The submit Ask Dr. Paola – Monday February 3, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over total articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You is probably not conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought of public area. However, we respect that you just just like the article and would like it when you continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Catster.com.
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether you’re a brand new pet father or mother 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline positive. Stay tuned for skilled steerage on a spread 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.
Have a query? Send it in right here!
Help! My Cat Has Bumps & Scabs!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Daisy is a 4-year-old, indoor cat and by no means goes outdoors, she is slightly obese however not overweight. She has some bumps on her again close to the bottom of her tail which are 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 realm and transfer prefer it bothers her. I believe it’s a weight-reduction plan downside 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 may she be lacking?” – William
Hi 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 problem, even for indoor cats, as fleas can discover their method inside. If she isn’t on flea prevention, I’d suggest discussing this together with your vet.
Her weight-reduction plan may play a job. Dry-only diets can lack hydration and omega-3 fatty acids, each vital for pores and skin well being. Your vet could suggest including a cat-safe omega-3 fish oil complement and incorporating moisture-rich, species-appropriate meals can assist enhance her pores and skin and coat. It’s finest to have your vet verify her to rule out allergy symptoms, infections, or different points. You’re doing nice by paying shut consideration to her indicators!
Best needs!
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Cats Fur is Thinning!
“Dear 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 yr. We observed skinny areas on his fur, totally on the perimeters 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 realm. We don’t assume there’s any fungus or mites that’s inflicting this as he doesn’t hassle the realm as soon as the fur is pulled out. Could he have anxiousness? What will be carried out about it if he does have that? Thank you” – Susie
Hi 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 successful him over. You are more likely to be the one ones of our species he discovered to not run away from. Congratulations in your persistence 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 method to deal with discomfort, whether or not bodily or emotional.
If anxiousness is the trigger, environmental components 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 would doubtless be a problem to place and monitor. I’m assuming you’re feeding him so making certain he’s on a high-quality weight-reduction plan with omega-3 fatty acids may assist 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 anxiousness medicine if wanted. However, that may contain a transport field. Your attentive care is making an actual distinction for him!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock
Help! My Cat Is Constipated!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My (senior) cat Meeshu will get constipated now and again, and I give her a small quantity of Miralax. Yes, 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 really displays your dedication and love.
Constipation in senior cats, like Meeshu, typically outcomes from points akin to dehydration, arthritis making it exhausting for her to posture, or age-related slowing of her digestive system. Think of her gastrointestinal tract like an older automobile engine, it wants slightly additional care and the proper “fuel” to maintain issues operating easily. While Miralax is often used to handle constipation in cats, I can’t safely suggest 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 particular person to find out the most secure and simplest strategy, and with senior cats, this tailor-made care is very vital.
In the meantime, there are steps you may take to assist her digestion. Hydration is vital, very similar to conserving oil in that engine. Try 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. Just make sure to introduce any adjustments regularly 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 article is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
- Read final weeks questions right here – Monday January 27, 2025
- Click right here to submit a query
The submit Ask Dr. Paola – Monday February 3, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over total articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You is probably not conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought of public area. However, we respect that you just just like the article and would like it when you continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Catster.com.
