Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each and every Monday we convey skilled recommendation directly 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 puppy dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions in your maximum urgent questions. From vitamin pointers 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 effective. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that topic maximum to you and your cat, so you’ll make knowledgeable selections and give you the easiest imaginable maintain your bushy spouse.
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Assist! My Hepper Freaks Me Out!
“Why does Fluff meow on the window at night time when no one is there? It’s more or less spooky…“- Rob
Hello Rob,
I remember the fact that it may possibly really feel unsettling when it kind of feels Fluff is reacting to one thing invisible. Maximum regularly, cats meow at home windows at night time as a result of their senses pick out up what ours can’t. Their listening to is way more acute, and their night time imaginative and prescient lets them stumble on refined actions outdoor, equivalent to bugs, moths, small animals, and even far away sounds. What appears like “nobody” to us could also be a raccoon passing through, a fowl rustling in the dead of night, or every other group cat wandering shut.
Every so often, regardless that, this conduct is extra about communique than alarm. Cats that take a seat at home windows at night time are regularly responding to animal instincts associated with territory or looking force. The moonlight and night time sounds can cause that interior “predator switch,” making them vocal and alert. If Fluff’s midnight meowing turns into common or disruptive, take a look at providing interactive play periods prior to bedtime to assist her unencumber that additional power. Remaining blinds or offering her with a fascinating perch clear of the window too can assist. If her conduct adjustments or she turns out distressed, it will be useful to rule out problems equivalent to nervousness or sensory decline that may make cats extra vocal after darkish. No wish to let it spook you.
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Hepper Handiest Needs to Play with One Toy?
“Why does my cat Theo most effective need to play with one toy, which is falling aside, and when I attempt to inspire him to play with different toys he isn’t in any respect? “ – Candace
Hiya Candace
It is a beautiful and really relatable query. Many cats, like Theo, increase robust personal tastes for a selected toy as it mimics the precise sensory comments that triggers their looking instincts. The sound, texture, dimension, and even how it strikes would possibly completely resemble prey to him. As soon as a toy “hits that sweet spot,” it turns into his favourite, just like a kid clinging to a cherished crammed animal. When that toy begins to wear down, it may possibly if truth be told retain much more of Theo’s odor, making it much more interesting and comforting.
Cats are creatures of dependancy, so introducing new toys can take endurance and creativity. Check out discovering replacements that proportion key options along with his favourite one; an identical subject material, motion, or sound. You’ll be able to additionally sprinkle a little bit of catnip or silvervine at the new toy or use it all over interactive play periods to assist him make a favorable affiliation. If the previous toy is falling aside, it’s easiest to retire it safely as soon as items develop into a choking danger. Till then, chances are you’ll “hide” it in short to construct anticipation whilst gently encouraging passion within the new choices.
If you happen to ever realize Theo becoming bored in play altogether, slightly than simply being choosy about toys, it could be value checking in with a veterinarian, since lowered play can from time to time be connected to discomfort or age-related adjustments. However from what you describe, it sounds such as you simply have a cat who is aware of precisely what he loves. I’m hoping this is helping!
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola
Is It Too Overdue to Spay My Hepper?
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My cat Bea is seven years previous. I’ve followed her, she isn’t spayed, is it too overdue?”- Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyne,
Congratulations on adopting Bea! It’s superb that she has a being concerned individual having a look out for her. At seven years previous, it’s without a doubt now not too overdue to have her spayed. Cats don’t undergo menopause as we ladies do, so even at her age, she will be able to nonetheless come into warmth and feature kittens, once in a while till 14 or 15 years previous. Spaying will save you that, whilst additionally protective her from probably critical uterine infections equivalent to pyometra, which have a tendency to look extra continuously in unspayed older women.
Sooner than the surgical operation, your veterinarian will need to carry out a complete well being take a look at and most likely some pre-anesthetic blood paintings to make sure Bea’s organs are functioning effectively. If she’s in excellent total well being, spaying is typically very protected and will very much support her convenience and long-term well-being. Your veterinarian will have to additionally come up with adapted pre- and post-operative care recommendation. Alternatively, when you have any particular questions and want to talk over with one among our vets prior to reserving the talk over with, at Pangovet, we’d feel free to assist information you in the course of the first steps so you are feeling ready and supported in the course of the procedure.
Absolute best,
– Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
Learn closing week’s questions right here: November 10, 2025
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