Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver knowledgeable recommendation immediately 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 offer solutions in 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 knowledgeable steerage on a variety of subjects that subject maximum to you and your cat, so you’ll be able to make knowledgeable choices and give you the very best imaginable take care of your hairy significant other.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Lend a hand! My Hepper is Incontinent!
“My cat Christie is incontinent. She is 18 and otherwise normal. Is there any medication I can give her? ” – Kate
Hello Kate,
I will consider how relating to it will have to be to look Christie fight with incontinence, particularly after such a lot of years of fine well being. At 18, her frame goes thru herbal adjustments related to getting old, and urinary incontinence can also be associated with a number of underlying reasons, similar to kidney or bladder illness, hormonal adjustments, neurological problems, and even arthritis, which makes it more difficult to posture in most cases. It is very important keep in mind that incontinence isn’t a situation in itself however somewhat an indication pointing to an underlying factor that must be recognized.
There are drugs that may lend a hand some cats relying at the purpose, however prescribing them first calls for figuring out what’s going on thru a veterinary exam, urinalysis, and most likely imaging similar to X-rays or an ultrasound. Giving drugs with out figuring out the underlying purpose may just masks the issue and even make it worse. Within the interim, you’ll be able to strengthen Christie’s convenience with simply obtainable muddle bins, absorbent bedding, or pet-safe diapers till she can also be tested. As a result of Christie is a senior cat, I strongly counsel scheduling a veterinary seek advice from once imaginable to verify she receives essentially the most suitable care sooner than her case turns into extra sophisticated.
Wishing you and Christie the perfect,
Dr. Paola
If you need to speak with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one in every of our different knowledgeable veterinarians, you’ll be able to head over to PangoVet. It is our on-line provider the place you’ll be able to communicate with a vet on-line and get the recommendation you wish to have on your cat — all at an reasonably priced value!
Cats Blog reader unique deal: Save 65% to your first name, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.
Lend a hand! Our Hepper Hides Beneath Our Mattress?
“Our Cat Gracie has been hiding under our bed. We live in Florida, the Lighting capital of the world. We have recently had some really strong storms at night. The storms during the day do not seem to affect her as much as the ones at night. Is this normal? What can we do to help her?” – Carol
Hello Carol,
What you describe with Gracie is in fact rather not unusual. Many cats really feel extra prone at evening when their setting is darker and quieter, so the unexpected crashes of thunder and flashes of lightning can really feel a lot more startling than all through the day when there may be extra background noise and task. Hiding is a regular pussycat coping technique; it is helping them really feel more secure once they understand a danger.
You’ll strengthen Gracie via making her hiding spot extra relaxed and safe. Providing a comfy coated mattress or a secure house with acquainted blankets can lend a hand cut back her rigidity. Taking part in calming tune or white noise all through storms may additionally melt the depth of thunder. Some cats take pleasure in artificial pheromone diffusers, which create a way of safety. If her worry ever escalates to the purpose the place she stops consuming, grooming, or interacting after storms, then it will be smart to talk about this along with your veterinarian, as there are further control methods to be had. Within the interim, you’re already doing a very powerful factor via respecting her wish to retreat and ensuring she feels secure.
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola
I Want Lend a hand With Plant Protection!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I’ve some questions on product/plant protection for our cat Karlsson.
First, is it secure to take care of nutrients after which puppy him after or later, even supposing there might be some caught on our fingers from moisture?
We even have a Schefflera arboricola that had some ‘dried juice’ on its leaves after it. I believe, as a result of I didn’t water them for some time, however I’m fearful it might hurt our hairy circle of relatives member.
There’s additionally deodorant I would possibly need, however now not certain if it’s secure in a area with cats. It comprises cetearyl alcohol and small quantities of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil“ – Daniel
Hello Daniel,
In relation to nutrients, the most secure dependancy is to clean your fingers sooner than petting your cat. Whilst maximum nutrients treated in brief are not going to pose a possibility, some include substances like iron or nutrition D which may be damaging if residue have been transferred in your cat’s coat and later ingested all through grooming. A handy guide a rough hand wash gets rid of that worry, similar to after getting ready meals within the kitchen.
Referring to your Schefflera arboricola, steadily known as the dwarf umbrella tree, this plant comprises insoluble calcium oxalates. If a cat chews on contemporary leaves or stems, those sharp crystals may cause mouth inflammation, drooling, pawing on the face, and occasionally vomiting. The excellent news is that after sap has dried, the chance of switch from merely touching the plant or being close to this can be very low, particularly if it has now not been watered not too long ago and no contemporary sap is uncovered.
For peace of thoughts, I might counsel holding Karlsson from chewing at the plant and washing your fingers after dealing with it, specifically if a leaf is damaged. It’s very similar to dealing with chili peppers within the kitchen: so long as you keep away from shifting residue to delicate spaces and wash up, there is not any hurt. The dried juice on intact leaves may be very not going to pose a possibility just by being within the setting.
Regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
Learn remaining weeks questions right here – September 2, 2025
In finding the overall checklist of previous articles right here
Click on right here to post a query
