Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each and every Monday we carry professional recommendation directly 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions in your maximum urgent questions. From diet 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 nice. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of subjects that topic maximum to you and your cat, so you’ll be able to make knowledgeable choices and give you the best possible conceivable deal with your hairy significant other.
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Assist! My Hepper Has a Unhealthy Response to Shifting!
“Hello Dr Paola,
A couple of month in the past, I moved out of the country with my 2-year-old tuxedo cat, referred to as James Connolly. The commute day used to be tricky, however he dealt so nicely. For approximately per week, issues have been chaotic, however he appeared curious in regards to the new position and used to be his same old cuddly self, snoozing with me and enjoying.
Then we needed to cross to the vet to have him registered, which used to be horrific. He fought with all his may, and I used to be afraid I had harm him seeking to get him within the field. Since then, he modified. He hides all day, he’s scared of voices outdoor, and he doesn’t cross into my mattress or onto my lap. I used to be afraid it used to be me, however I’m no longer certain. He eats treats and began giving me some headbutts, but it surely seems like he had a behind schedule response to the transfer. What can I do?” – Sarah
Whats up Sarah,
It sounds such as you’ve each been thru reasonably a whirlwind, and I need to reassure you that what you’re seeing is, sadly, no longer unusual in cats after an important lifestyles exchange. Cats are deeply territorial animals, and whilst James to begin with confirmed interest, the combo of commute strain, a brand new atmosphere, and particularly the stressful vet discuss with could have beaten his coping threshold. Bring to mind his convenience zone like a checking account: he had some resilience stored up in the beginning, however the vet revel in could have withdrawn greater than he had left emotionally.
The truth that he nonetheless eats treats and is providing headbutts once more is superb information. Those are small however significant indicators that accept as true with is being rebuilt. Presently, the function is to let James regain his sense of keep watch over and predictability. Steer clear of forcing interactions, and as an alternative be offering him choices like secure hiding spots in several rooms, quiet play classes at his tempo, and constant routines. Use comfortable, acquainted scents like an unwashed blouse of yours close to his favourite spot, and believe hanging artificial pussycat pheromone diffusers to your new house, which lend a hand cats really feel comfy in a brand new area and feature proven efficacy in easing stress-related conduct.
If the retraction continues or escalates, give us a choice at PangoVet. We’d be at liberty to lead you thru a adapted plan with desensitization steps to fortify his adjustment. With persistence, James will most probably come again to you in his personal time.
Highest,
– Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Hepper Pulls Their Fur Out When Cleansing Themself!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
When Mr T cleans himself, he pulls his fur out. He has a number of bald spots. How can I lend a hand him?” – Mary
Hello Mary,
When a cat like Mr. T is grooming to the purpose of making bald spots, we’re most probably coping with a situation referred to as overgrooming (or extra technically, psychogenic alopecia), if no scientific motive is located. Then again, sooner than we believe a behavioral starting place, it’s crucial to rule out scientific prerequisites. Not unusual reasons come with exterior parasites like fleas or mites, pores and skin hypersensitive reactions, fungal infections equivalent to ringworm, or ache in a particular house. Every so often, cats will lick over a joint this is arthritic or a place this is uncomfortable, very similar to how we may rub a sore muscle.
When you’ve already dominated out parasites and infections together with your vet, then this conduct could have change into some way for Mr. T to self-soothe. Overgrooming because of strain isn’t not like an individual biting their nails. Triggers may come with adjustments within the atmosphere, boredom, anxiousness, and even struggle with any other puppy. Figuring out the motive and serving to him really feel protected is essential. Offering structured play, vertical areas, predictable routines, and in all probability even a pheromone diffuser can lend a hand. Nonetheless, as a result of bald spots imply the conduct is already affecting his pores and skin well being, I like to recommend a veterinary analysis to make sure there’s no underlying discomfort. If taking him to the vet is sophisticated, believe calling us at PangoVet. We will be able to mean you can assess whether or not a complete in-clinic discuss with is wanted or if you’ll be able to take a look at environmental and behavioral control first.
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola
Assist! My Hepper Assists in keeping Scratching on the Sofa!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
How do I am getting my cat Binx to prevent scratching at my sofa?“ – Melissa
Hello Melissa,
That is the sort of not unusual fear, and I’m happy you’re asking! I’m certain lots of our readers will establish with their cats scratching their settee. First, we will have to remember that scratching is an absolutely standard and essential conduct for cats. They scratch to stretch, situation their claws, and mark territory, each visually and thru odor glands of their paws. Due to this fact, the function isn’t to prevent the scratching however to redirect it in some way that works for either one of you.
Get started by way of providing Binx a ravishing choice scratching floor close to the realm he’s focused on. Many cats choose vertical sisal posts or horizontal cardboard scratchers, so take a look at a few textures and orientations to look what he likes best possible. Placement issues; to begin, the brand new put up will have to be proper subsequent to the sofa since that’s the place he feels the urge. You’ll be able to inspire him to make use of it by way of rubbing a little bit of catnip at the put up or dangling a toy within reach to get him . Be offering him a deal with each time he makes use of the designated scratcher, and when he’s constantly the use of it, you’ll be able to steadily transfer it to a extra handy spot.
On the identical time, you need to make the sofa much less horny by way of the use of furniture-safe deterrents like double-sided sticky tape or a short lived quilt that adjustments the feel. For some cats, aluminium foil works.
If Binx is going again to scratch the settee, steer clear of punishment, as it could harm your bond and make him apprehensive. With consistency and certain reinforcement, Binx will be informed that scratching his put up is solely as pleasant and will get your approval, too.
You’ve were given this!
– Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
Learn final weeks questions right here – August 11, 2025
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