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 suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can preserve your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! I Have a Sneezy Cat!
“ I’ve observed my cat Penny sneezes sometimes. I haven’t actually been ready to determine the set off but, it’s possibly three sneezes/day on a nasty day, however just one most days. Ought to I be frightened about her being a bit sneezy?” – Helen
Hello Helen,
There isn’t any should be involved about Penny’s occasional sneezing. Typically, rare sneezing in cats is regular and might be attributed to minor irritants like mud or gentle allergens within the atmosphere. Sneezing helps defend the respiratory system by eliminating these small particles. Nevertheless, if Penny’s sneezing turns into extra frequent, or it’s accompanied by different indicators reminiscent of nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, or modifications in exercise ranges or urge for food, it will be greatest to seek the advice of along with your veterinarian as these indicators point out well being issues. Variety regards!
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Loves Licking Plastic Baggage!
“My cat loves licking plastic baggage, typically ones with out meals in them so it isn’t meals that’s drawing her to them. I preserve them away from her as greatest as I can however she is sort of a moth to a flame and if I ever depart one unattended for a second she finds it. Might this be associated to one thing critical? And the way can I cease her?” – Freddie
Hello Freddie, it isn’t unusual for cats to be connected to plastic baggage. It could be the feeling or the sounds, however your cat shouldn’t be the one one. Some cats additionally current this suckling habits the place they “nurse” on their human’s finger or inanimate objects like blankets, clothes, or in your cat’s case, plastics. This habits is usually noticed in kittens who have been separated from their moms too early and is extra widespread in oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese, which can have a genetic predisposition to it.
The primary concern along with your cat presenting this habits can be the danger of asphyxiation or choking and the potential ingestion of the plastic baggage, which could result in harmful obstructions that require emergency surgical procedure. To handle this habits, present various actions like interactive toys to redirect their focus. Additionally, you will have to proceed doing all of your greatest to maintain the plastic bag out of her attain to keep away from pointless dangers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat is a Clear Freak!
“Bernie has began giving himself extra-long grooming classes, particularly after I pet him. Is that this him being a clear freak, or does he simply suppose I’m messing up his fur-care routine?” – Tyler
Hey Tyler, petting Bernie is usually a fantastic technique to bond with him and present him your affection. Nevertheless, it’s essential to stroke him in the identical route the fur grows. Petting towards the pure lay of the fur may trigger discomfort and should result in tangling or matting, particularly if Bernie has lengthy hair. Most cats desire mild strokes that observe the pure route of their coat.
If you don’t suppose that’s the reason for the lengthy grooming classes, you will need to take into account that many cats have a brief tolerance for getting dealt with and Bernie would possibly simply not respect the petting as a lot as you prefer to or assume. Don’t fear, although, there are a lot of different methods to point out Bernie how a lot you’re keen on him!
Grooming is a self-soothing habits for cats, so please preserve an in depth eye on him. Attempt to notice if the extra-long grooming classes are solely triggered by your petting or if he’s beginning to develop a compulsive habits as a consequence of different components that is likely to be inflicting him stress and anxiousness. The primary factor right here is that you do not need this to show right into a behavior after which a compulsion as a result of cats can find yourself with infected pores and skin that results in infections and even alopecia. Overgrooming is the time period we use to explain when cats effectively…overdo it. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
