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! My cats aren’t getting along!
“Dear Dr. Paola.
I have 3 cats: Finn (14 years old), Cinnamon (8 years old), and Honey (4 years old). They get along for the most part, but my oldest and youngest really have the most conflict. My oldest son even hisses sometimes when my youngest walks near him. Why is this? And do you have any helpful tips?” – alex
In multi-cat households, it’s common for cats to occasionally experience tension, especially if there’s a large age difference, like Finn and Honey did. Older cats like Finn often have less patience for the playful and unpredictable behavior of younger cats. Finn may feel like his space is being invaded, or he may be becoming more irritable due to age-related discomfort. Hissing is his way of communicating displeasure rather than aggression.
Alex, you can improve your relationship by building a positive relationship. Provide Finn with a quiet and safe space to retreat to without being disturbed. Engage Honey in interactive play sessions to redirect her energy and reduce her chances of bothering Finn. Synthetic cat pheromone diffusers can also encourage a calmer environment. Give treats and praise for peaceful interactions between them to reinforce positive behavior. If hissing fins become more frequent or accompanied by signs of pain, it is best to see a veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
I wish you good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Help! My cat keeps sneezing!
“Dear Dr. Paola.
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 times a week, mostly short dry sneezes, and twice in the last 2 months he has had wet sneezes. There has been no change in her behavior or eating habits. Shall I take you to the vet? ” – Anna
Occasional sneezing in cats like Mushka is usually harmless, especially if it’s dry and infrequent, and is often caused by mild irritants such as dust or loose hair in the nasal passages. . There is no change in behavior or appetite, so it is not considered a serious problem.
If you notice that your Mushka is sneezing more frequently, has frequent wet sneezes, or notices other signs such as a runny nose or changes in breathing, schedule a veterinarian visit to ensure respiratory health. We recommend that you do so. If you’re still not convinced, just remember how lucky you are to live in 2025. Online veterinary support makes evaluating these situations very easy and allows you to get expert guidance from the comfort of your own home, without the guesswork or hassle of a clinic visit. You can consult with an experienced veterinarian. PangoVet.com During one-on-one video calls, they will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide a personalized care plan for Mushka.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Help! I gave my kitten fried chicken!
“Dear Dr. Paola.
I gave my 10 month old kitten some fried chicken with no skin or bones in it. She’s doing well, but I just want to make sure she’s okay and if it’s safe to give her fried chicken in the future. thank you! “
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s mom)
Debbie, it’s great that you’re keeping such a close eye on Tinker Bell’s health! A small amount of fried chicken, skinless and boneless, shouldn’t cause her any problems, especially since she’s doing well. However, fried chicken is not the ideal snack for cats. This is because the frying process adds oils and seasonings that are not good for your cat’s digestion and overall health. In the future, plain boiled chicken will be a much better option. That’s because it’s gentle on her stomach and doesn’t contain unnecessary fats or additives.
It’s also important to remember that treats are only a small part of a cat’s diet. Ensuring Tinker Bell has a complete and balanced diet that meets her nutritional needs will help keep her healthy as she grows. If you’re not sure what’s safe for her, or if you notice any unusual signs, always do the following: Access to online veterinary services. You can consult your veterinarian. pango vetgiving you expert advice without the stress of putting her in a carrier for a clinic visit if it’s not absolutely necessary.
This article is part of the weekly Ask Dr. Paola series.
