Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey 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 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 supply insights that may maintain your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline tremendous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cat Has Bumps & Scabs!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Daisy is a 4-year-old, indoor cat and by no means goes outdoors, she is a little bit chubby however not overweight. She has some bumps on her again close to the bottom of her tail which might be like pimples with scabs and has began to have dandruff. She doesn’t appear to be itching them however I can see that they irritate some as a result of I’ve seen her have a look at the world and transfer prefer it bothers her. I feel it’s a eating regimen drawback however I don’t know. She solely eats dry meals however good high quality, Blue Buffalo, Iams, and so forth. Would a complement be so as? What would possibly she be lacking?” – William
Hello William! Daisy’s bumps, scabs, and dandruff close to the bottom of her tail might have a number of causes. Flea allergy is a standard difficulty, even for indoor cats, as fleas can discover their approach inside. If she isn’t on flea prevention, I’d advocate discussing this along with your vet.
Her eating regimen may additionally play a task. Dry-only diets can lack hydration and omega-3 fatty acids, each vital for pores and skin well being. Your vet could advocate including a cat-safe omega-3 fish oil complement and incorporating moisture-rich, species-appropriate meals may help enhance her pores and skin and coat. It’s finest to have your vet examine her to rule out allergy symptoms, infections, or different points. You’re doing nice by paying shut consideration to her indicators!
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cats Fur is Thinning!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
We’ve been caring for a feral cat (Oscar) for a number of years. He’s gotten pleasant solely with us for the previous 12 months. We observed skinny areas on his fur, totally on the edges close to the backbone. We thought it was from him rubbing alongside brick steps. We’ve noticed him utilizing his tooth to drag fur out after grooming the world. We don’t suppose there’s any fungus or mites that’s inflicting this as he doesn’t trouble the world as soon as the fur is pulled out. Might he have nervousness? What will be carried out about it if he does have that? Thanks” – Susie
Hello Susie, it’s heartwarming to listen to how a lot care you’ve given to Oscar. Ferals are wild creatures and don’t typically get pleasant to people, congratulations on profitable him over. You might be prone to be the one ones of our species he discovered to not run away from. Congratulations in your endurance and persistence.
The fur thinning and pulling you’ve observed could possibly be stress-related, however it’s vital to rule out different causes, akin to allergy symptoms, pores and skin irritations, or ache from underlying points like arthritis. Cats typically overgroom as a approach to deal with discomfort, whether or not bodily or emotional.
If nervousness is the trigger, environmental elements like a constant routine, secure areas, and calming pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway) which you would need to put as a collar might assist, though it’ll seemingly be a problem to place and monitor. I’m assuming you’re feeding him so making certain he’s on a high-quality eating regimen with omega-3 fatty acids may additionally help his pores and skin well being. A vet go to can be key to rule out different medical considerations and discover choices like dietary supplements or nervousness treatment if wanted. Nevertheless, that will contain a transport field. Your attentive care is making an actual distinction for him!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Is Constipated!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My (senior) cat Meeshu will get constipated now and again, and I give her a small quantity of Miralax. Sure, I learn about Lax-a-tone, however she gained’t have something to do with it—whether or not I put it on her paw or combine it in her meals. My query is, how a lot Miralax ought to I give her? She’s 19 years previous and doesn’t weigh a lot. Thanks!”
– Vicki
Congratulations on the unimaginable care you’ve given Meeshu! At 19 years previous, she’s surpassed the common cat’s lifespan, which actually displays your dedication and love.
Constipation in senior cats, like Meeshu, typically outcomes from points akin to dehydration, arthritis making it onerous for her to posture, or age-related slowing of her digestive system. Consider her gastrointestinal tract like an older automotive engine, it wants a little bit additional care and the best “gasoline” to maintain issues working easily. Whereas Miralax is usually used to handle constipation in cats, I can’t safely advocate a dosage, since we don’t have a direct doctor-patient relationship. A veterinarian who is aware of her well being historical past is the perfect individual to find out the most secure and only strategy, and with senior cats, this tailor-made care is very vital.
Within the meantime, there are steps you possibly can take to help her digestion. Hydration is essential, very like preserving oil in that engine. Strive providing a number of water stations, including low-sodium broth to her meals, or specializing in moist meals to spice up her water consumption. Introducing a small quantity of plain canned pumpkin (with out components) is like including fiber to her system, serving to issues transfer extra effectively. Simply be sure you introduce any adjustments progressively to keep away from upsetting her abdomen.
You’re doing an unimaginable job, and Meeshu is so fortunate to have you ever championing her well being and happiness in her golden years!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
