Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline positive. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety 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.
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Assist! My Cat Refuses to Eat!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
I’ve an nearly 4-year-old black cat, and she or he refuses to eat any cat meals. I supply her on daily basis apart from these “Lil’ Soups” made by Friskies. She is going to wish to eat that and solely that on daily basis, however these aren’t low-cost! I can’t afford to present them to her on daily basis. She in any other case is wholesome, drinks water, and could be very energetic significantly late at evening. She will not be obese and has no issues along with her stool or in her mouth. I don’t know what to do, Please assist me” – Barbara
Hello Barbara, I perceive how worrying it may be when a cat refuses to eat something besides one particular meals, particularly when it’s not a balanced and full food plan. Cats may be extremely choosy about their meals preferences, usually changing into fixated on sure textures or flavors, making transitions difficult (however not unimaginable). The Friskies Lil’ Soups are extra of a deal with than a nutritionally full components, so it’s crucial to assist her settle for a balanced food plan whereas additionally contemplating your price range. First, you might want to search for a “full and balanced” assertion on the meals’s label.
Since by your description, she seems in any other case wholesome, that is probably a behavioral or preference-based challenge somewhat than a medical one. Nonetheless, earlier than assuming it’s simply plain choice, it’s all the time good to rule out discrete well being considerations like nausea, dental sensitivity, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If she’s ingesting nicely, sustaining weight, and has regular stools, that’s excellent news. The important thing now could be to transition her to an entire food plan by regularly mixing small quantities of moist or dry cat meals into her Lil’ Soups, begin small and work in the direction of growing the proportion slowly over time. Warming the meals barely or including a little bit of water or cat-safe bone broth to enhance texture could make it extra interesting, particularly since we all know she prefers a extra liquid consistency. If she nonetheless resists, providing meals for a set time after which eradicating it somewhat than catering to her choice will assist reset her expectations. Cats may be difficult, however with endurance and consistency, she will study to eat a extra acceptable food plan.
If she fully refuses meals for greater than 24 hours, that turns into a priority, as cats can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver illness) in the event that they go too lengthy with out consuming. In that case, I recommend consulting instantly with a web-based teletriage service that can assist you decide the very best subsequent steps earlier than it turns into a medical drawback. Catster is partnered with PangoVet’s teletriage service, you’ll be able to study extra about them right here and guide a seek the advice of with our vet crew. Keep affected person and be persistent—cats are intelligent, however with time, you’ll be able to information her towards more healthy consuming habits.
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cats is Over Grooming!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Tommy has not too long ago developed a foul behavior of over-grooming. He’s consistently licking and scratching, and his coat has noticeably thinned. Our vet found he has quite a few environmental allergic reactions, however his remedy hasn’t appeared to make a distinction. We’re unsure the place to go from right here and the best way to break this behavior. The one factor that’s helped is placing him in a cone of disgrace, however he doesn’t prefer it and it’s not a everlasting answer. What can we do to get him to cease over-grooming?” – Keith
Hello Keith, Tommy’s over-grooming is probably going an indication of persistent irritation and discomfort, and since environmental allergic reactions are concerned, discovering the correct method to managing them is vital. Allergy symptoms can weaken the pores and skin barrier, making it extra reactive to irritants, which might result in extreme licking and scratching. If his present therapy hasn’t introduced noticeable reduction, exploring extra choices corresponding to completely different anti-inflammatory therapies, antihistamines, and even immunotherapy could assist.
Supporting his pores and skin well being can even make a giant distinction. Omega-3 fatty acids assist strengthen the pores and skin barrier and cut back irritation, very similar to a protecting moisturizer for delicate pores and skin. Common baths with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can take away allergens from his coat, lowering irritation. Since allergens can accumulate within the dwelling, frequent vacuuming, washing his bedding, and utilizing HEPA filters could assist restrict his publicity. The opposite a part of this equation could be to work on lowering his stress or anxiousness since over-grooming can turn into a self-soothing behavior. I like to recommend making an attempt calming artificial pheromone diffusers, partaking in additional playtime, and organising quite a lot of novel environmental enrichment units to attempt to redirect his focus.
Whereas the cone prevents additional irritation, it’s not a repair. Think about feeling itchy however having your palms cuffed. Addressing the basis trigger is crucial for a long-term answer. A mix of remedy changes, pores and skin help, and environmental adjustments can usually break the cycle. It could be useful to revisit his therapy plan and discover extra methods to maintain him comfy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Ate Praziquantel!
“My cat Milo ate a small quantity of Praziquantel for canine what ought to I do? Thanks upfront – Chavonne
Chavonne, I perceive how regarding it may be when a pet by accident ingests remedy not meant for them. The excellent news is that Praziquantel is usually used to deal with tapeworms in each canine and cats, however the dosage and formulation can range between species. If Milo consumed a small quantity of the canine model of solely Praziquantel he’s probably protected. The primary concern right here could be the potential toxicity from a excessive dose. In keeping with a research printed within the Parasitology Worldwide Journal, a dose of as much as 40mg per kg (18.14mg per lb) is protected for cats and whereas we sometimes work with decrease dosages to deal with prone parasites, this can be a good reference for Milo’s case. If Milo ingested considerably greater than that there’s an elevated threat of opposed results corresponding to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, extreme salivation, or, in excessive doses, neurological points like tremors or incoordination. If you’re uncertain how a lot he ingested or if he reveals any of those regarding indicators, it’s best to hunt veterinary steering instantly.
Likewise, if there’s different drug combined in with the Praziquantel for canine formulation, you might want to seek the advice of a vet. If the product contained extra medicine know that a number of of the generally used multidrug formulations have medicine which are thought-about poisonous to cats, if that’s the case, pressing veterinary care could also be vital—even when Milo appears positive now. For those who’re uncertain concerning the formulation, checking the packaging or calling a tele-triage veterinary service may help assess the danger. If Milo develops any regarding indicators, please don’t wait, in-person veterinary care is your most secure choice. I hope Milo is doing nicely.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
