Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry professional 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 guardian or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline fantastic. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Cats Vomit So much!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’ve 2 male littermates that flip 12 this yr. They’ve all the time vomited quite a bit. Even after making an attempt totally different meals. We took one (Jake) to the vet for commentary and so they discovered no points. Now Jake reveals no actual urge for food and projectile vomits a ton of liquid day-after-day. Any concept what could be happening with him? The brother vomits some however has an enormous urge for food. What ought to we do subsequent?” – Donna
Hello Donna,
Thanks for reaching out about Jake and his brother. Vomiting is regarding, particularly when it turns into frequent or is accompanied by modifications in urge for food, as you’re seeing with Jake’s brother. Persistent vomiting in cats might be brought on by many points starting from gentle meals intolerances to extra critical situations like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), meals allergic reactions, pancreatitis, and even gastrointestinal lymphoma, notably as they age.
Since Jake is now projectile vomiting day by day and has misplaced his urge for food, that is harmful and could possibly be indicating an emergency akin to a blockage. Whereas the earlier vet go to didn’t reveal points, the escalation of indicators means Jake seemingly wants additional diagnostic testing. I might suggest a recheck together with your veterinarian as quickly as doable. Bloodwork, belly imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), and probably endoscopy or biopsies could also be essential to establish the issue. Within the meantime, making an attempt to maintain Jake hydrated is vital, as extreme vomiting can result in dehydration.
His brother’s continued urge for food however occasional vomiting could point out a milder or associated difficulty, so it’s price mentioning each cats’ histories once you go to the vet. I perceive this may be irritating, and aggravating, however with well timed intervention, many situations might be managed successfully. Don’t wait.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat Has Osteochondrolysplasia!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’m questioning how lengthy the illness osteochondrolysplasia continues to worsen. I’ve a feminine 7-year-old Tabby, Lillian, with the illness that impacts her ankles and paws. She will get round with little or no ache. Will this worsen or journey to different components as she will get older or is it over as a result of she is older?” – Gail
Hello Gail,
Thanks for reaching out about Lillian. Osteochondrodysplasia is a progressive situation that usually impacts the joints, notably within the ankles and paws. Consider her joints like hinges on a ceaselessly used gate. Over time, they will put on down and grow to be stiff, particularly if they aren’t cared for correctly. The excellent news is that since Lillian is already seven and experiencing minimal ache, her situation could also be progressing extra slowly than in another instances. Whereas it doesn’t sometimes unfold to different components of the physique, the affected joints could proceed to point out gradual put on and tear as she ages.
The development can range relying on her exercise stage, total well being, and weight. If she stays lively and comfy, her high quality of life can stay fairly good with a couple of considerate changes. Ensuring she maintains a healthy weight is essential as a result of even a bit further weight provides pointless pressure to her joints, very like carrying a heavy backpack on an extended stroll. Offering her with a snug atmosphere, akin to mushy bedding or easy accessibility to her favourite spots, may also help her transfer round with out discomfort.
It’s also vital to look at for any indicators that her discomfort is rising, take notice for instance if she hesitates to leap, her day by day exercise appears to be lowered, or if the is any swelling round her joints. These are all indicators that her joints want further consideration. In the event you discover modifications, speak to your vet about learn how to preserve her pain-free. Joint supplements or different therapies may make a giant distinction. In case you are uncertain whether or not her indicators require instant care, you possibly can all the time schedule a name with our veterinarians through our tele-triage service, PangoVet, the place they may also help information your subsequent steps.
Another factor Gail; I simply needed to let you recognize that we all know you actually take care of Lillian, we acknowledge your case from a earlier remark in considered one of our posts in regards to the illness. Thanks for that! Along with your love, consideration, and proactive care, she has a profitable benefit in persevering with to get pleasure from her golden years comfortably and fortunately by your facet.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cats Are Begging for Scraps!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Can cats eat meals scraps? My two, Ginny and George, actually attempt their hardest to get into our meals scraps bucket and our rubbish cans. We don’t permit them to do it however their begging and making an attempt makes me a bit loopy. It’s largely vegetable scraps, too, so we’re all the time confused once they attempt. They’re indoor/outside cats, so I don’t know what they eat through the day, however we now have good moist meals for them, although they nonetheless actually appear to need our scraps.”
– Petey
Hello Petey, it seems like Ginny and George are conserving you in your toes! Their curiosity in meals scraps and rubbish is definitely fairly frequent amongst curious cats, even once they’re well-fed. Whereas it may be irritating, this conduct is realized and infrequently pushed by curiosity, instincts, or the tempting smells of human meals.
Even when the scraps are largely vegetable-based, cats might be drawn by the scent and the potential for a deal with. Since discovering meals is a self-reinforcing conduct in the event that they have been profitable as soon as, they may preserve making an attempt. Nevertheless, it’s not a secure behavior to permit. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their our bodies are designed to course of animal-based proteins fairly than plant matter. Past being nutritionally inappropriate, many human meals, like onions, and garlic, are poisonous to them. Even harmless-seeming objects may upset their stomachs and fatty scraps will even contribute to weight problems or different well being points.
Different dangers of looking out by means of scraps or rubbish embody ingesting one thing indigestible or sharp, which may trigger choking or an intestinal blockage, in addition to publicity to moldy or spoiled meals, which is able to make them sick. Even when they’re simply exploring, the potential for hurt makes prevention important. To deal with this, securing your scraps and rubbish cans with tight-fitting lids or storing them in inaccessible areas (like inside a cupboard) is vital. You possibly can additionally attempt providing them some secure alternate options like interactive feeders or puzzle toys can redirect their vitality and supply psychological stimulation, which can cut back their fascination with your scraps.
Since Ginny and George are indoor-outdoor cats, they might even be looking or scavenging exterior, which may reinforce their realized habits and affect their dietary consumption. Ensuring their meals are nutritionally complete and satisfying may also help cut back their curiosity in different meals sources. If their conduct persists, consulting a veterinarian could possibly be useful to rule out any underlying points, like dietary deficiencies or parasites. With constant boundaries, partaking actions, and a little bit of persistence, you possibly can assist them keep secure and discourage this curious behavior, at the least when they’re inside. Good luck!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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