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 you with the 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! My cat has become aggressive!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Notts is rescued along with his brother Lumos. I have five other cats. I’ve had them for five years. When I got them, Notts got along well with my other cats until we fixed him. He has completely changed. He is mean and aggressive. It wasn’t that bad at first. But after the past three years he got worse. My one cat, Toes, is his main target. He’s defeating him so badly. Toes should not leave the kitchen or get on the floor. He doesn’t use cat pot. He poops and pees at my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no teeth, so he cannot protect himself. My once happy cat is now terrifying and not getting along well. They both (Notts & Lumos) once destroyed a peaceful and loving home with my cat. The past year has gotten worse. lI don’t want to remove them, so what should I do? Please help, Dr. Paola! ” – Sheila
Sheila, I can hear how much you love your cat and how heartbreaking this situation has become for you. When a once harmonious home transforms into a place of fear and tension, it is devastating. I admire your commitment to seeking a solution while keeping your cat together. The Knotts’ attack, particularly the long-standing escalation, is a concern not only for Toe but also for the dynamics of the entire group. This isn’t just a matter of occasional brawls. Toes lives in constant fear, and that level of stress is unsustainable for him and others. To restore peace, this must be approached from both medical and action perspectives.
First, it is important to rule out the underlying medical causes of Notts’ attack. Even if you notice that his behavior has changed since he was still neat, other factors such as chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, or neurological conditions will affect his increased hostility. It may be. A veterinary visit is a must to check for any pain and discomfort that could make him more reactive. TOES should also look into it, refusing to use the trash bin, suggesting that extreme avoidance of the floor can lead to emotional trauma and long-term stress.
You must activatically press the reset button for the social structure of your home. The Notts need to be temporarily separated to break the cycle of conflict and give Mr. Toe a chance to regain confidence. They also need to provide Toes with a completely safe space with food, water and garbage access without fear of ambushing.
After a while, you can begin working on a controlled re-introduction. Start with a scent exchange combined with positive reinforcement, then use physical barriers and gradually move into short, positive interactions to rebuild acceptable relationships.
It also needs to increase access to environmental enrichment. Various vertical spaces, puzzle feeders, and structured playtimes help you redirect the energy of the Notts in a productive way. Multicat synthetic pheromone diffusers and calming supplements can also help relieve tension.
This aggression has persisted and worsened, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you think it’s necessary. Severe inter-cat attacks require a customized approach, and in some cases, targeted drugs can help reduce responsiveness while training is implemented. Veterinary behaviorists can help both. This situation is challenging, but not hopeless. Patience and a structured approach will help you regain balance at home. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Help! My cat smells like death!
“Hello, Dr. Paola,
My cat Pumba has a really bad smell that smells like death. I haven’t tried to give him a bath yet, but he doesn’t seem to have any other issues. I need to give him a bath and see if the smell goes away. ” – William
William, strong, foul-smelling. Those that smell like rot, especially those that are not normal in cats, indicate underlying problems that often require caution. Bathing pumba can temporarily reduce the odor if it is caused by something outside, but it is important to decide on the sauce first. Cats are excellent groomers, so they usually suggest medical concerns rather than cleanliness issues.
The smell can probably come from the mouth, perhaps even dental diseases, infected teeth, or oral tumors. If the smell is more common or comes from his skin, an infected wound, abscess, or severe skin condition may be present. If it is from his posterior end, it can be caused by an affected or infected anal glands. Given the intensity of the smell you describe, I highly recommend that he see him by the vet as soon as possible. If you don’t know where the smell is coming from, then you’ll think Pumba is fine if not. Terry Veterinary Veterinary Services This helps to assess whether urgent in-person care is required.
However, if the smell persists or worsens, or if you notice changes in his behavior, appetite, or grooming habits, a face-to-face veterinarian visit is essential.
From the heart,
Dr. Paola
Help! What are the side effects of prednidirone?
“My kitten, Dusty, is in Prednigiron. Is heavy breathing a side effect? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that can have a variety of effects on the cat’s body, but intense breathing is not a common or expected side effect. Mild panting can occur, especially in moments of stress or excitement, but persistent or labor breathing is a red flag that should not be ignored.
Severe breathing in cats taking prednisolone can indicate underlying problems such as fluid retention, hypertension, or underlying heart disease that may not be covered by steroids. In some cases, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory complications, especially if you have an undiagnosed heart disease or infection.
Additionally, steroids can suppress the immune system and exacerbate infections (particularly respiratory infections). If Dusty has mild, underlying respiratory problems, steroids can weaken his ability to fight infections, leading to congestion, inflammation, or difficulty breathing.
Breathing problems in cats are always serious, so it is highly recommended to have your vet do a dusty check as soon as possible. If breathing is quick, working, or dusty, open mouth, this should be treated as an emergency.
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
