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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline advantageous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Gained’t Eat His Moist Meals!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My 5-year-old Ragdoll Winston is not going to eat moist meals, he’ll eat the gravy however not the meat. I’ve tried all the things, even making my very own gravy for him. Does he really want moist meals? He eats a prescription dry cat meals with no drawback. He does like cat treats. “– Carol
Hello Carol,
It’s possible you’ll discover a little bit of aid in listening to that you’re not alone! It’s really fairly widespread for cats, particularly these with a robust desire for sure textures, to favor sure issues of their meals, like in Winston’s case, the gravy in moist meals, and go away the remaining behind. Ragdolls love routine, and they are often fairly explicit about modifications, which can lead to them being choosy with meals textures. Winston’s conduct might also recommend he may be what’s informally known as a “licker”: a cat that enjoys the moisture and taste of the sauce however isn’t eager on chunks or pâtés. This may be irritating once you’re doing all your finest to offer selection and hydration by means of moist meals.
Whereas moist meals isn’t completely important if Winston is flourishing on a balanced, veterinary-prescribed dry eating regimen, incorporating moisture continues to be essential for urinary tract well being. Somewhat creativity with moisture consumption may go an extended strategy to help his long-term well being. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, and their ancestors developed to get most of their hydration from prey. Since he enjoys gravy and treats, you may take into account including lukewarm water or a cat-safe broth (selfmade and onion-free) to his dry meals or providing water-rich treats like lickable purées which are full and balanced or not less than formulated with wholesome, species-appropriate substances in thoughts. If he’s consuming a prescription meals, although, there are particular restrictions and necessities, so it’s essential to not introduce new treats or toppers with out consulting your veterinarian to verify the substances are allowed and appropriate along with his case. You also needs to take into account incorporating a number of water stations and shifting sources, resembling a water fountain, to entice Winston to drink extra water if he’s solely allowed his prescription dry meals. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola
If it’s worthwhile to converse with a vet however cannot get to at least one, head over to PangoVet. It is a web based service the place you possibly can discuss to a vet on-line and get the recommendation you want to your pet — all at an inexpensive worth!
Assist! My Cat Has a URI!
“I’ve a bit kitten known as Smokey. He simply confirmed up on my entrance porch someday. He has an higher respiratory an infection. I’ve been placing him in a provider with a nebulizer and saline resolution. It appears to be serving to. Does he need to have antibiotics as nicely? Now I would like to search out the little man a house. I have already got 5 cats, so I can’t maintain him. Love Catster. Numerous nice information. Thanks“ – Cher
Hello Cher, thanks a lot for stepping as much as take care of little Smokey. It sounds such as you’re doing a lovely job already, and I’m positive he feels that heat. Higher respiratory infections (URIs) are sadly fairly widespread in kittens, particularly those that have had a tough begin open air. Your use of a nebulizer with saline is a mild and efficient means to assist loosen secretions and help his respiration, which is great supportive care.
Whether or not or not antibiotics are wanted depends upon the trigger and severity of the an infection. Many URIs in cats are viral, significantly because of feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. In these circumstances, antibiotics wouldn’t deal with the basis trigger however may be prescribed to handle or forestall secondary bacterial infections, particularly if there’s inexperienced or yellow discharge, fever, or if the kitten appears torpid and isn’t consuming. Smokey’s indicators recommend he requires a bodily examination and doubtlessly diagnostic assessments to find out one of the best plan of action, so the advice is to have him checked by a veterinarian. This manner, they will resolve if antibiotics or extra therapies like antivirals or eye drugs are mandatory. Should you’re not sure whether or not he wants an pressing go to, a teletriage veterinary service generally is a useful first step to evaluate the urgency based mostly on what you’re observing at residence, however remember that medical therapies, particularly antibiotics can solely be prescribed by a veterinarian after checking Smokey and establishing a doctor-patient relationship.
As for rehoming him, thanks to your compassion in pondering of his future. Since he’s already receiving care, he’s on an awesome path to restoration and can doubtless be a loving addition to the precise residence. Reaching out to native rescue teams, posting on neighborhood boards, or asking your trusted vet in the event that they know of any potential adopters might be useful subsequent steps. Should you can share that he’s already been began on care, that may be reassuring for potential adopters. He’s fortunate to have crossed your path by displaying up in your porch, Cher. I like your compassion!
– Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat is Pooping on the Ground!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Lindsey is eighteen years outdated. She has all the time used the litter field for peeing and pooping, till the final 12 months. She pees in her litter field however poos on the ground. Any options for this drawback? Thanks. PS. She is diabetic. One unit twice a day.” – Inez
Hello Inez,
At 18, Lindsey is taken into account a longevous pet cat, and your love and care have clearly made a distinction. Modifications in litter field habits, particularly in senior cats with underlying circumstances like diabetes, typically sign that one thing is making the expertise uncomfortable or complicated for them. The truth that Lindsey continues to be utilizing the field to pee however is pooping exterior of it provides us a number of clues.
When a cat makes use of the litter field for one objective however not the opposite, it typically suggests a behavioral or sensory aversion relatively than a bodily limitation. Some cats start to affiliate the act of defecating in a selected spot with discomfort, resembling straining because of constipation, or they could develop a desire for a sure floor or location. In senior cats, cognitive modifications may play a job, particularly when continual sicknesses like diabetes are current. These modifications may have an effect on reminiscence, spatial consciousness, or routine behaviors. It’s a bit like how aged people may instantly misplace acquainted objects or lose monitor of normal routines.
For Lindsey, ruling out gastrointestinal discomfort or irregular stool high quality can be the subsequent step. If her stool is difficult, or irregular, or if she appears stressed earlier than pooping, that might level to a supply of discomfort price exploring additional together with her veterinarian. As soon as her well being is checked, a web based vet session with considered one of our veterinarians at PangoVet could possibly be a great help to debate her conduct in additional depth and decide one of the best ways to strengthen her routines and gently information her again to constant habits, or present her with any extra help wanted for her getting older thoughts.
Finest Needs!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
