Welcome to the Ask Dr. Paola series. Here we bring you expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) every Monday, ensuring that readers get 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.
Do you have a question? Send it here!
Help! My cat loves milk!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I have a male cat called Sasha, who is two and a half years old. He really likes milk. Is feeding cats with milk, even small amounts always harmful to cats? ” – Christians
Dear Christian,
It’s nice to hear about Sasha’s attachment to milk, but unfortunately, milk is not the best choice for most adult cats. Kittens produce sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk, but this ability often decreases as they grow. Many adult cats, like lactose intolerant humans, struggle to properly digest dairy products. Even small amounts can lead to digestive upsets and cause loose stool, gas, or stomach discomfort.
If Sasja enjoys the taste of milk, you might consider lactose-free cat milk, which is specially formulated to be safe for cat digestion. Alternatively, if he simply enjoys a special treat routine, he could instead offer a small amount of water-coated goat milk or a cat-friendly soup. In this way he can still treat comforting without potential tummy problems.
thank you.
Dr. Paola
Hot talk to your vet online from the comfort of your sofa!
If you need to talk to your veterinarian, but you can’t reach one, Pangovet. Online service possible Talk to your vet online And you’ll receive the personalized advice you need for your pet – all at a reasonable price!
Help! Referral tips are needed!
“Hello, Dr. Paola,
I took my 8 week old kitten home. I also have two 12-year-old cats at home. What are your best introduction tips and how can you know that it’s safe to let them interact freely? thank you very much! ” – Chad
Hello Chad. Bringing a new kitten home with an advanced cat requires patience and a thoughtful referral process to ensure a smooth transition. The best advice I can give you is not to hurry it. Cats are territory, and sudden introductions can cause stress and tension. Instead of rushing, set up another space for your child and another space with food, water, trash cans and safe hideouts to give your older cat time to adjust. This allows residents’ cats to become accustomed to the kitten scent without being threatened immediately. Also, kittens can settle in their new environment and feel more calm and safe.
You can speed up the scent exchange by changing the bedding between the bedding, rubbing one cat with a soft cloth and rubbing the other cat.
Once the scent introduction phase has progressed smoothly, allow a short, monitored visual meeting through baby gates and cracked doors. It is a clue to carefully look at their body language during these initial introductions. Signs such as flat ears, raised fur, hissing or groans indicate anxiety and tension, but suggest that relaxed posture and curiosity are well regulated. If there are signs of positive body language, go ahead and give them a delicious treat. If tension is in the air, don’t give it. If things are going well, gradually advance into short, monitored interactions in neutral spaces, and continue to create positive relevance using positive reinforcements such as snacks and gentle praise. It is very important to give time and avoid forcing interactions. Additionally, if an elderly cat is overwhelmed, a safe escape route should be ensured.
The importance of observation cannot be fully emphasized. It turns out to be safe to allow people to interact freely when the encounter is calm. This means aggressive pursuits, swatting with your nails extended, or a longer growl. Hissing and short corrections from older cats are normal to establish boundaries, but should not escalate to long-term hostility.
Note that your older cat is likely to have different energy levels than kittens, so you need to ensure high perches and quiet hideaway areas that allow you to relax without being disturbed. With patience and careful surveillance, most cats will adjust over time, but it is always important to go at a pace, give them private space and work to strengthen positive relevance to maintain a harmonious home.
Good luck,
Dr. Paola
Help! Does my cat look like a hump?
“My 13.5 year old castrated cat, Toffy, has developed an unusual habit over the past few years. Kneading a soft microfiber blanket, he gradually enters a trance-like state, starting rhythmic movements similar to a hump, but no direct contact or discharge of liquid occurs. He stops on his own or gently interrupts. After that, he immediately licks himself. No medical problems were found during regular veterinary consultations. Toffy is well socialized with other cats and remains active and healthy. Is this a self-sedative behavior, learned habits, or something completely else?” – Ben
Hello Ben!
Tuffy’s behavior is rare, but not entirely uncommon in castrated male cats. Practice is a deeply ingrained kitten behavior associated with nursing, and many cats continue to make it an adult as a self-sedation mechanism. The trance-like state suggests he is very focused and relaxed, just like in the pussy he sucks on cloth and toys. The hump movements that are layered on this ritual may be learning or obsessive behaviors that have developed over time. By the way, have you read about Olga’s toy trance? Toffee isn’t just a comfortable blanket.
Though Toffee was castrated as a kitten, the cat’s brain still retains instinctive behaviors associated with mating. Some castrated men continue to show mount or thrust behavior, especially when they are particularly satisfied or overstimulated. It is interesting that he does not search for other objects or engage in this behavior outside of his training sessions. Licking his post may be a way to calm down after the episode, not just a sign of discomfort or irritation.
This has been happening for years and there is no medical concern associated with it, so it is probably harmless and self-sedative behavior. However, if you notice changes such as excessive licking, swelling, difficulty urinating, or signs of discomfort, veterinary health checks are recommended to rule out urinary or penis issues. If this behavior begins to interfere with his daily life or become an obsessive attitude, Terry’s Decommissioned Veterinary Services can help you assess whether intervention is necessary. If you have more questions or need help, you can book a call with one of our experienced vets at Pangovet. But as it stands, it sounds like Toffee simply found a way to relax in his very personal way!
I hope this helps,
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
