the fur grows. Petting in opposition to the pure lay of the fur might trigger discomfort and should result in tangling or matting, particularly if Bernie has lengthy hair. Most cats desire mild strokes that observe the pure course of their coat.
If you don’t suppose that’s the reason for the lengthy grooming classes, it’s essential to remember the fact that many cats have a brief tolerance for getting dealt with and Bernie would possibly simply not admire the petting as a lot as you want to or assume. Don’t fear, although, there are many different methods to indicate Bernie how a lot you’re keen on him!
Grooming is a self-soothing habits for cats, so please hold an in depth eye on him. Attempt to word if the extra-long grooming classes are solely triggered by your petting or if he’s beginning to develop a compulsive habits on account of different components that is perhaps inflicting him stress and nervousness. The primary factor right here is that you don’t want this to show right into a behavior after which a compulsion as a result of cats can find yourself with infected pores and skin that results in infections and even alopecia. Overgrooming is the time period we use to explain when cats properly…overdo it. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
