Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey 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 guardian 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 hold your kitty completely satisfied, wholesome, and feline superb. 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 Cat Has Develop into Aggressive!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Notts is a rescue alongside along with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. After I acquired them, Notts acquired alongside nice with my different cats til we had him mounted. He completely modified. He’s imply and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that unhealthy. However because the final 3 years handed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his major goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes received’t depart 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 completely satisfied cats are actually fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving residence with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous 12 months. 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 like your cats and the way heartbreaking this example has change into for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious residence turns into a spot of worry and stress, and I love your dedication to retaining your cats collectively whereas in search of an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation through the years, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for the whole group dynamic. This isn’t simply a difficulty of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed worry, and that stage of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. It’s good to strategy 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 seen that his habits modified post-neutering, different elements like power ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological circumstances might 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 counsel emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in severe well being issues.
Behaviorally, you’ll need to hit the reset button on your property’s social construction. Notts must be briefly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to offer Mr. Toes an opportunity to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to offer Mr. Toes with a very secure area the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out worry of ambush.
After a while away you can begin engaged on a managed reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with constructive reinforcement, use bodily boundaries, and step by step transfer to brief, constructive interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.
It’s essential to additionally be sure to enhance their entry to environmental enrichment. Quite a lot of vertical areas, puzzle feeders, and structured play time may also help redirect Notts’ power in productive methods. Multi-cat artificial pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements may additionally assist to ease stress.
As a result of this aggression has persevered and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist when you really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made strategy, and in some circumstances, focused medicine may also help cut back reactivity whereas coaching is applied. A veterinary behaviorist may also help with each. This example is difficult, but it surely’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured strategy, steadiness could 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 unhealthy odor that smells like dying. I haven’t tried to offer 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 robust, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, is just not regular in cats and sometimes signifies an underlying challenge that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba may briefly cut back the scent if it’s because of one thing exterior, it’s necessary to first decide the supply. Cats are wonderful groomers, so a persistent unhealthy odor normally suggests a medical concern slightly than simply a difficulty of cleanliness.
The scent might be coming from his mouth, presumably because of dental illness, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra common or coming from his pores and skin, there might be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands might be the trigger. Given the depth of the scent you describe, I strongly suggest having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as doable. For those who’re not sure the place the scent is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case superb, a teletriage veterinary service might assist you to assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.
Nonetheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or when you discover any modifications in his habits, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is important.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! What Are the Facet Results of Prednisilone?
“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiration a facet impact? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have varied results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiration is just not a typical or anticipated facet impact. Whereas gentle panting can often happen, particularly in moments of stress or pleasure, persistent or labored respiration is a purple flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
Heavy inhaling a cat taking Prednisolone might point out an underlying challenge corresponding to fluid retention, hypertension, or an underlying coronary heart situation which will have been unmasked by the steroid. In some circumstances, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory issues, significantly if there’s 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 gentle underlying respiratory challenge, the steroid might weaken his potential to struggle off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or problem respiration.
As a result of respiration issues in cats are at all times severe, I strongly suggest having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as doable. If the respiration is fast, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiration, this must be handled as an emergency.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
