Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cats Aren’t Getting Alongside!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
I’ve 3 cats Finn (14y), Cinnamon (8y), and Honey (4y). They get alongside nicely for essentially 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 suggestions to assist?” – Alex
It’s widespread for cats in a multi-cat family to expertise occasional pressure, particularly with a major age hole, as with Finn and Honey. Older cats like Finn typically have much less endurance for youthful cats’ playful or unpredictable habits. Finn could really feel his house is being invaded, or he is perhaps coping with age-related discomfort that makes him extra irritable. Hissing is his method of speaking discomfort relatively than aggression.
Alex, you may assist enhance their relationship by creating optimistic associations. Present Finn with quiet, secure areas the place he can retreat with out disturbance. Interact Honey in interactive play periods to redirect her vitality, lowering the probabilities of bothering Finn. Artificial feline pheromone diffusers also can encourage a calmer atmosphere. Reward peaceable interactions between them with treats or reward to strengthen optimistic habits. If Finn’s hissing turns into extra frequent or is paired with indicators of ache, a veterinary check-up can be a good suggestion to rule out any well being issues.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat Retains Sneezing!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 occasions per week, largely it’s a brief dry sneeze, twice within the final two months she had a moist one. No adjustments in her habits 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 sometimes brought on by minor irritants corresponding to mud or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t proven any adjustments in habits or urge for food, it’s unlikely to be a critical difficulty.
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 can be a good suggestion to make sure her respiratory well being. And if you happen to’re nonetheless uncertain, bear in mind how fortunate you might be to reside in 2025! On-line veterinary assist makes it a lot simpler to evaluate conditions like this, providing you with skilled steering from the consolation of your property 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 they usually may help reply any questions you could have and offer you a customized care plan for Mushka.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Gave My Kitten Fried Rooster!
“Pricey 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 nice however I simply need to test if she shall be OK, and whether it is secure to present her fried hen sooner or later or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mother)
Debbie, it’s nice that you just’re retaining such an in depth 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 nice. Nonetheless, fried hen isn’t a super 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 can be a a lot better possibility—it’s gentler on her abdomen and free from pointless fat or components.
It’s additionally essential to keep in mind that treats ought to solely make up a tiny a part of a cat’s weight loss plan. Guaranteeing Tinker Bell will get full and balanced meals designed for her dietary wants will assist preserve her wholesome as she grows. Should you’re ever uncertain about what’s secure for her or discover any uncommon indicators, you at all times have entry to on-line veterinary providers. You may converse to considered one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they’ll present skilled recommendation with out the stress of placing her in a provider for a clinic go to if it isn’t completely crucial.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection