Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline effective. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your furry companion.
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Assist! I Am Apprehensive My Cat Could Get Fleas!
“ Are you able to give a suggestion for flea therapies for Persian cats? My cat is generally indoors however typically the neighbor’s outside cat comes round and I fear she is going to get fleas from him” – Flora (Mother to Lola)
Hello Flora,
It’s nice that you simply’re contemplating flea prevention for Lola, particularly given the potential publicity from neighboring outside cats. Even indoor cats might be liable to flea infestations, as fleas can enter properties on clothes or by way of open home windows.
For Persian cats, with their luxurious lengthy coats, topical therapies are sometimes efficient and simple to use. These therapies usually supply safety in opposition to fleas for a month and ought to be reapplied promptly to take care of their efficacy.
Earlier than initiating any flea therapy, it’s essential to seek the advice of together with your veterinarian. They will present steerage tailor-made to Lola’s weight and particular well being wants, guaranteeing the chosen product is each secure and efficient for her.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Doesn’t Like Her Meals!
“We rescued our cat Dolly almost six months in the past and her consuming habits are nonetheless a bit odd. She doesn’t appear to love a lot of what we provide her, and after about one week of success with a meals, she modifies her thoughts once more. This occurs with moist and dry meals. What ought to we do? – Stephen
It’s not unusual for rescued cats like Dolly to current behavioral issues, and lots of are very delicate to environmental stimuli. All cats, however particularly rescue cats, are delicate to emphasize, so it’s essential to determine and decrease potential stressors, similar to noisy areas, unfamiliar scents, or disruptions of their routine, as these can have an effect on their urge for food. It’s additionally an important concept to pay attention to Dolly’s preferences for textures and flavors, similar to pâté versus shredded or particular protein sources like rooster or fish, and think about providing high-quality, commercially obtainable recent cat meals.
These choices are sometimes extra interesting as a consequence of their pure style and aroma, and they’re full and balanced to fulfill her dietary wants. You may additionally attempt to entice her urge for food by mixing just a little little bit of species-appropriate meals into her weight-reduction plan, similar to cat-safe bone broth or small parts of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish, which might be extra engaging and nutritious. Cats who eat a wide range of meals are inclined to adapt higher and are much less liable to changing into fixated on a single weight-reduction plan, which might be helpful for his or her long-term well being.
Regularly introduce new meals to keep away from digestive upset and keep a constant feeding schedule in a peaceful, quiet area. If Dolly’s pickiness persists or she exhibits indicators of digestive misery or weight reduction, seek the advice of your veterinarian to run some checks and rule out any underlying medical points affecting her urge for food.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Will get Hairballs!
“I’ve learn that cats shouldn’t get hairballs, however it’s usually a stereotype I hear about cats, that they get hairballs. Why is that this? And why achieve this many cats get them in the event that they shouldn’t? My cat Kaley will get them on occasion and I’m feeling a bit responsible after I learn this isn’t regular” – Chris (Dad to Kaley)
Chris, please don’t really feel responsible—simply the truth that you’ve observed Kaley’s hairball problem and are prepared to handle it exhibits how a lot you take care of her, which is really admirable. Whereas it’s a typical false impression that hairballs are regular for cats, they’re not one thing that ought to happen repeatedly. Cats naturally ingest hair whereas grooming, however their digestive programs are designed to go it by way of their stool. Hairballs occur when extra hair accumulates within the abdomen and might’t be expelled, usually as a consequence of a weight-reduction plan missing in moisture or fiber, extreme grooming, and even underlying points like gastrointestinal motility issues. There are some things you’ll be able to attempt. The primary and most useful step for Kaley is to make sure she’s on a high-moisture weight-reduction plan, similar to high-quality moist or recent cat meals, as this helps digestion and helps hair transfer easily by way of her system. You also needs to think about a water fountain. Common brushing to take away unfastened fur and monitoring for stress or potential pores and skin circumstances which may trigger over-grooming may also make an enormous distinction. If hairballs turn out to be frequent otherwise you discover different indicators like vomiting, adjustments in urge for food, or lethargy, consulting your veterinarian is the easiest way to rule out underlying causes and create a administration plan tailor-made for her. You’re already doing a lot simply by being proactive—Kaley is fortunate to have you ever!
Form regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
