Welcome to the “Ask Dr. Paola” series. Here we bring you expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) every Monday, ensuring that readers have a better understanding of cat health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insights that will keep your kitten happy and healthy. Cat Are you okay. Stay tuned for expert guidance on the various topics that are most important to you and your cat. This way you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care to your furry companions.
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Help! How can I keep my blind cat comfortable?
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My cat, Linden, is 17 years old and has been blinded for the past few weeks. His students are open all the way now. I think it’s a cataract. How can I help him? I can’t afford the vet’s expenses and don’t want to put him to sleep. How can I help him at least become comfortable? thank you” – Holger
Sorry to hear about Linden’s loss of vision, Holger. It is clear how much you care about him and I want to reassure you that the blind cat can still lead a comfortable and happy life with some adjustments. Cataracts are one of the possible causes of his blindness, but other conditions such as hypertension leading to retinal detachment may also be other age-related issues. You cannot take him to the vet, but it is important to note that if these underlying conditions are left untreated, they can cause pain and discomfort. In fact, an expanded student may be a sign of pain itself.
Keep an eye on him closely for signs of discomfort, such as stepping into his face, uttering more than usual, or changing appetite. If you’re always worried about his quality of life, we recommend exploring low-cost veterinary clinics and animal welfare organizations that offer assistance. It also offers Pangovet, a veterinarian telehealth service. Here you can make a face-to-face call with one of the vets. They are not an in-person vet alternative, but they can answer all your questions and help you give you and Linden a tailored plan of action for an affordable price.
To allow Linden to adapt to his blindness, he must create a safe and predictable environment. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing, so maintaining the consistency of the home is essential. In addition to being a threat to respiratory health, do not add new, unknown scents or candles that may confuse him. Try not to move furniture or leave obstacles on his normal path. A soft mat or rug placed near important spots also serves as a tactile landmark.
He encourages Linden to continue to operate with noise-making toys, such as wrinkled balls and bell-feathered canes, and stimulates his play instincts through his hearing. Talking to him frequently in a calm and encouraging tone can help him feel safer.
Cats are extremely resilient and can adapt to vision loss when supported by a beloved owner like you. You are doing your best for Linden and these adjustments will allow him to continue enjoying his golden years with comfort and safety.
I wish you good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Help! My cat becomes a stuffed nostril!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My 9 year old man Cornish Rex, Ringer, suffers from a stuffed nose every year when the heat begins in the winter. One nostril becomes unfriendly, I have to pick up a dry bit in order to breathe, and the other nostril is stuck inside. His temperature is normal and he eats and drinks well. Are there any suggestions for ways and ideas to help why this happens? ” – Paulina
Hello Paulina,
The repeated nose crowds of the winter ringer sound uncomfortable to him and challenging to you. This pattern is very likely related to dry air in the home, as it matches when the heat is lit. Cats, especially cats with fine coats like Cornish Rex, are particularly sensitive to changes in the environment, including reduced humidity, and can dry out the mucosa of nasal passages, cover or clog the skin. Masu.
You can help the ringer by increasing the humidity in your home. A humidifier located near your favorite spot can make a huge difference by adding moisture to the air. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can place a bowl of water near the heat source, as evaporating water helps to increase humidity. Alternatively, you can take him into the bathroom while you’re in the hot, steamy shower. A damp soft cloth or soft cloth or saline nose spray designed for cats (consult your veterinarian or online pet telehealth services to check the safest options) regularly to make his nose look like Cleaning helps keep your nostrils clear and prevent crusts from forming.
It is always important to keep his hydration level optimal, as good hydration supports healthy mucosa. It will help to provide him with a water-rich food or add a little water to his diet. Many cats are attracted to moving water, so adding a fountain is also a good idea.
I have clearly identified this as an annual issue, so it is worth watching if other irritants such as dust and allergens in the heating system are affecting him. Cleaning the vents and using hypoallergenic HEPA filters can also help minimize irritants in the air.
If you notice changes such as nose draining, sneezing, etc., which turn yellow or green, these are signs of an infection or another underlying problem, what appears to be a veterinary visit. I hope this helps him!
From the heart,
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat is twitching in the sun!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Here is a real mystery. I have silver/gray American short hair cat crust. He is extremely healthy except for a little weeping eye, and is a type of standard for that breed. His coat is healthy. His skin is healthy. He loves to be brushed and stirred, and is generally happy and healthy. But every time he goes outside in the sun, he gets some kind of convulsion, like he’s biting the itch and he runs back inward. It’s not a flea. At this point, I’m asking this question, so I’m in the middle of winter in the Pacific Northwest so it can’t really be a bug. It was the first sun we’ve seen in a month. The poor man just wants to sit down and enjoy it, but he continues to be hit by itching. – Jamie
Hello Jaime,
Rum’s response to sunlight is certainly a strange mystery, but it sounds like he has the sensitivity or stimulation caused by direct exposure to the sun. Although rare, cats can have increased skin sensitivity due to solar dermatitis or ultraviolet rays. Another possibility is that the heat of the sun amplifies the mild skin irritation or nerve sensitivity he already has, causing him to feel uncomfortable or “its.”
Sabi is otherwise healthy and her skin looks normal, so first check his coat for any trash, dust, and even oil from his environment that could get hot in the sun. I recommend that. Sometimes heat can cause these particles to stimulate the skin and hair follicles. Brushing him before and after his outdoor excursion may help rule out this.
Another potential factor is photoproliferative flame, which can affect cats with bright colours and fewer pigmented areas. Even if his coat looks healthy, it could be that the skin below is in response to exposure to UV rays, especially if it is thinning in some areas around the belly and ears. Drugs, plants, home chemicals, and even liver disease can contribute to this condition. You may leave him indoors during peak sunlight or provide a shady area with a cat hammock or a UV blocking window to relieve his discomfort. If he wants to enjoy more time in the sun, consider applying safe sunscreen to cats on exposed areas, especially if you notice subsequent redness or irritation (Sunscreen) Make sure it is specially formulated for pets. (May be toxic).
It is also worth considering whether behavioral changes are related to sensory overstimulation. Bright light reflecting the warmth of his surroundings and the sun can cause neural responses and make you feel upset. Cats are highly sensitive creatures, and even small environmental factors can cause a large response.
If your Sabi signs persist or worsen, we recommend you consult one of the veterinarians at Pangovet, a pet telehealth service. They can narrow down the possibilities and clarify whether there are underlying conditions such as allergies, nerve stimulation, skin sensitivity, etc. that contribute to this, and whether a trip to a veterinary clinic is necessary or recommended? I’ll let you know. With a little detective work, you can find a solution that will allow him to enjoy the sun comfortably!
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
