Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may maintain your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cat Has Extreme Zoomies!
“ I do know that every one cats get the zoomies, however my cat Hera’s zoomies are beginning to really feel extreme. She is 14 and nonetheless has them 4-5 instances/day, with out catnip! Is there such a factor as too many zoomies? ” – Percy
Frenetic random exercise intervals (FRAP), mostly referred to as “the zoomies”, is a pure habits exhibited by most cats. Nevertheless, if the habits is going on too typically we don’t contemplate it to be regular. This habits can sign Hera is feeling pressured or annoyed and likelihood is she wants extra psychological and bodily stimulation. Indoor cats must be supplied with a number of alternatives to outlet their vitality. This implies including some climbing choices and vertical areas, offering them with puzzle feeders, a wide range of toys in a rotation, and even a working wheel. Enjoying together with your cat no less than 2 or 3 instances a day to make sure they transfer round and launch their vitality is necessary. If you happen to already do that utilizing a laser pointer, this would possibly really be the rationale behind Hera’s frequent FRAPing or zoomies.
Whereas laser pointers are nice instruments to get cats going, they will additionally trigger an unbelievable quantity of frustration in cats as this mild appeals to their predatory instincts, nonetheless, they by no means enable them to make a profitable catch. In different phrases, they by no means win. There are particular laser pointer guidelines to observe that may assist. Toss her a toy in order that she will efficiently paw and chunk one thing tangible on the similar time you flip the pointer off. Observe this with a yummy deal with and even dinner, this permits her to finish her “looking cycle” as a substitute of leaving her hanging up.
Offering Hera with a chilled surroundings utilizing artificial pheromones and several other protected hiding alternatives may also assist scale back her stress. These are just a few choices to contemplate, the final thought is to let her have wholesome vitality retailers and likewise present her with a stress-free surroundings.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Suppose My Cat Can See Ghosts!
“Can cats see ghosts? My cat stares on the wall on a regular basis as if somebody is there however there isn’t. What ought to I do right here?”
” – Daniela
There are a number of doable explanation why cats may be staring at a wall. Their senses are completely different from ours, they will hear noises we are able to’t because of the frequency vary and may additionally be smelling one thing you can’t detect. In lots of instances, these are small animals hiding behind the partitions. A cat would look and also you would possibly see their ears transferring to observe the noise’s origin.
You didn’t point out the age but when your cat is a senior, senile dementia or age-related cognitive dysfunction is a chance. Different prospects embrace neurological issues akin to partial or focal seizures. If you happen to suppose this may be the case, be aware of different indicators and report as a lot details about it as doable together with, when it occurs, after what exercise, how typically, at what time, and many others, if doable report a video. The extra data you’ll be able to deliver to your vet, the higher possibilities of a profitable prognosis; though a definitive prognosis would want an electroencephalogram (EEG). These are the medical prospects, and though many swear that cats have supernatural powers and may see ghosts, we’ve no dependable proof to show that.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! We Need to Go On Vacation!
“My accomplice and I are considering of happening a two-week vacation subsequent 12 months however we’ve by no means left our 3-year-old cat Jackson for greater than 2 days earlier than. We’re considering of placing him right into a cattery, however then additionally suppose a home sitter may be a greater different. How will we determine what’s greatest for him?” – Gemma
Hello Gemma.
Cats are creatures of behavior, they’re solitary and territorial by nature. Their houses are their acquainted territory. They spend time daily making certain each piece of it’s marked with their scent from facial pheromones, which give them a way of familiarity or belonging and make them really feel safe. Shifting them to a very completely different space with many different cats is oftentimes anxious for them. When you have the likelihood, I’d suggest you go for the home sitter. Then, not solely will Jackson be cared for, however your own home will likely be too. I do know that paying for a personal sitter can get costly, however there are some wonderful providers on the market the place you purchase a yearly membership to the group, after which the home sitting is a free alternate based mostly on belief! Then, you’ll be able to take pleasure in your vacation extra realizing that Jackson is comfy.
Better of luck, and revel in your vacation!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
