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 have a cat that sneezes!
” I noticed that my cat Penny was sneezing sometimes. The cause is still unknown, but on bad days I may sneeze up to three times a day, but most days I only sneeze once. Should I be worried that she’s sneezing a little?” – helen
Hello Helen
You don’t have to worry about Penny sneezing every now and then. In most cases, it’s normal for your cat to sneeze infrequently, and it can be caused by mild irritants in the environment, such as dust or mild allergens. Sneezing protects your respiratory system by eliminating these small particles. However, if Penny’s sneezing becomes more frequent or is accompanied by other signs such as a runny nose or eyes, cough, or changes in activity level or appetite, these signs may indicate a health problem and should be taken care of by your vet. It is best to consult a doctor. Sincerely!
I wish you good luck!
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat loves licking plastic bags!
“My cat loves to lick plastic bags, and it’s usually plastic bags that don’t have food in them, so it’s not the food that attracts the cat to plastic bags. I keep them away from her as much as possible, but… She’s like a moth to a flame, and if I take my eyes off her for a second, she’ll find it. Could this be connected to something serious? And how can I stop her? Do you?” – Freddy
Hi Freddie, It’s not uncommon for cats to get stuck to plastic bags. It may be a sensation or a sound, but it’s not just your cat. Some cats also exhibit this nursing behavior, where they “suck” on human fingers or inanimate objects such as blankets, clothing, and in cats, plastic. This behavior is common in kittens that are separated from their mothers too early, and is more common in Eastern breeds like Siamese and Burmese, where there may be a genetic predisposition.
The main concerns when a cat exhibits this behavior are the risk of choking or asphyxiation and the possibility of accidentally swallowing the plastic bag, which can lead to a dangerous blockage that requires emergency surgery. To manage this behavior, offer alternative activities, such as interactive toys, to redirect the focus. You should also continue to do your best to keep plastic bags out of her reach to avoid unnecessary risks.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat is a clean freak!
“Barney has started grooming himself for a really long time, especially after I pet him. Is this guy a germophobe or am I messing up the grooming of his fur? Is that just what you think?” – Tyler
Tyler, petting Barney is a great way to bond with him and show him your love. However, it is important to stroke in the same direction as the hair grows. Stroking against the natural alignment of the fur can cause discomfort and can cause tangles and matting, especially if Barney has long hair. Most cats prefer gentle strokes that follow the natural direction of their fur.
If you don’t think that’s the cause of the long grooming, keep in mind that many cats don’t tolerate being petted very well, and Barney may not appreciate being petted as much as you would like. you need to keep it. But don’t worry. There are many other ways to show Barney how much you love him.
Grooming is a self-calming behavior for cats, so keep an eye on it. Pay attention to whether the extremely long grooming sessions are caused solely by the owner’s petting, or if the dog is starting to exhibit compulsive behavior due to other factors that may be causing stress or anxiety. The important thing here is that you don’t want this to become a habit or even a compulsion, as it can cause your cat’s skin to become irritated, leading to infections and hair loss. Overgrooming is a term used to describe cats grooming themselves too much. Good luck!
This article is part of the weekly Ask Dr. Paola series.
