Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 offer 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 can maintain your kitty completely satisfied, wholesome, and feline advantageous. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care on 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 nicely 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 rigidity, particularly with a major age hole, as with Finn and Honey. Older cats like Finn typically have much less persistence for youthful cats’ playful or unpredictable conduct. Finn might really feel his house is being invaded, or he may be coping with age-related discomfort that makes him extra irritable. Hissing is his means of speaking discomfort relatively than aggression.
Alex, you possibly can assist enhance their relationship by creating optimistic associations. Present Finn with quiet, protected areas the place he can retreat with out disturbance. Have interaction Honey in interactive play classes to redirect her power, decreasing the probabilities of bothering Finn. Artificial feline pheromone diffusers can even encourage a calmer surroundings. Reward peaceable interactions between them with treats or reward to bolster optimistic conduct. 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.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
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If you’ll want to communicate with a vet however can’t get to 1, head over to PangoVet. It’s a web-based service the place you possibly can discuss to a vet on-line and get the customized recommendation you want on your pet — all at an inexpensive worth!
Assist! My Cat Retains Sneezing!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 instances per week, largely it’s a brief dry sneeze, twice within the final two months she had a moist one. No modifications 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 normally innocent and sometimes brought on by minor irritants akin to mud or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t proven any modifications in conduct or urge for food, it’s unlikely to be a severe difficulty.
If Mushka’s sneezing turns into extra frequent, the moist sneezes occur extra typically, otherwise you discover different indicators like nasal discharge or modifications in her respiratory, scheduling a vet go to can be a good suggestion to make sure her respiratory well being. And should you’re nonetheless uncertain, keep in mind how fortunate you’re to stay in 2025! On-line veterinary assist makes it a lot simpler to evaluate conditions like this, providing you with professional steerage from the consolation of your private home with out the guesswork or problem of a clinic go to. You’ll be able to communicate to one in all our skilled veterinarians at PangoVet.com on a one-on-one video name and so they might help reply any questions you might 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 somewhat little bit of fried hen, no pores and skin and no bone. She is appearing advantageous however I simply wish to verify if she can be OK, and whether it is protected to offer her fried hen sooner or later or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mother)
Debbie, it’s nice that you simply’re conserving 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 appearing advantageous. Nonetheless, fried hen isn’t a great 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 total well being. Sooner or later, plain boiled hen can be a significantly better choice—it’s gentler on her abdomen and free from pointless fat or components.
It’s additionally necessary to do not forget that treats ought to solely make up a tiny a part of a cat’s food regimen. Making certain Tinker Bell will get full and balanced meals designed for her dietary wants will assist maintain her wholesome as she grows. When you’re ever uncertain about what’s protected for her or discover any uncommon indicators, you all the time have entry to on-line veterinary companies. You’ll be able to communicate to one in all our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they’ll present professional recommendation with out the stress of placing her in a provider for a clinic go to if it isn’t completely essential.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence