Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline effective. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Cat Has Extreme Zoomies!
“ I do know that each one cats get the zoomies, however my cat Hera’s zoomies are beginning to really feel extreme. She is 14 and nonetheless has them 4-5 occasions/day, with out catnip! Is there such a factor as too many zoomies? ” – Percy
Frenetic random exercise durations (FRAP), mostly often known as “the zoomies”, is a pure conduct exhibited by most cats. Nevertheless, if the conduct is going on too typically we don’t take into account it to be regular. This conduct can sign Hera is feeling pressured or pissed off and likelihood is she wants extra psychological and bodily stimulation. Indoor cats should be supplied with a number of alternatives to outlet their vitality. This implies including some climbing choices and vertical spaces, offering them with puzzle feeders, quite a lot of toys in a rotation, and even a working wheel. Taking part in along with your cat a minimum of 2 or 3 occasions a day to make sure they transfer round and launch their vitality is necessary. Should you already do that utilizing a laser pointer, this may really be the rationale behind Hera’s frequent FRAPing or zoomies.
Whereas laser pointers are nice instruments to get cats going, they will additionally trigger an unimaginable quantity of frustration in cats as this mild appeals to their predatory instincts, nonetheless, they by no means enable them to make a profitable catch. In different phrases, they by no means win. There are particular laser pointer guidelines to observe that may assist. Toss her a toy in order that she will be able to efficiently paw and chew one thing tangible on the identical time you flip the pointer off. Comply with this with a yummy deal with and even dinner, this enables her to finish her “looking cycle” as a substitute of leaving her hanging up.
Offering Hera with a relaxing atmosphere utilizing artificial pheromones and a number of other secure hiding alternatives can even assist cut back her stress. These are just a few choices to contemplate, the overall concept is to let her have wholesome vitality retailers and likewise present her with a stress-free atmosphere.
Greatest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Assume My Cat Can See Ghosts!
“Can cats see ghosts? My cat stares on the wall on a regular basis as if somebody is there however there isn’t. What ought to I do right here?”
” – Daniela
There are a number of potential the explanation why cats might be staring at a wall. Their senses are totally different from ours, they will hear noises we will’t as a result of frequency vary and may also be smelling one thing you can’t detect. In lots of instances, these are small animals hiding behind the partitions. A cat would look and also you may see their ears transferring to observe the noise’s origin.
You didn’t point out the age but when your cat is a senior, senile dementia or age-related cognitive dysfunction is a chance. Different prospects embody neurological issues similar to partial or focal seizures. Should you suppose this is likely to be the case, be accustomed to different indicators and report as a lot details about it as potential together with, when it occurs, after what exercise, how typically, at what time, and so forth, if potential report a video. The extra information you possibly can carry to your vet, the higher possibilities of a profitable prognosis; though a definitive prognosis would wish an electroencephalogram (EEG). These are the medical prospects, and though many swear that cats have supernatural powers and can see ghosts, we have now no dependable proof to show that.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! We Wish to Go On Vacation!
“My associate and I are considering of occurring a two-week vacation subsequent 12 months however we’ve by no means left our 3-year-old cat Jackson for greater than 2 days earlier than. We’re considering of placing him right into a cattery, however then additionally suppose a home sitter is likely to be a greater various. How can we resolve what’s greatest for him?” – Gemma
Hello Gemma.
Cats are creatures of behavior, they’re solitary and territorial by nature. Their properties are their acquainted territory. They spend time day by day making certain every bit of it’s marked with their scent from facial pheromones, which give them a way of familiarity or belonging and make them really feel safe. Shifting them to a totally totally different space with many different cats is oftentimes tense for them. When you’ve got the likelihood, I might suggest you opt for the house sitter. Then, not solely will Jackson be cared for, however your own home shall be too. I do know that paying for a private sitter can get expensive, however there are some wonderful companies on the market the place you buy a yearly membership to the neighborhood, after which the home sitting is a free change based mostly on belief! Then, you possibly can take pleasure in your vacation extra realizing that Jackson is snug.
Better of luck, and revel in your vacation!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
