Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry knowledgeable 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 father or mother or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline fantastic. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Cat Has Extreme Zoomies!
“ I do know that each one cats get the zoomies, however my cat Hera’s zoomies are beginning to really feel extreme. She is 14 and nonetheless has them 4-5 instances/day, with out catnip! Is there such a factor as too many zoomies? ” – Percy
Frenetic random exercise durations (FRAP), mostly generally known as “the zoomies”, is a pure habits exhibited by most cats. Nonetheless, if the habits is occurring too usually we don’t think about it to be regular. This habits can sign Hera is feeling careworn or pissed off and likelihood is she wants extra psychological and bodily stimulation. Indoor cats have to be supplied with a number of alternatives to outlet their power. This implies including some climbing choices and vertical areas, offering them with puzzle feeders, quite a lot of toys in a rotation, and even a operating wheel. Enjoying along with your cat no less than 2 or 3 instances a day to make sure they transfer round and launch their power is essential. In case you already do that utilizing a laser pointer, this would possibly truly be the explanation behind Hera’s frequent FRAPing or zoomies.
Whereas laser pointers are nice instruments to get cats going, they’ll additionally trigger an unimaginable quantity of frustration in cats as this gentle appeals to their predatory instincts, nevertheless, they by no means permit them to make a profitable catch. In different phrases, they by no means win. There are particular laser pointer guidelines to observe that may assist. Toss her a toy in order that she will be able to efficiently paw and chew one thing tangible on the identical time you flip the pointer off. Comply with this with a yummy deal with and even dinner, this permits her to finish her “looking cycle” as a substitute of leaving her hanging up.
Offering Hera with a chilled surroundings utilizing artificial pheromones and a number of other secure hiding alternatives may also assist cut back her stress. These are just a few choices to think about, the overall thought is to let her have wholesome power shops and likewise present her with a stress-free surroundings.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! I Suppose My Cat Can See Ghosts!
“Can cats see ghosts? My cat stares on the wall on a regular basis as if somebody is there however there isn’t. What ought to I do right here?”
” – Daniela
There are a couple of doable the explanation why cats may be staring at a wall. Their senses are totally different from ours, they’ll hear noises we will’t because of the frequency vary and may additionally be smelling one thing you cannot detect. In lots of circumstances, these are small animals hiding behind the partitions. A cat would look and also you would possibly see their ears shifting to observe the noise’s origin.
You didn’t point out the age but when your cat is a senior, senile dementia or age-related cognitive dysfunction is a risk. Different prospects embody neurological issues comparable to partial or focal seizures. In case you assume this may be the case, be aware of different indicators and report as a lot details about it as doable together with, when it occurs, after what exercise, how usually, at what time, and many others, if doable report a video. The extra information you possibly can carry to your vet, the higher possibilities of a profitable analysis; though a definitive analysis would want an electroencephalogram (EEG). These are the medical prospects, and though many swear that cats have supernatural powers and may see ghosts, we now have no dependable proof to show that.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! We Need to Go On Vacation!
“My accomplice and I are pondering of happening a two-week vacation subsequent 12 months however we’ve by no means left our 3-year-old cat Jackson for greater than 2 days earlier than. We’re pondering of placing him right into a cattery, however then additionally assume a home sitter may be a greater different. How can we resolve what’s finest for him?” – Gemma
Hello Gemma.
Cats are creatures of behavior, they’re solitary and territorial by nature. Their houses are their acquainted territory. They spend time day by day guaranteeing every bit of it’s marked with their scent from facial pheromones, which give them a way of familiarity or belonging and make them really feel safe. Shifting them to a totally totally different space with many different cats is oftentimes aggravating for them. In case you have the chance, I’d suggest you go for the home sitter. Then, not solely will Jackson be cared for, however your property might be too. I do know that paying for a personal sitter can get costly, however there are some superb companies on the market the place you purchase a yearly membership to the neighborhood, after which the home sitting is a free alternate primarily based on belief! Then, you possibly can take pleasure in your vacation extra figuring out that Jackson is comfy.
Better of luck, and luxuriate in your vacation!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
