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 father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may preserve your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! I Am Fearful My Cat Might Get Fleas!
“ Are you able to give a suggestion for flea remedies for Persian cats? My cat is usually indoors however typically the neighbor’s out of doors cat comes round and I fear she’s going to get fleas from him” – Flora (Mother to Lola)
Hello Flora,
It’s nice that you just’re contemplating flea prevention for Lola, particularly given the potential publicity from neighboring out of doors cats. Even indoor cats will be prone to flea infestations, as fleas can enter properties on clothes or by means of open home windows.
For Persian cats, with their luxurious lengthy coats, topical remedies are sometimes efficient and simple to use. These remedies usually supply safety in opposition to fleas for a month and must be reapplied promptly to keep up their efficacy.
Earlier than initiating any flea remedy, it’s essential to seek the advice of together with your veterinarian. They will present steerage tailor-made to Lola’s weight and particular well being wants, making certain the chosen product is each secure and efficient for her.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Doesn’t Like Her Meals!
“We rescued our cat Dolly almost six months in the past and her consuming habits are nonetheless a bit odd. She doesn’t appear to love a lot of what we provide her, and after about one week of success with a meals, she alters her thoughts once more. This occurs with moist and dry meals. What ought to we do? – Stephen
It’s not unusual for rescued cats like Dolly to current behavioral issues, and lots of are very delicate to environmental stimuli. All cats, however particularly rescue cats, are delicate to emphasize, so it’s necessary to determine and decrease potential stressors, similar to noisy areas, unfamiliar scents, or disruptions of their routine, as these can have an effect on their urge for food. It’s additionally an excellent thought to be aware of Dolly’s preferences for textures and flavors, similar to pâté versus shredded or particular protein sources like rooster or fish, and take into account providing high-quality, commercially accessible recent cat meals.
These choices are sometimes extra interesting as a result of their pure style and aroma, and they’re full and balanced to satisfy her dietary wants. You can additionally attempt to entice her urge for food by mixing a bit little bit of species-appropriate meals into her food regimen, similar to cat-safe bone broth or small parts of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish, which will be extra engaging and nutritious. Cats who eat quite a lot of meals are likely to adapt higher and are much less vulnerable to changing into fixated on a single food regimen, which will be helpful for his or her long-term well being.
Steadily introduce new meals to keep away from digestive upset and keep a constant feeding schedule in a peaceful, quiet house. If Dolly’s pickiness persists or she reveals indicators of digestive misery or weight reduction, seek the advice of your veterinarian to run some exams and rule out any underlying medical points affecting her urge for food.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Will get Hairballs!
“I’ve learn that cats shouldn’t get hairballs, however it’s typically a stereotype I hear about cats, that they get hairballs. Why is that this? And why accomplish that many cats get them in the event that they shouldn’t? My cat Kaley will get them occasionally and I’m feeling a bit responsible after I learn this isn’t regular” – Chris (Dad to Kaley)
Chris, please don’t really feel responsible—simply the truth that you’ve observed Kaley’s hairball concern and are prepared to handle it reveals how a lot you take care of her, which is actually admirable. Whereas it’s a standard false impression that hairballs are regular for cats, they’re not one thing that ought to happen recurrently. Cats naturally ingest hair whereas grooming, however their digestive programs are designed to cross it by means of their stool. Hairballs occur when extra hair accumulates within the abdomen and may’t be expelled, typically as a result of a food regimen missing in moisture or fiber, extreme grooming, and even underlying points like gastrointestinal motility issues. There are some things you possibly can strive. The primary and most useful step for Kaley is to make sure she’s on a high-moisture food regimen, similar to high-quality moist or recent cat meals, as this helps digestion and helps hair transfer easily by means of her system. You must also take into account a water fountain. Common brushing to take away unfastened fur and monitoring for stress or potential pores and skin situations that may trigger over-grooming may make a giant distinction. If hairballs change into frequent otherwise you discover different indicators like vomiting, modifications in urge for food, or lethargy, consulting your veterinarian is the easiest way to rule out underlying causes and create a administration plan tailor-made for her. You’re already doing a lot simply by being proactive—Kaley is fortunate to have you ever!
Form regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection