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! My cat refuses to eat!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I have a black cat that is almost four years old and she refuses to eat cat food. I serve her every day, except for these “rill soups” made by Frisky. She’ll want to eat it, and that’s all every day, but they’re not cheap! I can’t afford to give them to her every day. Otherwise she is healthy, drinking water, and is very active, especially late at night. She’s not overweight and has no issues in her stool or mouth. I don’t know what to do, please help me.” – Barbara
Hello Barbara, I understand how stressful it can be when a cat refuses to eat anything except for certain foods, especially if it’s not a balanced and perfect diet. Cats can be very noisy about their food preferences, and often stick to certain textures and flavors, making transitions difficult (but not impossible). Friskies lil’Soup is more like a snack than a nutritionally perfect formula, so it’s very important to help you embrace a balanced diet while considering your budget. First, you need to look for a “complete and balanced” statement on the food label.
By your explanation, she may otherwise appear healthy, but this may be a behavioral or preference-based issue rather than a medical issue. However, before supposing it as a mere preference, it is always good to rule out individual health concerns such as nausea, tooth sensitivity, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If she drinks well, maintains weight and has regular stools, that’s good news. The important thing now is to gradually mix a small amount of wet cat food into her lil’ soup, starting small and slowly work to increase the proportions over time. A slight warming of food or adding a bit of water or cat-safe bone soup to improve the texture can be more attractive, especially as she finds she prefers more fluid consistency. . If she still resists, serving food for a set time and removing it will help reset her expectations rather than meeting her preferences. Cats need attention, but they have patience and consistency so they can learn to eat a better diet.
If she completely refuses food for more than 24 hours, that becomes a concern, as if the cat were to eat too long, he could develop liver steatosis (fatty liver disease). In that case, we will consult directly with the online teletterridge service to help you decide on the best next step before it becomes a medical problem. Catster is affiliated with Pangovet’s Teletriage Service. Learn more here and schedule consultations with the veterinarian team. Be patient and persistent. Kat is smart, but over time she can guide her towards healthier eating habits.
Dr. Paola
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Help! My cat is overgroomed!
“Hello, Dr. Paola,
My cat Tommy recently developed the bad habit of overdressing. He is constantly licking and hurting, and his coat is noticeably thin. Our vet discovered he had many environmental allergies, but his medications didn’t seem to make a difference. I don’t know where to go from here or how to break this habit. The only thing that was helped is to put him in a cone of shame, but he doesn’t like it, and it’s not a permanent solution. What can we do to stop him from overdressing? ” – Keith
Hello Keith, Tommy’s overgarming is likely a sign of persistent stimulation and discomfort, and it is important to find the right approach to managing them as environmental allergies are involved. Allergies can weaken skin barriers, making them more responsive to irritants, leading to excessive licking and scratching. If his current treatment did not provide significant relief, he may explore additional options such as different anti-inflammatory therapies, antihistamines, or immunotherapy.
Supporting his skin health can also make a big difference. Omega-3 fatty acids, like a protective moisturizer for sensitive skin, help strengthen skin barriers and reduce inflammation. A regular bath with mild hypoallergenic shampoo can remove allergens from his coat and reduce irritation. Allergens can accumulate in your home, so frequent vacuuming, cleaning bedding and using HEPA filters can limit your exposure. Another part of this equation is to work on reducing his stress and anxiety, as excessive dressing can become a self-satisfactory habit. It is recommended to calm the synthetic pheromone diffuser, engage in more playtime, set up a variety of new environmental enrichment devices, and try to redirect his focus.
The cone prevents further irritation, but that is not a modification. Imagine you’re feeling itchy, but your hands are cuffed. Addressing the root cause is essential for long-term solutions. Combining medication adjustments, skin support and environmental changes can often break the cycle. It may be helpful to revisit his treatment plan and explore additional strategies to keep him comfortable.
From the heart,
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat ate Praziquantel!
“My cat Milo ate a small amount of Praziquantel for my dog. What should I do? I’ll thank you in advance – Chabonne
Chabonne, understands how concerned it is when your pet is not taking the medicine by mistake. The good news is that praziquantel is commonly used to treat tapeworms in both dogs and cats, but dosages and formulations may vary between species. If Milo consumes a small amount of Praziquantel-only dog version, he is probably safe. The main concern here is the potential toxicity with high doses. According to the study As listed in the Parasitology International Journal, doses of up to 40 mg per kg (18.14 mg per pound) are safe for cats, and while usually low doses are used to treat susceptible parasites , this is a good reference for Milo’s case. If Milo is consumed significantly more than that, there is a higher risk of adverse effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive salivation, or higher doses, including neurological problems such as trembling and coordination. If you are unsure how much he has taken or whether he shows any of these signs, it is best to look for veterinarian guidance immediately.
Similarly, if there are other medications mixed with praziquantel for dog preparations, you should consult your veterinarian. If the product contains additional drugs, we know that some of the commonly used multi-drug formulations have drugs that are considered toxic to cats, but in that case, Milo is now Even if things don’t work, urgent veterinary care may be required. If you are not sure about the formulation, checking the packaging or calling Therege’s veterinary services can help you assess the risk. If Milo is developing something about signs, don’t wait, face-to-face veterinary care is your safest option. I hope Milo is doing well.
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
