Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey 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 offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may preserve your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline high-quality. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to 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 durations (FRAP), mostly often called “the zoomies”, is a pure conduct exhibited by most cats. Nevertheless, if the conduct is occurring too usually we don’t take into account it to be regular. This conduct can sign Hera is feeling burdened 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, quite a lot of toys in a rotation, and even a operating wheel. Taking part in together with your cat at the least 2 or 3 instances a day to make sure they transfer round and launch their vitality is vital. Should you already do that utilizing a laser pointer, this would possibly truly 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 gentle appeals to their predatory instincts, nevertheless, they by no means permit them to make a profitable catch. In different phrases, they by no means win. There are specific 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 identical 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 setting utilizing artificial pheromones and several other secure hiding alternatives may also assist scale back her stress. These are just a few choices to think about, the overall concept is to let her have wholesome vitality retailers and in addition present her with a stress-free setting.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Assume 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 couple of doable explanation why cats could be watching a wall. Their senses are totally 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 cannot 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 shifting 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 equivalent to partial or focal seizures. Should you suppose this could be the case, be accustomed to different indicators and document as a lot details about it as doable together with, when it occurs, after what exercise, how usually, at what time, and so forth, if doable document a video. The extra information you’ll be able to convey 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 might see ghosts, we’ve got no dependable proof to show that.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! We Wish to Go On Vacation!
“My accomplice and I are considering of occurring a two-week vacation subsequent yr 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 could be a greater different. How can we determine what’s greatest for him?” – Gemma
Hello Gemma.
Cats are creatures of behavior, they’re solitary and territorial by nature. Their properties are their acquainted territory. They spend time daily guaranteeing 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 totally different space with many different cats is oftentimes traumatic for them. When you’ve got the likelihood, I might suggest you go for the home sitter. Then, not solely will Jackson be cared for, however your property will likely be too. I do know that paying for a personal sitter can get costly, however there are some wonderful companies on the market the place you purchase a yearly membership to the group, after which the home sitting is a free trade primarily based on belief! Then, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your vacation extra realizing that Jackson is snug.
Better of luck, and revel in your vacation!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
