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 dad or mum 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of subjects 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.
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Assist! My Cats Vomit So much!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
I’ve 2 male littermates that flip 12 this yr. They’ve at all times vomited so much. Even after making an attempt totally different meals. We took one (Jake) to the vet for remark they usually discovered no points. Now Jake reveals no actual urge for food and projectile vomits a ton of liquid each day. Any concept what is perhaps happening with him? The brother vomits some however has an enormous urge for food. What ought to we do subsequent?” – Donna
Hello Donna,
Thanks for reaching out about Jake and his brother. Vomiting is regarding, particularly when it turns into frequent or is accompanied by modifications in urge for food, as you’re seeing with Jake’s brother. Persistent vomiting in cats might be brought on by many points starting from gentle meals intolerances to extra critical situations like inflammatory bowel illness (IBD), meals allergic reactions, pancreatitis, and even gastrointestinal lymphoma, notably as they age.
Since Jake is now projectile vomiting each day and has misplaced his urge for food, that is harmful and could possibly be indicating an emergency corresponding to a blockage. Whereas the earlier vet go to didn’t reveal points, the escalation of indicators means Jake probably wants additional diagnostic testing. I might advocate a recheck along with your veterinarian as quickly as potential. Bloodwork, stomach imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), and presumably endoscopy or biopsies could also be essential to establish the issue. Within the meantime, making an attempt to maintain Jake hydrated is necessary, as extreme vomiting can result in dehydration.
His brother’s continued urge for food however occasional vomiting might point out a milder or associated problem, so it’s price mentioning each cats’ histories whenever you go to the vet. I perceive this may be irritating, and disturbing, however with well timed intervention, many situations might be managed successfully. Don’t wait.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat Has Osteochondrolysplasia!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
I’m questioning how lengthy the illness osteochondrolysplasia continues to worsen. I’ve a feminine 7-year-old Tabby, Lillian, with the illness that impacts her ankles and paws. She will get round with little or no ache. Will this worsen or journey to different components as she will get older or is it over as a result of she is older?” – Gail
Hello Gail,
Thanks for reaching out about Lillian. Osteochondrodysplasia is a progressive situation that always impacts the joints, notably within the ankles and paws. Consider her joints like hinges on a incessantly used gate. Over time, they will put on down and turn into stiff, particularly if they aren’t cared for correctly. The excellent news is that since Lillian is already seven and experiencing minimal ache, her situation could also be progressing extra slowly than in another circumstances. Whereas it doesn’t sometimes unfold to different components of the physique, the affected joints might proceed to point out gradual put on and tear as she ages.
The development can differ relying on her exercise stage, total well being, and weight. If she stays lively and cozy, her high quality of life can stay fairly good with just a few considerate changes. Ensuring she maintains a wholesome weight is essential as a result of even a bit of additional weight provides pointless pressure to her joints, very like carrying a heavy backpack on an extended stroll. Offering her with a cushty surroundings, corresponding to tender bedding or quick access to her favourite spots, will help her transfer round with out discomfort.
It is usually necessary to observe for any indicators that her discomfort is rising, take word for instance if she hesitates to leap, her each day exercise appears to be diminished, or if the is any swelling round her joints. These are all indicators that her joints want additional consideration. For those who discover modifications, discuss to your vet about tips on how to preserve her pain-free. Joint dietary supplements or different therapies may make a giant distinction. If you’re uncertain whether or not her indicators require speedy care, you’ll be able to at all times schedule a name with our veterinarians by way of our tele-triage service, PangoVet, the place they will help information your subsequent steps.
Yet another factor Gail; I simply wished to let that we all know you actually take care of Lillian, we acknowledge your case from a earlier remark in one in every of our posts in regards to the illness. Thanks for that! Along with your love, consideration, and proactive care, she has a profitable benefit in persevering with to get pleasure from her golden years comfortably and fortunately by your aspect.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cats Are Begging for Scraps!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Can cats eat meals scraps? My two, Ginny and George, actually strive their hardest to get into our meals scraps bucket and our rubbish cans. We don’t enable them to do it however their begging and making an attempt makes me a bit of loopy. It’s largely vegetable scraps, too, so we’re at all times confused after they strive. They’re indoor/outside cats, so I don’t know what they eat throughout the day, however we have now good moist meals for them, although they nonetheless actually appear to need our scraps.”
– Petey
Hello Petey, it seems like Ginny and George are protecting you in your toes! Their curiosity in meals scraps and rubbish is definitely fairly frequent amongst curious cats, even after they’re well-fed. Whereas it may be irritating, this habits is discovered and infrequently pushed by curiosity, instincts, or the tempting smells of human meals.
Even when the scraps are largely vegetable-based, cats might be drawn by the scent and the potential of a deal with. Since discovering meals is a self-reinforcing habits in the event that they have been profitable as soon as, they may preserve making an attempt. Nonetheless, it’s not a secure behavior to permit. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their our bodies are designed to course of animal-based proteins quite than plant matter. Past being nutritionally inappropriate, many human meals, like onions, and garlic, are poisonous to them. Even harmless-seeming objects may upset their stomachs and fatty scraps can even contribute to weight problems or different well being points.
Different dangers of looking by scraps or rubbish embody ingesting one thing indigestible or sharp, which may trigger choking or an intestinal blockage, in addition to publicity to moldy or spoiled meals, which is able to make them sick. Even when they’re simply exploring, the potential for hurt makes prevention important. To handle this, securing your scraps and rubbish cans with tight-fitting lids or storing them in inaccessible areas (like inside a cupboard) is necessary. You would additionally strive providing them some secure alternate options like interactive feeders or puzzle toys can redirect their vitality and supply psychological stimulation, which can scale back their fascination with your scraps.
Since Ginny and George are indoor-outdoor cats, they could even be searching or scavenging outdoors, which may reinforce their discovered habits and affect their dietary consumption. Making certain their meals are nutritionally full and satisfying will help scale back their curiosity in different meals sources. If their habits persists, consulting a veterinarian could possibly be useful to rule out any underlying points, like dietary deficiencies or parasites. With constant boundaries, participating actions, and a little bit of endurance, you’ll be able to assist them keep secure and discourage this curious behavior, not less than when they’re inside. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
