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Latest Vet Answers
HELP! How Much Pee Is Too Much Pee?
“Hi Dr Paola, My female cat, Kiwi, is 15 years old and has always loved water and drinking it. She eats dry food. I’ve noted she’s urinating 5 times a day. Is this within range for the amount she’s urinating?” – Ange
Why Is My Senior Cat Sleeping in the Garage and Drinking So Much Water?
My cat has been going into the garage to sleep under my car, in AZ, in the summer. The last time she did this, she was sick. This time, I'm not noticing any illness. 3 months ago, the vet said her kidneys looked great. Now, she's drinking a lot and urinating a lot. Why is she sleeping in the garage? Thank you.
Why Is My American Longhair Cat Acting Scared Of Me After A Trauma?
Annie witnessed her sister Sylvi being attacked by a raccoon who invaded their little outdoor space while I was in the hospital. Sylvi is on the mend due to emergency vet care, but Annie is now doing everything in her power to avoid me. She runs even if she hears my voice and won't be in the same room with me. Is she just traumatized?
Why Is My Calico Losing Hair, Hiding, and Not Using Her Litter Box?
My cat has rash all over her body and pulls her hair out doesnt eat unless you bring it to her. Now she will not use liter box. Hides alot. Our other cats dont have this issue
Why Is My 2 Year Old Domestic Yellow Cat Shedding So Much?
She is shedding bad right now. She was a Ferrell cat. She had i guess a couple of miscarriages and then started getting close to us when she had kittens 3yrs ago. She is happy, I kept all the babies. We live in woods and she loves it. Her kittens will be 4 in sept.
Why Does My Senior Orange Tabby Have A Red Spot On His Toe Pad?
He has a tiny spot on the end of his front paw toe pad that looks like kitty litter stuck in it, but it's a little red behind it. I'm not sure what it is but he doesn't seem bothered by it
Why Is My Senior Domestic Shorthair Still Licking His Belly Raw?
My cat has been to my long term vet (12 years) and specialists for skin conditions and despite meds, change of foods, etc., he still licks his belly raw. He has been doing this for over a year. He is currently on Kesium to avoid infection. He lives with 9 siblings which are all the same age except for one who is 14. I am beyond crazy with frustration. I cannot use pheromones like Felaway because I have a parrot.
Is It Normal For My Cat To Hide After Starting Anxiety Medication?
I went to the vet with my cat, he has high anxiety and was exhibiting symptoms similar to his last anxiety attack. He got put on medication and since then he has been hiding in my bedroom's closet. He usually sticks to me like glue, eg. sleeps in my office on his beam bag, sleeps on the pillow next to me and sleeps in the living room. Is it normal that he's suddenly hiding all day, only coming out for food, water and the litter box?
Why Is My Senior Cat Suddenly Afraid of the Area Rug?
Why has my cat developed such great anxiety over the edge of my area rug that he has to study it until he's ready to leap over it? He's also unsure of random, soft patterns on the rug, needing to poke at them with his paw until satisfied. About what, I don't know. I'm crushed that he's so stressed out!
Why Does My Two Year Old Cat Have Scabs and Thinning Fur?
My cat is indoor cat ive noticed she has like scabs on spine of her back around her ears losing some fur then it comes back noticed has a bold patch my her bottom
How Can I Get Fleas Off My Calico Kittens Without Giving Them A Bath?
how can i get the fleas off of my baby without making him take his bath? (he hates them) i’m 13 years old and i got two cats in february and they are both 8 months now, im just finding out that they have fleas, and they won’t let me get them off without them moving a lot or just running. i just need to figure out a way to get the fleas off of them without scaring or hurting them.
Why Is My Senior Cat Not Eating for Three Days?
Why has my cat not been eating for about 3 days?
Can A Special Diet Help My Senior Tabby With Chronic Diarrhea And Litter...
Scooter has had diarreha for approximately 3 months...she has 2 litter boxes & after one visit to each one will go on the carpet or floor in my bedroom. Question: Is there a kibble specifically that would mitigate this problem?
What Should I Do If My Senior Cat Swallowed A Piece Of Plastic?
My cat ate a strip of flexible plastic - like from a package or something not tape. He appears to have swallowed it
How Can I Help My Tabby Cats Get Along Better?
How do I or can I create a more calm and social environment between these cats?
Why Is My Black Short Hair Cat Suddenly Hiding and Not Eating Much?
We git a rescue cat about a year ago and she finally got comfortable with the family and was very affectionate. About a week ago, she went under the couch and doesn’t want to come out. She’ll still eat, but not as often as she was and I don’t know if she’s drinking water.
Why Does My Senior Cat Have a Bony Bump on Her Nose?
My cat has always had a bump on the bridge of her nose, and it seems more pronounced today. It’s bony and it doesn’t seem to cause her pain when touched and she’s acting normal
Why Has My Persian Been Sick for Three Months?
Hello, Doctor. I hope you’re doing well. I have a cat named Carmela. He is 3.5 years old and has been sick for about 3 months. I would really appreciate your opinion on his condition.
Are Silver Vine Sticks Safe for My Tabby’s Dental Health?
Do vets think silver vine sticks for dental health are dangerous?
Can Cat Grass Help With My Cat's Constipation?
A friend gave us a bit of cat grass to try and my cat liked it. I am new to this and read iut can help with hairballs which my cat does not often get but I noticed she gets consitipated so I've benn giving her vetoquinol
Could Pink Insulation Make My Maine Coon Sick?
My cat was in a storage space that has the pink insulation on the walls. Today she has thrown up twice. First time was her food and second was just bile.
HELP! I’m Terrified About Sending My Cat Overseas!
“Hello Dr Paola, I live in Oman, and rescued a Persian doll face and her kittens from the streets. I’ve had them for 2 years now, but unfortunately we have to move, and my Mom isn’t letting me take them with us. I’ve tried to get them adopted here, but had no luck, so my only option was to reach out to shelters abroad since there aren’t any here. I found a rescue in Canada that agreed to take them, but my issue is that they’ll have to travel in cargo, and the temperature here in Oman can get up to almost 50oC (122oF). Will they be okay? I am honestly losing sleep over this and waking up with panic attacks every day. The Persian is 5 years old. When she was outdoors, she was panting and drooling from the heat. Please, do you have any advice? Would you recommend I send her abroad? I’m really scared about the temperature because it really is extremely hot here, and I don’t know what the temperature will be like in cargo.” – Dana
HELP! My Feral Cat Has Itchy Ears!
“Dr Dr Paola, Thank you for all the wonderful things you do for our pets. What do you think of SPRAY BANIXX for ear infections, yeast infections, ringworm, wounds, and hot spots? My feral kitty, Ninji, cannot go to a vet or be touched as she’s very afraid. She has scratched both ears to the point where some fur has come off. I saw her trying to get her foot inside her ear — it’s bad. I think it’s ear mites, and I was told this spray will help. What are your thoughts, please?” – Sybil
HELP! My Cat Loves Eating Grass, But It Makes Her Vomit!
“Dear Dr Paola, My 9-year-old cat, Bhelpuri, loves to munch on kitty grass when we go out for supervised garden time each day. More often than not, she will throw it up minutes later. She is in all other ways healthy, so I’m curious if this is something beneficial to her, or if I should remove the grass, even though she loves to chomp on it. Thanks!” – Duncan
Why Are My Maine Coon Mixes Bullying Their Mother?
I have a mother and her five babies that I kept and as they get older, the mother's about a year older than they are they are 4.. they started bullying the mom where they would go after her just the boys, if she was in the litter box or come up on her if she's in a corner or laying somewhere sometimes they'll just stand or sit there other times they'll swat they do it to the sister randomly but mostly the mother... I don't know why all of a sudden they have an issue with her and she just cowers to them where she used to be tough I just want to know if there's any way to make peace? I tried the diffusers that you plug in and it didn't work didn't do anything. And also when it happens what should I do about it should I intervene?
Should I Take My Senior Norwegian Forest Cat to a Specialist for Saddle Thrombus?
I have a twelve year old female Norwegian Forest Cat. She has diabetes and is on Lantus 3units bid. She also has congestve heart problems and take Vetmedin and furosimide. The day before yesterday she started limping on he right rear leg. Within a few hours she was dragging her hind legs and panting from pain. We brought her to an emergency hospital They said she had Saddle Thrombus. We didn't want he hospitalized so they gave her a Exoxaparin shot and Clopidrogel, gabbapentin and buprenorphine for home administration. Both our vet and the hospital vet recommended euthanasia but we won't do that. Our vet said then to continue with the meds and hope in a few days it dissolves. Which he says is unlikely. Yet her anal temp is 98.7. He rear legs are still stiff and colder than the front legs .Should we take he to a specialist? What sort of specialist? My vet says they'll want to hospitalize her to see a specialist. What can I do from here? She's not in pain yet (after a methadone shot 15 hours ago) and is eating and in good spirits.
How Can I Stop My Bengal From Scratching Her Infected Ear Wound?
My cat has an ear puncture from a suspected cat fight. It had gotten infected and filled up with pus. We took her to the vet and got a dose of antibiotics a few days ago. But subsequently scratched her wound and opened it up again. It doesn’t look infected, but she has made it weepy and is constantly scratching it open. What can I do to stop her from scratching it?
Is It Cruel to Bring My Bonded Tabby Cats Indoors to Live in a Small Apartment?
Is it cruel to trap my bonded feral cats I’ve been caring for and bring them inside to live in my small basement apt
Why Is My Two Month Old Persian Siamese Kitten Having Diarrhea After Eating Rice?
My cat Loki has been pooping since he eats rice which is foreign on him because he only eats cat food (kibble). He poops many times as usual and it has color yellowish white like grayish something. He seems unwell, weaker (not energetic) and he refuses to drink water sometimes
Help! My Cat Is Licking the Walls!
“Hi there Dr Paola, Our calico cat Louise has taken to licking walls, faux-wooden doors, and whatever else happens to be nearby. I am concerned both about this odd behavior and its potential impact on her health. Please advise!” Nancy
Help! My Cat is Obsessed with Chewing on Plastic!
“Dear Dr Paola, My cat Pompom is obsessed with chewing on plastic. What should I do?” Andrew
Help! My Cat Seeks My Attention!
“Hi Dr Paola! My cat, Jellybean (aka Meepie), purrs very loudly when I pet her. She will chase my hands until I pet her and she gets in the way of projects. She doesn’t do this for anyone else. I live at a different house for two-thirds of the time; could that be the reason? Does she just miss me?” – Eve
Help! My Cat Has Rodent Ulcers!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Sonny, my 15-year-old cat, was diagnosed several years ago with rodent ulcers in his mouth. He had regular monthly injections for a long time until they didn’t seem to be helping anymore. I found a supplement that helped for the past 2-3 years but now the condition is flaring up again and he appears to be in pain. What do you suggest?” – Mary Helen
Help! Is Prozac the Best Option for Anxiety?!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My kitty is on transdermal Prozac for redirected aggression that started last year. We tried the slow reintroduction and another trigger sent them into a frenzy again. Is Prozac the best option for anxiety in cats, or are there better transdermal options, because there’s no way we can get pills into this kitty! Thank you!!!” – Nicole
Help! My Cat No Longer Wants Wet Food!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My almost 5-year-old Tuxedo male, Leo, no longer wants wet food. I’ve tried different brands/types to get moisture into him to no avail. He will only eat dry food, and sometimes vomits it up shortly after. He does drink water. What do you suggest? “ – Laura
Help! My Cat Is Itchy!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Seraphina is itchy. She has one balding spot on her back between her shoulders, and I’ve noticed some tiny scabs behind her ears. There are no fleas. I comb her daily with a fine-toothed comb and no flea poop. Is there an over-the-counter spray I can use on her? I think she might have allergies like me. Thank you.” – Heidi
Help! Should I Be Adding Taurine to My Cat’s Food?!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Avishai is a Maine Coon, and we add taurine to his food. What are your thoughts about this? He is just over a year old and healthy. We have him on Royal Canin wet and dry kitten formula, and being a Maine Coon and a slow grower, we plan on keeping him on it for 15 or 16 months old. Thank you for your advice. “ – Denny
Help! My Momma Cat Is Very Thin!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My feral Momma Cat (who is not even a year old) has had her 5 babies, and I have gotten her to let me pet her. She’s a perfect momma. But she has gotten so thin. What can I give her to gain some weight? I will get her “fixed” as soon as kittens are weaned, and they are eating cat food!! Going on 7 weeks! “ – Sandra
Help! My Cat Has Hard Fur Clumps!
“Dear Dr. Paola, “What is the best way to take hard fur off your cat without hurting him?” – Sussane
Help! My Cat Has Developed a Spot on Her Nose!
“Our puss cat is nearly 14 years old and is in very good health, generally. However, over the past few days, she has developed a little freckle on her white nose. It doesn’t feel raised or look sore. It’s just a brown dot. It does seem to have gotten slightly bigger, but still only tiny. I would say it’s no more than 1–2 mm wide. It looks bigger as her nose is white, so it stands out. I wonder if you have any idea what this could be, please? Thank you for your help . ” – Linda & Snickets
Help! How Do I Know if My Cat Has Ear Mites!
“Mr. Weasley, my cat, keeps scratching at his ears and has caused them to bleed externally. I’ve looked inside his ears, and he has something black inside. His hearing is fine; he can hear anything, especially the dinner bowls. I don’t know if it’s ear mites, but not sure how to treat or clean them.“- Virginia
Help! My Cat Has Always Wants Treats!
“Dear Dr. Paola, I trained my cat Snowshoe not to scratch the furniture by giving her treats every time she used her scratch post, but she took it as begging for treats, and now she expects treats every time she scratches her post. If I don’t give her treats, then she scratches the furniture. How do I get her to stop this? ” – Roxanne
Help! My Cat Cries at the Door Constantly!
“I live in a large apartment complex with an enclosed courtyard. Good boy, the cat I accepted from someone who had to move has been going out into this courtyard for months. The rules have changed, and all pets, even cats, must be on a leash when outside. I have been trying to keep this 6-year-old cat inside, but he cries at the door constantly. How long before he gives up crying to go outside, or are there any other suggestions? Thanks.” – Reitha
Help! My Cat Is Peeing on My Bed!
“Why does my cat Tuxedo pee on my bedding, and on top of me? Our vet says nothing is physically wrong. This morning, he just got on top of me in bed and peed on me. He has a very clean litter box and uses it at all other times. About once every 7 to 10 days, he does this.“- Judy
Help! My Cat Has Suddenly Started Hissing & Growling!
"Dear Dr. Paola, Juno is a spayed female. DOB 06/22/22. No new animals, no changes in the household. She has been checked by the vet. X-rays, blood work, and urinalysis. She was put on Gabapentin, as there was a possibility she was in some pain. Also, to calm her. Out of the blue, she has started hissing and growling whenever I pass by her in the kitchen/dining room. I'm walking around on eggshells. I've been told by some people that it's because she's Siamese. She is part Siamese. I am the one who feeds her, cleans her litter, and does everything when it comes to her needs. She will climb into my lap and purr and sleep and be sweet and affectionate and then jump down sometimes after being on my lap for more than an hour, walk into the dining room, and if I walk past, she will growl and hiss. I'm so upset, I'm sure she's picking up the tension from me. The vet has suggested Prozac. I would really like your opinion." - Colleen
Help! My Rescue Has Bizarre Eating Habits!
"Hi Dr. Paola, I just got Gypsy from the SPCA two weeks ago, and she has just about stopped hiding and is getting closer to me. One habit she has puzzles me. She eats her soft food with her right paw, i.e., she dips it in her food and then licks it and keeps doing that until she has eaten half her bowl. Then later she eats normally. Apart from that, she is not fussy. She eats any flavors I have given her, and she has a good appetite. Have you ever heard of such quirky behaviour?" - Colette
Help! My Cat's Skin Turned Black!
"Hello, Dr. Paola. Maylee is 16 and an indoor house cat. She developed a fairly large area where her skin pigment turned from creamy white to black, and all the hair fell out in that area. It runs from a little near the neck and spine and gets bigger as it runs down towards her tummy. She scratched it so that there were sores in 2 smaller areas. I immediately called the Dr and took her in. I told him that I had never seen anything like that on her. She has never been sick except for some serious scratching, thanks, I think, to our SC pine pollen, for which I gave her some homeopathic drops, which seemed to help. Anyway, He gave her two shots, an antihistamine and an antibiotic. He gave me a topical cream, Animax nystatin-neomycin sulfate, to apply twice a day. Two weeks later, the same thing happened, but I asked for a blood panel to be done. She has always refused to drink water (so I added water to every meal) until just recently, I praised her every time she went near her water bowl, so I was worried about her kidneys. Dr said he wasn't worried because the sores went away. She had stopped scratching because I was lubricating the area twice a day. What could this be?"- Kathleen
How Do I Catch a Wild Pregnant Cat?
Hello Dr. Paola, We are trying to catch a wild, pregnant mother cat so we can have her spayed. We have live traps set, but it would be nice to have something natural to calm and sedate her so we can safely catch her, and also so she does not harm herself. Can you help us? We also have 5 or 6 wild kittens, 10 months old in the same situation. Thank you! - Tony
Help! My cat refuses to drink water!
My cat Greta refuses to drink water and continuously sticks her tongue in and out. What do I do?
Help! I Am Worried About My Cats Hydration!
“What can I do to keep Cleo hydrated? She won’t eat wet food or wet treats.” – Merryanne
How Do I Fix Tear Stains?
“I adopted a Persian cat, Gia. Her nose is not too squished in, so she can breathe normally, which is wonderful, but she gets tear stains pretty badly. Why is this? And what can I do to help?” – Macklin
Help! My Cat is Restless After Puking!
“On occasion, after my cat vomits, she starts walking around restlessly, going towards corners of the room and finding dust or hair the vacuum didn’t pick up, and eats it. What could this mean? “- Jenny
Why Is My Cat Scratching The Bedroom Door?
“Milo is a rescue that came from our vet. He constantly scratches at the door to our bedroom. The door frame is down to the wood. How do we stop him from scratching at the door?” – Linda
How Can I Understand My Cat Better?
“How can I communicate with my cat?” – Pheobe
Why Does My Senior British Shorthair Have Dandruff?
“Hi Dr. Paola, JR is a 7 and ¾ year-old British Short hair Tuxedo cat. JR just developed dandruff. I brush her daily. JR is fed Blue Buffalo Tastefuls and Sheba cuts daily. What can you suggest? “- Bobbi
Is My New Kitten Sick and Should He Stay Away From My Senior Cat?
What could be wrong with my kitten and should I keep my 10 year old cat away from him?
Why Is My Senior Tabby Suddenly Aggressive and Howling?
I adopted Leo from a shelter 8 months ago from a shelter. He settled in fine but in the past few weeks his behavior has changed. His pupils are wide, his tail is curved downward and he follows me around howling. Last night he attacked me in my sleep and drew blood. At this point I’m afraid in my own home. It’s not his fault. Either he’s in pain or he’s losing it. Either way a sad situation
Help! Wet Food Causes My Cat Diarrhea!
"Hi Dr. Paola, My name is Lulu, and I own a feline. He is my little buddy, Belito. I would like to know why the wet canned cat food I have been feeding for four months or so now causes him diarrhea. The brand name of the cat food is ‘I and Love and You’ grain-free recipe. Should I look into switching his food?" - Lulu
Help! My FIV Cat is Sleeping More than Usual!
Oreo is a male stray that my boyfriend and I took in 4 years ago. He may be about 5 years old. He’s been neutered and microchipped. My question is, he has FIV and lately has been sleeping more than usual, and he has one eye that tears and scabs up. He is indoor/outdoor, but lately indoor. In the past, we had eyedrops for that one eye. Should I be worried about him? It’s out of character for him to sleep so much. Thank you, Kim
Help! My Cat is Dependant on Treats!
“My cat Teddy is a 3-year-old female tabby who depends on treats on top of her food for breakfast and dinner (she’s fed 2x/day). I give her wet food also, but she has become dependent on her treats as a major part of her meals. I know some cat behaviorists have said that you should use treats as a form of currency and reward. How do I get Teddy to stop relying on her treats and start eating regular kibble? I tried it today, and she was sooo angry. She really hates her kibble, and I don’t know how to help her with this transition into eating only kibble and wet food. ” – Molly
Help! How Do I Keep My Cat Off My Pillows?
“At night, when my cat Birdie wants to cuddle in my bed, she walks all over my pillows, and I can’t help but feel like she’s leaving litter box residue everywhere. I don’t want to lock her out of the room, but I don’t want to sleep on/breath in whatever her paws are leaving behind. Can I get sick from this, and how can I keep her off my pillows? ” – Arthur
Help! I Need Fur Removal Tips!
“Is there an “easy” way to remove a fur mat from my cat?” – Sheila
Help! Is My Cat Too Old for Meds?
“My cat, Eclipse, will be turning 18 in April, and she is having trouble getting up on higher surfaces now with her front paws. She also does not sit in loaf positions anymore and hasn’t for a while. Would Solensia possibly be a good option for her arthritis, or is she too old?” – Kelly
Help! My Cat is Being Bullied!
“What should I do if my male cat, Charlie, gets beaten up by other male cats? – Erica
Help! My Kitten Pukes After She Eats!
“My kitten Sugar is three months old and vomits whenever she eats anything. What should I do? “ – Sally
Help! Why Does My Cat Over-Groom?
“My outside cat, Diamond, has been over-grooming her back for at least 3 years now. She is healthy and happy, other than her over-grooming. She will be 10 this spring. I’ve taken her to two different vets, and they haven’t been able to provide me reason for her behavior. It has intensified over the last 5 months. I’ve changed her food to “sensitive skin” formula, which seemed to help a bit, but has not changed her behavior. Is there anything else I can do?” – D
Help! Flea Medication is So Expensive!
“Are the flea medications in stores ok to give my cats? I have 11, so it’s costly at the vet “ – Melissa
Help! Is nytroglicerin okay for cats?
“Can cats consume nytroglicerin? “ – Jan
Help! Do Dental Chews Help Clean Teeth?
“Hi Dr. Paola, Do you recommend cat chews to keep their teeth clean? I have seen chews of silverdine sticks, and not sure if they are safe for my 3-month-old Maine coon, Sasha.” – Beth
Help! My Cat Chews on Wires!
“Why does my male kitten, Binx, nearly 6 months old, chew on electric wiring, and how can I stop it? He was found wandering around our yard in November and needed a lot of tender loving care and, of course, vet bills. He will be fixed next week. He is so hyper that we are hoping that will settle him down somewhat, but we cannot let him run loose anymore. Thank you. “ – Cathy
Why Do Cats Hate Water So Much?
“Why, in general, do cats not like water? Is there something evolutionary about it? Like, tigers love water, but lions not so much, and most house cats I know, like my Ernie, like looking at it, but would rather die than go into the tub or even a puddle after the rain.“ – Carlie
Help! My Cat Needs More Water!
“My overweight male cat Chunk doesn’t care for wet food. I give him Chuuru in addition to his dry food, which is probably why he’s so large. How can I make sure he’s getting enough water without turning him into a sumo wrestler cat?” – Kathryn
Help! My Cat Poops Out of Spite!
“My 13-year-old Yoruichi recently started to poop outside of the box when he gets mad about something. Is that normal? His brother, who’s also 13, doesn’t do that, so I am concerned if there’s any other underlying cause . “ – Kumi
Help! Is My Cat Too Old for Spaying?
“My 2 year old cat Bunny has not been spayed, is she too old and what are the risks?“ – Linda
Help! I Think My Cat is Depressed!
“My older cat died and my other cat Bootsie who was extremely fond of him is depressed. I have tried play, putting together a new scratching post for her, and holding her, but nothing seems to be working, possibly because she senses i am missing him as well. Do you have any suggestions? I would really appreciate any you would have!” – Joey
Help! My Cat Always Has Runny Poops!
“Snickers is a 7-year-old Maine Coon/Ragdoll mix. Ever since we adopted her 4 years ago, we’ve been unable to find food that doesn’t cause soft, loose poops. We’ve had poop tests confirming she is worm/parasite/bacteria free. We’ve had her on a gluten/grain-free diet of moist/dry food. We’ve tried so many different brands but she continues to have loose (not diarrhea) stools. We’ve given her probiotics and prebiotics in her food. We’ve tried homeopathic remedies for food sensitivities. We had a saliva test to measure microbiomes and found out she needs probiotics but she still has runny poops. We’re confused and discouraged. Can you help?” – Elizabeth
Help! My Cat Acts Like He Hasn’t Been Fed in Months
“Hello Dr. Paola, Why does my cat Curly act as though he hasn’t eaten in months right after he’s been fed? He’s a healthy weight, no health problems, just dire starvation vibes the moment his bowl is empty.” – Sean
I Need Help for My Senior Cats Diet!
“Dear Dr. Paola What would you recommend that I feed my wonderful 16-year-old male cat (part Maine Coon, part whatever), Shaka-Zulu? He continues to be in good health: climbs the stairs, jumps on furniture, etc., without difficulty, and is very affectionate and intelligent. He also communicates effectively with his humans. I’d like to feed him the healthiest senior cat food available!“ – Priscilla
Help! Is Anyone Researching the Explosion of Hyperthyroidism in Cats?
“Dear Dr. Paola, Is anyone researching the explosion of hyperthyroidism in cats? Do feral cats get this? Or is this a modern indoor cat phenomenon that can be attributed to environmental or dietary factors, or excessive X-rays or EMF? “ – Bonnie
I Need to Get Rid of Cockroaches but I Am Worried About Chemicals Around My Cats!
“Hello Dr. Paola, I have a bad cockroach infestation, but I don’t want to use harsh chemicals because of my indoor cats, Bronx and Milagro. What do you recommend?” – Vicky
Help! I Think My Cat is Obsessive-Compulsive!
“I have another question about my cat, Rayne. I feel sometimes that he might be a little obsessive-compulsive. For example, he’s always digging in the air near his food dish. I know that they have that instinct when they are in the wild and they’re trying to hide their food from other animals. There are no other animals in our household, but he’s doing it quite obsessively now. He’s also digging at my bedsheets, not making a spot to sleep, but just digging. During the night, he also goes into a kind of mating ritual. I think I read that that has something to do with having testosterone still in him, but he is neutered. He’s going to be five years old in August, so I thought that by now, that would have subsided. Do you have any idea about any of these behaviors?” – Charmaine
Help! My Cat Won’t Cuddle!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My cat Isabella is a little over one year old and is settling into her new home. She used to be a feral outdoor cat. Sometimes she’ll let me pet her and cuddle with her (usually on the bed at night), but often not during the day. But she loves to be pet by my feet, and will rub against them most of the time. Why? “ – Melanie
I Want to Deworm a Feral Cat!
“Hello Dr. Paola, I have been feeding a feral cat named Hank since winter, but now he is not thriving! I’d like to deworm him, but am confused about which type of worms to treat him for. The local co-op has products, but I am unsure which worm treatment I need. This feral cat is friendly with me, unless a loud noise, high wind or another person’s voice startles him and he runs away. I can’t afford a vet visit; I feed and house an outdoor female (fixed) feral cat, and have my own 7-year-old rescue, a tabby that lives indoors. I’m on a fixed income. I’ve rescued and rehomed many in this area, but at 71 years old., I will have to step away in the future. Hank can stay here permanently if he chooses to. I hope to SAVE him. Hoping deworming might help him. He is a bit independent and doesn’t stay overnight, but is otherwise homeless.” – Pat
Help! My Cat is Coughing!
“My healthy 16-year-old cat, Jake, recently started coughing like he’s going to cough up a hairball, but then he doesn’t. Even in a dead sleep, he’ll jump up and crouch down on all fours for several seconds. Then it’s over. Does this sound serious? I have 5 cats, but have never experienced this before.“ – Cheryl
Help! My Cat Stares at Me While Using His Litterbox!
“Dear Dr. Paola, Whenever my cat Plumpers uses the litter box, he stares directly at me. Is that a sign of something, or just him being weird? Should I do anything about it? “ – Vicky
Help! My Kitten is Breathing Heavy!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I just got this kitten. She’s around 9 weeks old and her name is Blair. Recently, I’ve been noticing that she breathes quite quickly while sleeping. I’m extremely worried about her because I know the people who gave her to me didn’t handle the kittens very carefully. Her breaths are shallow and quick, and unfortunately, I’m unable to take her to the vet because of money issues. I’d really appreciate your input on this issue because I’m so worried about her. I hope that it’s just stress due to a new environment, but I know it could be more serious. “ – Kimberly
Help! My Cat is Looking Thinner!
“I think that my cat Lilly looks thinner. She had full blood and urine tests 10 days ago. The vet said they didn’t find anything in her kidneys, and that her heart is okay for her age. I thought about getting cat meat specifically for older cats. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should I try something else? “ – Sandra
Help! My Cat Has Crazy Energy at Night!
“Dear Dr. Paola, Libby seems to get a sudden burst of energy late at night and sprints around the house like crazy. What causes that?” – Kim
Help! My Cat is Obsessed with Licking Plastic Bags!
“My cat, Mr Fluffy, is obsessed with licking plastic bags and packaging. Is that safe? Why might he be doing this?” – Deborah
Help! My Cat Loves to Knock Things Over!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My cat Mildred has a habit of knocking things off tables or shelves—cups, pens, whatever she can find. Why do cats do this? ” – Christy
Help! My Cat Stares at the Wall!
“Sometimes my cat Daisy just stares at the wall for ages like she’s seeing something I can’t. Should I be concerned, or is this just normal cat behavior? ” – Daniel
Help! My Cats Has Licked Her Fur Away!
“My cat Krueger is licking her fur so that her fur has disappeared. However, she does not have any hairballs. What should I do? “ – Greg
Help! No Human’s Are Ever as Loyal as My Cats!
“Why can’t any human I know be as loving and loyal as my cats, Darwin and Breebree?“ – Michael
Help! My Feral Cat has Fleas!
“Black Magic is a feral cat and very skittish. He has a flea infestation, and I’m unable to capture him to take him to the vet for treatment. Is there anything natural I can give him to help get rid of the fleas? “ – Lillian
Help! My Rescue Cat is Skittish Around Me!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I rescued my cat Midnight from an abusive home. I wonder why she is so skittish with me? I’m protecting her, and I let her do anything she wants because I love all my animals. How do I pick her up and put her in the carrier to take her to the vet? Also, she hurt herself, and she’s limping and has her little paw up when she walks. I have to wait one more week before I can take her to see a vet in person because that’s when I get paid next, so I’m wondering what I can do in the meantime? Every time I see my baby girl in pain, it makes me cry! “ – Judy
Help! My Cat Has Epilepsy!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I found out about a month ago that my 7-year-old cat, Georgia, has epilepsy. The vet has her on a quarter of a phenobarbital pill. Vet started her on half a pill, but she wasn’t eating very much and using her litterbox very much. It’s hard to get her to take her medicine once daily. It takes both my fiancé and me to give her a quarter of the half pill. She was also diagnosed with chronic cystitis when she was two years old. She’s been on Science Diet wet stew food since then. She also doesn’t drink water, no matter what I do. Any suggestions on how to give her the pill? Plus, she’s also declawed.“ – Debra
Help! My Cat is Shivering!
“Hello Dr. Paola, Why does my cat, Rayne, shiver or quiver when he’s relaxed and purring, sometimes even before he falls asleep, while lying next to me? What concerns me is that it’s more of a shivering or quivering, like from a fever or chills. He’s been checked by a vet, yet no one can explain this behavior. He’s not ill at this time, but has done this since I’ve had him. He’ll be 5 in August, and I got him at 8 months. My previous Abyssinian also did this shiver and quiver. I think my cat does suffer from anxiety. I know when he walks down the hallway, he rubs his mouth against the wall or objects every couple of feet, and I did read once that that was a way of securing his circle of security, so that doesn’t bother me. Once he is sound asleep, he doesn’t do it, but sometimes when he’s in a deep sleep, he’ll jerk up really fast up in the air. I know, as humans, we do that too. I appreciate any help that you might be able to give. Thank you. “ – Charmaine
Help! My Cat Gets a Cough When She’s in Heat!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Kloe is an intact 9 y/o female orange and white tabby. When she starts her heat cycle, she’ll get a cough; otherwise she only coughs after drinking water. She looks like she bites at the water as shes lapping it with her tongue.” – Andrea
Help! My Cat is Guarding The Litterbox!
“Hey Dr. Paola, Roxy is a litter box dictator when it comes to my other cat Ivor. I have three litter boxes. Roxy uses the one in the bathroom. The other two are in a spare room. One is used by Ivor. The other box has fresh litter in it. Neither cat has used this box for two weeks now. When Ivor needs to use his box, Roxy will follow him. She allows him to take care of business. He hurriedly leaves and Roxy attacks his tail and back side. Other times Roxy will just sit near Ivor’s litter box for hours on end waiting for Ivor to need to use his litter box. “ – Lloyd
Help! My Cat is Peeing on My Late Husbands Chair!
“Dear Dr. Paola, QT is a 3-year-old tabby and lives with her half sister, who is 11. We lost my husband on February 21, 2024, and I started noticing pee by the heater vent by his chair. I scrubbed and used Nature’s Miracle, then saw it on the other vent by the other chair. Thought it was only happening when I was gone, but she did it right next to me as I was sitting in his chair. We have two litterboxes that I clean daily, and have never had this problem before :( I have tried pepper and even putting his t-shirt on it, but she pushed it aside and did it anyway. I’m assuming she is upset that he is gone, but I don’t know what to do! Please help! Thank you,“ – Brenda