Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey professional recommendation instantly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to lend a hand our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new puppy guardian or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions on your maximum urgent questions. From diet guidelines and preventive care to troubleshooting not unusual behavioral problems, Dr. Paola is able to be offering insights that can stay your kitty satisfied, wholesome, and pussycat high quality. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of subjects that subject maximum to you and your cat, so you’ll make knowledgeable choices and give you the very best conceivable take care of your bushy better half.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Lend a hand! My Hepper Seeks My Consideration!
“Hello Dr Paola!
My cat, Jellybean (aka Meepie), purrs very loudly once I puppy her. She’s going to chase my palms till I puppy her and he or she will get in the best way of initiatives. She doesn’t do that for someone else. I reside at a distinct space for two-thirds of the time; may just that be the explanation? Does she simply pass over me?”
– Eve
Hello Eve,
Sure, that very most likely performs a task. Cats shape robust social bonds, despite the fact that they display affection in a different way from canine. Jellybean’s loud purring, hand-chasing, and insistence on being concerned for your actions are vintage indicators of social attachment and certain affiliation. In her thoughts, you might be most probably her emotional charging station. Since you are long gone a part of the time, reconnecting with chances are you’ll really feel particularly vital to her, virtually like topping up her social battery after a duration of ready.
The truth that she reserves this conduct principally for you may be significant. Cats frequently expand “preferred person” relationships in response to predictability, mild interplay, odor familiarity, and emotional protection. Many cats grow to be extra demonstrative with the person they believe maximum, particularly if that particular person engages in calm petting, routines, or certain reinforcement. So long as Jellybean is in a different way consuming, resting, grooming, and the usage of the muddle field generally, this sounds a lot more like affection and attachment than a behavioral fear. Her participation for your initiatives is most probably her model of claiming, “Whatever this activity is, we are apparently doing it together.”
– Absolute best, Dr. Paola
Lend a hand! My Hepper is Obsessive about Chewing on Plastic!
“Expensive Dr Paola,
My cat Pompom is obsessive about chewing on plastic. What must I do?”
Andrew
Whats up Andrew,
Plastic chewing is unusually not unusual in cats, particularly in people who are curious, extremely food-motivated, or vulnerable to repetitive convenience behaviors. Some cats are attracted to the feel, sound, and even residues left on baggage and packaging. In different circumstances, it may be connected to fret, boredom, early weaning, or a compulsive tendency very similar to wool-sucking. Bring to mind it a little bit like an individual absentmindedly chewing on a pen cap all through the day, with the exception of cats can get themselves into hassle a lot sooner if items are swallowed.
As a result of consuming plastic may end up in gastrointestinal obstruction or inflammation, control is vital even supposing Pompom turns out in a different way wholesome. Attempt to stay comfortable plastics, baggage, wrappers, and cords out of succeed in, and redirect the conduct towards more secure shops reminiscent of meals puzzles, scheduled play periods, chew-safe cat toys, or foraging actions. If the chewing turns into intense, unexpectedly worsens, or is accompanied by means of vomiting, urge for food adjustments, weight reduction, or chewing non-food pieces frequently, a veterinary talk over with is worth it to rule out underlying clinical or dietary members.
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola
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Lend a hand! My Hepper Is Licking the Partitions!
“Hello there Dr Paola,
Our calico cat Louise has taken to licking partitions, faux-wooden doorways, and no matter else occurs to be close by. I’m involved each about this ordinary conduct and its doable affect on her well being. Please advise!”
Nancy
Expensive Nancy,
Louise’s conduct might glance quirky, however power licking of partitions, doorways, or different family surfaces can every so often level to an underlying factor value investigating. Cats might expand repetitive licking behaviors from pressure, nervousness, boredom, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, dental illness, or, much less repeatedly, neurologic prerequisites. Some cats additionally grow to be very all in favour of textures or residues on surfaces, particularly if cleansing merchandise, cooking oils, or mud are provide.
As a result of family surfaces might comprise chemical substances, paint residues, adhesives, or splinters, it’s best to not forget about the dependancy. A veterinary exam is vital if Louise is licking day by day, swallowing non-food subject material, vomiting, drooling, reducing weight, or appearing adjustments in urge for food or conduct. Within the intervening time, expanding enrichment can lend a hand. Interactive play, meals puzzles, mountain climbing areas, and predictable routines frequently cut back repetitive behaviors in cats. Cleansing surfaces with pet-safe merchandise and redirecting her towards secure oral actions, reminiscent of dental treats or textured cat toys, may additionally lower the urge to lick beside the point gadgets.
I’m hoping this is helping!
– Dr. Paola
This newsletter is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
Learn final week’s questions right here: June 1, 2026
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