Welcome to the Ask Dr. Paola series. Every Monday, we help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being with expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ).
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to answer your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insight to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and healthy. feline Are you okay. We look forward to hearing expert advice on a variety of topics that are most important to you and your cat. That way, you can make informed decisions and provide the best care for your furry pet.
Have any questions? Send them here!
Help! I’m worried that my cat will get fleas.
“Do you have any recommendations for flea killer for Persian cats?” My cats are mostly kept indoors, but the outdoor cats from my neighborhood come over from time to time, so I’m worried that they might infect them with fleas. ” Flora (from Mom to Laura)
Hello Flora
It’s great that you’re considering flea prevention for Laura, especially given the potential for exposure from the neighborhood’s outdoor cats. Indoor cats are also at risk for fleas, as fleas can cling to clothing or enter your home through open windows.
For Persian cats with their luxurious long coats, topical treatments are often effective and easy to apply. These treatments typically provide protection against fleas for one month, but must be reapplied immediately to remain effective.
It is important to consult your veterinarian before starting any flea treatment. They will provide guidance tailored to Laura’s weight and specific health needs, and ensure the products she chooses are safe and effective for her.
I wish you good luck!
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat hates food!
“We rescued our cat Dolly about six months ago, and her eating habits are still a little strange. She doesn’t seem to like much of what we offer, but she has had no success with food for about a week. After that I changed my mind again. This happens with wet food and dry food. What should I do? – Stephen
It’s not uncommon for rescue cats like Dolly to develop behavioral problems, and many are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli. All cats, especially rescue cats, are sensitive to stress. That’s why it’s important to identify and minimize potential stressors that can affect your appetite, such as noisy places, unfamiliar smells, and disruptions to your daily routine. You may also want to consider feeding Dolly a high-quality, commercially fresh cat food, paying attention to her texture and flavor preferences, such as patties or shreds, or specific protein sources such as chicken or fish. I will.
These options are often appealing due to their natural taste and aroma, and are complete and balanced to meet her nutritional needs. You can also tempt your cat’s appetite by incorporating small amounts of more appealing, nutritious, species-appropriate foods into their diet, such as cat-safe bone broth or small portions of cooked chicken, turkey, or fish. Masu. Cats who eat a variety of foods are more adaptable and less likely to stick to a single diet, which is beneficial for their long-term health.
Introduce new foods gradually to avoid indigestion and maintain a consistent feeding schedule in a quiet, quiet space. If Dolly’s picky eating habits persist, or if she shows signs of indigestion or weight loss, consult your veterinarian who will run some tests to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be affecting her appetite. please.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat has a hairball!
“I’ve read that cats shouldn’t get hairballs, but what I often hear about cats is the stereotype that they get hairballs. Why is this? And why are so many cats infected? Am I getting it when I shouldn’t? My cat Kaylee gets it sometimes and I feel a little guilty when I read that this is not normal.” – Chris (Kayley’s father)
Chris, please don’t feel guilty. Just the fact that you are aware of Caylee’s hairball problem and are actively trying to deal with it shows how much you care about her. That’s really great. Although it is a common misconception that hairballs are normal for cats, hairballs do not occur regularly. Cats naturally ingest hair while grooming, but cats’ digestive systems are designed to pass hair through their stool. Hairballs occur when excess hair builds up in the stomach and cannot be expelled. This is often due to underlying issues such as a diet lacking in water or fiber, excessive grooming, or even gastrointestinal motility issues. There are several things you can try. The first and most helpful step for Caylee is to ensure that she receives a high-hydration diet, such as high-quality wet or fresh cat food. This supports digestion and allows the hair to move smoothly through the body. You should also consider a fountain. Brushing them regularly to remove loose hair and monitoring for stress or underlying skin conditions that can cause over-grooming can also make a big difference. If hairballs start to occur more frequently, or if you notice other signs such as vomiting, changes in appetite, or lethargy, rule out the underlying cause and create a tailored management plan with your veterinarian. The best thing to do is to consult your veterinarian. You’ve already accomplished a lot just by being proactive. Kaylee is lucky to have you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly Ask Dr. Paola series.
