Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, 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 father or mother 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline superb. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care in your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Cat Has Bumps & Scabs!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Daisy is a 4-year-old, indoor cat and by no means goes outdoors, she is somewhat obese however not overweight. She has some bumps on her again close to the bottom of her tail which are like pimples with scabs and has began to have dandruff. She doesn’t appear to be itching them however I can see that they irritate some as a result of I’ve seen her take a look at the world and transfer prefer it bothers her. I feel it’s a weight loss program drawback however I don’t know. She solely eats dry meals however good high quality, Blue Buffalo, Iams, and so on. Would a complement be so as? What may she be lacking?” – William
Hello William! Daisy’s bumps, scabs, and dandruff close to the bottom of her tail may have a number of causes. Flea allergy is a typical subject, even for indoor cats, as fleas can discover their approach inside. If she isn’t on flea prevention, I’d advocate discussing this together with your vet.
Her weight loss program might also play a job. Dry-only diets can lack hydration and omega-3 fatty acids, each vital for pores and skin well being. Your vet might advocate including a cat-safe omega-3 fish oil complement and incorporating moisture-rich, species-appropriate food may help enhance her pores and skin and coat. It’s greatest to have your vet examine her to rule out allergy symptoms, infections, or different points. You’re doing nice by paying shut consideration to her indicators!
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
💛 😺 Communicate To a Vet On-line From the Consolation of Your Sofa!
If you could converse with a vet however can’t get to at least one, head over to PangoVet. It’s a web based service the place you’ll be able to discuss to a vet on-line and get the customized recommendation you want in your pet — all at an inexpensive value!
Assist! My Cats Fur is Thinning!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
We’ve been caring for a feral cat (Oscar) for a number of years. He’s gotten pleasant solely with us for the previous yr. We seen skinny areas on his fur, totally on the perimeters close to the backbone. We thought it was from him rubbing alongside brick steps. We’ve noticed him utilizing his tooth to tug fur out after grooming the world. We don’t assume there may be any fungus or mites that’s inflicting this as he doesn’t trouble the world as soon as the fur is pulled out. May he have anxiousness? What will be accomplished about it if he does have that? Thanks” – Susie
Hello Susie, it’s heartwarming to listen to how a lot care you’ve given to Oscar. Ferals are wild creatures and don’t usually get pleasant to people, congratulations on profitable him over. You might be prone to be the one ones of our species he discovered to not run away from. Congratulations in your endurance and persistence.
The fur thinning and pulling you’ve seen could possibly be stress-related, but it surely’s vital to rule out different causes, reminiscent of allergy symptoms, pores and skin irritations, or ache from underlying points like arthritis. Cats usually overgroom as a approach to deal with discomfort, whether or not bodily or emotional.
If anxiousness is the trigger, environmental elements like a constant routine, secure areas, and calming pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway) which you would need to put as a collar may assist, though it would doubtless be a problem to place and monitor. I’m assuming you might be feeding him so making certain he’s on a high-quality diet with omega-3 fatty acids might also help his pores and skin well being. A vet go to could be key to rule out different medical considerations and discover choices like dietary supplements or anxiousness treatment if wanted. Nevertheless, that will contain a transport field. Your attentive care is making an actual distinction for him!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Is Constipated!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My (senior) cat Meeshu will get constipated occasionally, and I give her a small quantity of Miralax. Sure, I learn about Lax-a-tone, however she gained’t have something to do with it—whether or not I put it on her paw or combine it in her meals. My query is, how a lot Miralax ought to I give her? She’s 19 years previous and doesn’t weigh a lot. Thanks!”
– Vicki
Congratulations on the unbelievable care you’ve given Meeshu! At 19 years previous, she’s surpassed the average cat’s lifespan, which actually displays your dedication and love.
Constipation in senior cats, like Meeshu, usually outcomes from points reminiscent of dehydration, arthritis making it exhausting for her to posture, or age-related slowing of her digestive system. Consider her gastrointestinal tract like an older automobile engine, it wants somewhat further care and the correct “gas” to maintain issues operating easily. Whereas Miralax is commonly used to manage constipation in cats, I can’t safely advocate a dosage, since we don’t have a direct doctor-patient relationship. A veterinarian who is aware of her well being historical past is the most effective particular person to find out the most secure and only method, and with senior cats, this tailor-made care is very vital.
Within the meantime, there are steps you’ll be able to take to help her digestion. Hydration is vital, very like maintaining oil in that engine. Strive providing a number of water stations, including low-sodium broth to her meals, or specializing in moist meals to spice up her water consumption. Introducing a small quantity of plain canned pumpkin (without additives) is like including fiber to her system, serving to issues transfer extra effectively. Simply be sure you introduce any adjustments steadily to keep away from upsetting her abdomen.
You’re doing an unbelievable job, and Meeshu is so fortunate to have you ever championing her well being and happiness in her golden years!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
Source link
