Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey professional 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 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 may maintain your kitty completely satisfied, wholesome, and feline effective. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in 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 probably the most half however my oldest and youngest actually have the largest battle. My oldest will even hiss generally when my youngest walks close to him. Why would this be and any ideas to assist?” – Alex
It’s frequent 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 conduct. 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 manner of speaking discomfort quite than aggression.
Alex, you possibly can assist enhance their relationship by creating optimistic 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 power, decreasing the possibilities of bothering Finn. Artificial feline pheromone diffusers may also encourage a calmer atmosphere. Reward peaceable interactions between them with treats or reward to strengthen optimistic conduct. If Finn’s hissing turns into extra frequent or is paired with indicators of ache, a veterinary check-up could be a good suggestion to rule out any well being issues.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
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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 conduct 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 infrequently brought on by minor irritants resembling mud or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t proven any adjustments in conduct or urge for food, it’s unlikely to be a critical challenge.
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 respiratory, scheduling a vet go to could be a good suggestion to make sure her respiratory well being. And in case you’re nonetheless uncertain, bear in mind how fortunate you might be to dwell in 2025! On-line veterinary assist makes it a lot simpler to evaluate conditions like this, providing you with professional steering from the consolation of your house with out the guesswork or problem of a clinic go to. You may converse to considered one of our skilled veterinarians at PangoVet.com on a one-on-one video name and so they may help reply any questions you could have and offer you a personalised care plan for Mushka.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Gave My Kitten Fried Hen!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I gave my 10-month-old kitten a bit of little bit of fried hen, no pores and skin and no bone. She is performing effective however I simply wish to verify if she can be OK, and whether it is secure to provide her fried hen sooner or later or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mother)
Debbie, it’s nice that you just’re retaining such a detailed eye on Tinker Bell’s well-being! A small quantity of fried hen with out pores and skin or bone shouldn’t trigger her any points, particularly since she’s performing effective. Nevertheless, fried hen isn’t a really perfect 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 hen could be a significantly better possibility—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 eating regimen. 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 companies. You may converse to considered one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they’re going to present professional recommendation with out the stress of placing her in a service for a clinic go to if it isn’t completely obligatory.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection