Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer 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 preserve your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline fantastic. Keep tuned for skilled 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 on your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Cat Has Change into Aggressive!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Notts is a rescue alongside together with his brother Lumos. I’ve 5 different cats. I’ve had them for five years now. Once I bought them, Notts bought alongside nice with my different cats til we had him fastened. He completely modified. He’s imply and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that dangerous. However because the final 3 years handed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his major goal. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes received’t depart the kitchen or get on the ground, He received’t use the cat pan. he poops and pees on my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no tooth so he can’t defend himself. My as soon as comfortable cats at the moment are fearful and never getting alongside. They each (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my as soon as peaceable and loving dwelling with my cats. It’s gotten worse this previous 12 months. l don’t wish to eliminate them So what ought to I do? Please assist, Dr. Paola!” – Sheila
Sheila, I can hear how a lot you’re keen on your cats and the way heartbreaking this case has develop into for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious dwelling turns into a spot of concern and pressure, and I love your dedication to preserving your cats collectively whereas in search of an answer. Notts’ aggression, particularly its escalation through the years, is regarding—not only for Mr. Toes however for your complete group dynamic. This isn’t simply a problem of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes resides in fixed concern, and that degree of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. You might want to method this from each a medical and behavioral standpoint to revive peace.
First, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical causes for Notts’ aggression. Despite the fact that you seen that his conduct modified post-neutering, different components like persistent ache, hyperthyroidism, or neurological circumstances could possibly be influencing his growing hostility. A vet go to is a should to test for ache or discomfort that would make him extra reactive. Mr. Toes must also be examined, his refusal to make use of the litter field and his excessive avoidance of the ground counsel emotional trauma and long-term stress can result in severe well being issues.
Behaviorally, you will want to hit the reset button on your private home’s social construction. Notts must be quickly separated, to interrupt the cycle of battle and to offer Mr. Toes a chance to regain confidence. Additionally, you will want to offer Mr. Toes with a totally secure area the place he has meals, water, and litter entry with out concern of ambush.
After a while away you can begin engaged on a controlled reintroduction. Begin with scent swapping paired with optimistic reinforcement, use bodily limitations, and regularly transfer to quick, optimistic interactions to assist rebuild a tolerable relationship.
It’s essential to additionally be sure to enhance their entry to environmental enrichment. Quite a lot of vertical spaces, puzzle feeders, and structured play time may also help redirect Notts’ vitality in productive methods. Multi-cat synthetic pheromone diffusers and calming dietary supplements may assist to ease pressure.
As a result of this aggression has continued and worsened, don’t hesitate to ask for skilled assist for those who really feel is required. Extreme inter-cat aggression requires a tailor-made method, and in some instances, focused treatment may also help scale back reactivity whereas coaching is applied. A veterinary behaviorist may also help with each. This case is difficult, however it’s not hopeless. With endurance and a structured method, stability will be restored in your house. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
💛 😺 Communicate To a Vet On-line From the Consolation of Your Sofa!
If it is advisable communicate with a vet however can’t get to at least one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an internet service the place you’ll be able to discuss to a vet on-line and get the personalised recommendation you want on your pet — all at an inexpensive value!
Assist! My Cats Smells like Dying!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Pumba has a very dangerous odor that smells like demise. I haven’t tried to offer him a shower but and he doesn’t appear to have every other issues, ought to I simply give him a shower and see if the odor disappears.?” – William
William, a robust, foul odor; particularly one which smells like decay, shouldn’t be regular in cats and infrequently signifies an underlying concern that wants consideration. Whereas bathing Pumba may quickly scale back the scent if it’s as a consequence of one thing exterior, it’s essential to first decide the supply. Cats are wonderful groomers, so a persistent dangerous odor often suggests a medical concern fairly than simply a problem of cleanliness.
The scent could possibly be coming from his mouth, probably as a consequence of dental disease, an contaminated tooth, and even oral tumors. If the odor is extra normal or coming from his pores and skin, there could possibly be an contaminated wound, abscess, or a extreme pores and skin situation. If it’s from his rear finish, impacted or contaminated anal glands could possibly be the trigger. Given the depth of the scent you describe, I strongly suggest having him examined by a veterinarian as quickly as attainable. For those who’re not sure the place the scent is coming from and Pumba appears in any other case fantastic, a teletriage veterinary service might make it easier to assess whether or not this requires pressing in-person care.
Nonetheless, if the odor persists or worsens, or for those who discover any adjustments in his conduct, urge for food, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary go to is important.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! What Are the Facet Results of Prednisilone?
“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy respiratory a aspect impact? – Laurie
Hello Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may have varied results on a cat’s physique, however heavy respiratory shouldn’t be a standard or expected side effect. Whereas gentle panting can often happen, particularly in moments of stress or pleasure, persistent or labored respiratory is a crimson flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
Heavy inhaling a cat taking Prednisolone might point out an underlying concern akin to fluid retention, hypertension, or an underlying coronary heart situation which will have been unmasked by the steroid. In some instances, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory problems, notably if there’s an undiagnosed coronary heart situation or an an infection.
Moreover, steroids suppress the immune system, which might permit infections (especially respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a light underlying respiratory concern, the steroid might weaken his means to combat off infections, resulting in elevated congestion, irritation, or problem respiratory.
As a result of respiratory issues in cats are all the time severe, I strongly suggest having Dusty checked by a vet as quickly as attainable. If the respiratory is speedy, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth respiratory, this should be treated as an emergency.
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
Source link
