Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 guardian 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline high-quality. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Has Change into Aggressive!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Notts is a rescue alongside along with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. After 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 essential goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes gained’t go away 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 enamel so he can’t defend himself. My as soon as glad cats at the moment are fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving dwelling with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous 12 months. l don’t wish 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 case has develop into for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious dwelling turns into a spot of concern and rigidity, and I like your dedication to maintaining your cats collectively whereas searching for an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation through the years, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for your complete group dynamic. This isn’t simply a problem of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed concern, and that stage of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. It’s essential 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 habits modified post-neutering, different elements like power ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological situations might be influencing his growing hostility. A vet go to is a should to examine for ache or discomfort that might make him extra reactive. Mr. Toes must also be examined, his refusal to make use of the litter field and his excessive avoidance of the ground recommend emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in critical well being issues.
Behaviorally, you have to to hit the reset button on your private home’s social construction. Notts must be briefly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to present Mr. Toes an opportunity to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to offer Mr. Toes with a very secure house the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out concern of ambush.
After a while away you can begin engaged on a managed reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with optimistic reinforcement, use bodily obstacles, and progressively transfer to brief, optimistic interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.
You will need to additionally be sure to enhance their entry to environmental enrichment. Quite a lot of vertical areas, puzzle feeders, and structured play time can assist redirect Notts’ power in productive methods. Multi-cat artificial pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements may additionally assist to ease rigidity.
As a result of this aggression has continued and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist for those who really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made strategy, and in some circumstances, focused treatment can assist cut back reactivity whereas coaching is carried out. A veterinary behaviorist can assist with each. This case is difficult, nevertheless it’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured strategy, steadiness could be restored in your house. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cats Smells like Loss of life!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Pumba has a extremely unhealthy odor that smells like demise. I haven’t tried to present him a shower but and he doesn’t appear to have every other issues, ought to I simply give him a shower and see if the odor disappears.?” – William
William, a robust, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, isn’t regular in cats and infrequently signifies an underlying subject that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba may briefly cut 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 often suggests a medical concern slightly than simply a problem of cleanliness.
The odor might be coming from his mouth, presumably on account of dental illness, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra normal or coming from his pores and skin, there might be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands might be the trigger. Given the depth of the odor you describe, I strongly advocate having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as doable. In the event you’re uncertain the place the odor is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case high-quality, a teletriage veterinary service might provide help to assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.
Nonetheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or for those who discover any modifications in his habits, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is crucial.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! What Are the Facet Results of Prednisilone?
“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiration a facet impact? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have numerous results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiration isn’t a standard or anticipated facet impact. Whereas gentle panting can often 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 might point out an underlying subject corresponding 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 issues, notably if there’s an undiagnosed coronary heart situation or an an infection.
Moreover, steroids suppress the immune system, which might permit infections (particularly respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a light underlying respiratory subject, the steroid might weaken his skill to struggle off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or problem respiration.
As a result of respiration issues in cats are at all times critical, I strongly advocate having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as doable. If the respiration is speedy, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiration, this ought to be handled as an emergency.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
