The submit Ask Dr. Paola – Monday February 24, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over complete articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You will not be conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought-about public area. However, we recognize that you just just like the article and would find it irresistible 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” collection, the place each Monday we deliver knowledgeable 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 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline nice. Stay tuned for knowledgeable steering on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion.
Have a query? Send it in right here!
Help! My Cat Refuses to Eat!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I’ve an nearly 4-year-old black cat, and he or she refuses to eat any cat meals. I supply her day by day aside from these “Lil’ Soups” made by Friskies. She will wish to eat that and solely that day by day, however these aren’t low cost! I can not afford to present them to her day by day. She in any other case is wholesome, drinks water, and could be very energetic significantly late at night time. She shouldn’t be obese and has no issues together with her stool or in her mouth. I don’t know what to do, Please assist me” – Barbara
Hi Barbara, I perceive how demanding it may be when a cat refuses to eat something besides one particular meals, particularly when it’s not a balanced and full weight loss plan. Cats will be extremely choosy about their meals preferences, usually turning 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 weight loss plan whereas additionally contemplating your price range. First, you must search for a “complete and balanced” assertion on the meals’s label.
Since by your description, she seems in any other case wholesome, that is possible a behavioral or preference-based challenge quite than a medical one. However, earlier than assuming it’s simply plain choice, it’s at all times good to rule out discrete well being considerations like nausea, dental sensitivity, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If she’s consuming properly, sustaining weight, and has regular stools, that’s excellent news. The key now could be to transition her to an entire weight loss plan by progressively mixing small quantities of moist or dry cat meals into her Lil’ Soups, begin small and work in 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 quite than catering to her choice will assist reset her expectations. Cats will be tough, however with persistence and consistency, she will be able to study to eat a extra acceptable weight loss plan.
If she utterly 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 counsel consulting instantly with a web-based teletriage service that can assist you decide one of the best subsequent steps earlier than it turns into a medical drawback. Catster is partnered with PangoVet’s teletriage service, you possibly can study extra about them right here and ebook a seek the advice of with our vet workforce. Stay affected person and be persistent—cats are intelligent, however with time, you possibly can information her towards more healthy consuming habits.
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Cats is Over Grooming!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My cat Tommy has just lately developed a nasty 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 treatment hasn’t appeared to make a distinction. We’re undecided the place to go from right here and find out how to break this behavior. The solely factor that’s helped is placing him in a cone of disgrace, however he doesn’t prefer it and it’s not a everlasting resolution. What can we do to get him to cease over-grooming?” – Keith
Hi Keith, Tommy’s over-grooming is probably going an indication of persistent irritation and discomfort, and since environmental allergic reactions are concerned, discovering the fitting strategy to managing them is essential. Allergies can weaken the pores and skin barrier, making it extra reactive to irritants, which may result in extreme licking and scratching. If his present remedy hasn’t introduced noticeable aid, exploring extra choices corresponding to totally different anti-inflammatory therapies, antihistamines, and even immunotherapy could assist.
Supporting his pores and skin well being may also make an enormous distinction. Omega-3 fatty acids assist strengthen the pores and skin barrier and scale back irritation, very like a protecting moisturizer for delicate pores and skin. Regular baths with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can take away allergens from his coat, lowering irritation. Since allergens can accumulate within the residence, frequent vacuuming, washing his bedding, and utilizing HEPA filters could assist restrict his publicity. The different a part of this equation can be to work on lowering his stress or anxiousness since over-grooming can turn out to be a self-soothing behavior. I like to recommend attempting calming artificial pheromone diffusers, participating in additional playtime, and establishing quite a lot of novel environmental enrichment units to attempt to redirect his focus.
While the cone prevents additional irritation, it isn’t a repair. Imagine feeling itchy however having your fingers cuffed. Addressing the basis trigger is crucial for a long-term resolution. A mix of treatment changes, pores and skin help, and environmental modifications can usually break the cycle. It could also be useful to revisit his remedy plan and discover extra methods to maintain him snug.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Help! My Cat Ate Praziquantel!
“My cat Milo ate a small quantity of Praziquantel for canine what ought to I do? Thanks prematurely – Chavonne
Chavonne, I perceive how regarding it may be when a pet by accident ingests treatment 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 differ between species. If Milo consumed a small quantity of the canine model of solely Praziquantel he’s possible protected. The essential concern right here can be the potential toxicity from a excessive dose. According to a research revealed within the Parasitology International 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, it is a good reference for Milo’s case. If Milo ingested considerably greater than that there’s an elevated threat of antagonistic results corresponding to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, extreme salivation, or, in excessive doses, neurological points like tremors or incoordination. If you might be 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 blended in with the Praziquantel for canine formulation, you must seek the advice of a vet. If the product contained extra medication know that a number of of the generally used multidrug formulations have medication which can be thought-about poisonous to cats, if that’s the case, pressing veterinary care could also be needed—even when Milo appears nice now. If you’re uncertain in regards to the formulation, checking the packaging or calling a tele-triage veterinary service might help assess the chance. If Milo develops any regarding indicators, please don’t wait, in-person veterinary care is your most secure possibility. I hope Milo is doing properly.
This article is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
- Read final weeks questions right here – Monday Feb 17, 2025
- Find the complete record of previous articles right here
- Click right here to submit a query
The submit Ask Dr. Paola – Monday February 24, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over complete articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You will not be conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought-about public area. However, we recognize that you just just like the article and would find it irresistible when you continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Catster.com.
