Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may hold your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline nice. 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 absolute best care in your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! I Am Nervous My Cat Might Get Fleas!
“ Are you able to give a advice for flea remedies for Persian cats? My cat is usually indoors however typically the neighbor’s outside cat comes round and I fear she is 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 outside cats. Even indoor cats could be vulnerable to flea infestations, as fleas can enter properties on clothes or by open home windows.
For Persian cats, with their luxurious lengthy coats, topical remedies are sometimes efficient and easy to use. These remedies sometimes provide safety in opposition to fleas for a month and needs to be reapplied promptly to take care of their efficacy.
Earlier than initiating any flea remedy, it’s essential to seek the advice of together with your veterinarian. They’ll present steering tailor-made to Lola’s weight and particular well being wants, guaranteeing the chosen product is each protected and efficient for her.
Greatest 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 modifies 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 vital to determine and decrease potential stressors, reminiscent of 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 concept to be aware of Dolly’s preferences for textures and flavors, reminiscent of pâté versus shredded or particular protein sources like rooster or fish, and think about providing high-quality, commercially obtainable recent cat meals.
These choices are sometimes extra interesting attributable to their pure style and aroma, and they’re full and balanced to satisfy her dietary wants. You might additionally attempt to entice her urge for food by mixing a little bit little bit of species-appropriate meals into her weight-reduction plan, reminiscent of cat-safe bone broth or small parts of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish, which could be extra attractive and nutritious. Cats who eat a wide range of meals are inclined to adapt higher and are much less susceptible to changing into fixated on a single weight-reduction plan, which could be helpful for his or her long-term well being.
Regularly introduce new meals to keep away from digestive upset and keep a constant feeding schedule in a relaxed, quiet area. 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 usually a stereotype I hear about cats, that they get hairballs. Why is that this? And why achieve this many cats get them in the event that they shouldn’t? My cat Kaley will get them now and again and I’m feeling a bit responsible once 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 subject and are keen to deal with 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 often. Cats naturally ingest hair whereas grooming, however their digestive techniques are designed to cross it by their stool. Hairballs occur when extra hair accumulates within the abdomen and might’t be expelled, usually attributable to a weight-reduction plan missing in moisture or fiber, extreme grooming, and even underlying points like gastrointestinal motility issues. There are some things you’ll be able to strive. The primary and most useful step for Kaley is to make sure she’s on a high-moisture weight-reduction plan, reminiscent of high-quality moist or recent cat meals, as this helps digestion and helps hair transfer easily by her system. You also needs to think about a water fountain. Common brushing to take away free fur and monitoring for stress or potential pores and skin situations that may trigger over-grooming can even make an enormous distinction. If hairballs turn out to be frequent otherwise you discover different indicators like vomiting, adjustments 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 sequence
