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Ask Dr. Paola – Monday February 17, 2025


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The knowledge is present and up-to-date in accordance with the newest veterinarian analysis.


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Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey 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 mother or father 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 can preserve your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline positive. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care on your furry companion. ‎

Have‎ a ‎query? Ship it in right here!

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Assist! My Cat Has Develop into Aggressive!

Expensive Dr. Paola,

Notts is a rescue alongside together with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. Once I received them, Notts received alongside nice with my different cats til we had him mounted. He completely modified. He’s imply and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that unhealthy. However because the final 3 years handed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his principal goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes gained’t depart the kitchen or get on the ground, He gained’t use the cat pan. he poops and pees on my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no tooth so he can’t defend himself. My as soon as comfortable cats are actually fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving house with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous yr. l don’t need to do away with them So what ought to I do? Please assist, Dr. Paola!” – Sheila

Sheila, I can hear how a lot you like your cats and the way heartbreaking this example has turn into for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious house turns into a spot of worry and rigidity, and I love your dedication to retaining your cats collectively whereas in search of an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation over time, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for the complete group dynamic. This isn’t simply a problem of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed worry, and that stage of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. You’ll want to strategy this from each a medical and behavioral standpoint to revive peace.

First, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical causes for Notts’ aggression. Regardless that you seen that his conduct modified post-neutering, different components like persistent ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological circumstances could possibly be influencing his growing hostility. A vet go to is a should to test for ache or discomfort that would make him extra reactive. Mr. Toes also needs to be examined, his refusal to make use of the litter field and his excessive avoidance of the ground counsel emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in severe well being issues.

Behaviorally, you will want to hit the reset button on your private home’s social construction. Notts must be quickly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to offer Mr. Toes a likelihood to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to offer Mr. Toes with a totally secure house the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out worry of ambush.

After a while away you can begin engaged on a managed reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with optimistic reinforcement, use bodily limitations, and step by step transfer to quick, optimistic interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.

You need to additionally be sure you enhance their entry to environmental enrichment. A wide range of vertical areas, puzzle feeders, and structured play time may also help redirect Notts’ vitality in productive methods. Multi-cat artificial pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements might also assist to ease rigidity.

As a result of this aggression has continued and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist if you happen to really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made strategy, and in some circumstances, focused medicine may also help scale back reactivity whereas coaching is applied. A veterinary behaviorist may also help with each. This case is difficult, nevertheless it’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured strategy, stability will be restored in your house. Good luck!

Dr. Paola

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Picture Credit score: Jihan Nafiaa Zahri, Shutterstock

Assist! My Cats Smells like Dying!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

My cat Pumba has a extremely unhealthy odor that smells like demise. I haven’t tried to offer him a shower but and he doesn’t appear to have some other issues, ought to I simply give him a shower and see if the odor disappears.?” – William

William, a powerful, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, is just not regular in cats and sometimes signifies an underlying difficulty that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba would possibly quickly scale back the odor if it’s on account of one thing exterior, it’s vital to first decide the supply. Cats are wonderful groomers, so a persistent unhealthy odor normally suggests a medical concern moderately than simply a problem of cleanliness.

The odor could possibly be coming from his mouth, probably on account of dental illness, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra common or coming from his pores and skin, there could possibly be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands could possibly be the trigger. Given the depth of the odor you describe, I strongly suggest having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as potential. When you’re not sure the place the odor is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case positive, a teletriage veterinary service may assist you to assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.

Nonetheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or if you happen to discover any modifications in his conduct, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is crucial.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

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Picture Credit score: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock

Assist! What Are the Facet Results of Prednisilone?

“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiration a aspect impact? – Laurie

Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have varied results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiration is just not a standard or anticipated aspect impact. Whereas gentle panting can sometimes happen, particularly in moments of stress or pleasure, persistent or labored respiration is a crimson flag that shouldn’t be ignored.

Heavy inhaling a cat taking Prednisolone may point out an underlying difficulty comparable to fluid retention, hypertension, or an underlying coronary heart situation which will have been unmasked by the steroid. In some circumstances, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory problems, significantly if there may be an undiagnosed coronary heart situation or an an infection.

Moreover, steroids suppress the immune system, which may permit infections (particularly respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a gentle underlying respiratory difficulty, the steroid could weaken his capability to struggle off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or problem respiration.

As a result of respiration issues in cats are at all times severe, I strongly suggest having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as potential. If the respiration is fast, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiration, this must be handled as an emergency.

This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection

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