{"id":686512,"date":"2025-01-20T12:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T12:00:55","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-02-13T18:19:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T18:19:02","slug":"monday-january-20-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-dr-paola\/monday-january-20-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask Dr. Paola – Monday January 20, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola<\/a>” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ)<\/a> to help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline<\/em> fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. \u200e<\/p>\n

Have\u200e a \u200equestion? Send it in here!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Help! My Cat Suffers from Allergies!<\/h3>\n

\u201cDear Dr. Paola,<\/strong><\/p>\n

My 6-year-old cat Nikki suffers from allergies. We don\u2019t know the exact allergen, but a change in litter, food, and water has helped a little. She was badly traumatized as a kitten. Although she loves to be petted, any attempt to hold her to give medication brings on a panic response. I have tried everything I can think of\u2014mixing with food, liquid treats, applying to her fur\u2014nothing works. Are there any new subdural meds that her vet might apply?”<\/strong> – <\/strong>Linda<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hi Linda,
\nTaking care of a cat with a history of trauma<\/a> and allergies can definitively be challenging. Working closely with a vet is essential to ensure the treatment plan addresses Nikki\u2019s physical and emotional needs. Identifying allergy triggers<\/a> is a key step, as it allows for targeted strategies to manage her signs effectively.<\/p>\n

Treatment options may include antihistamines for mild cases or as part of a broader plan, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching, and immunotherapy to desensitize her to specific allergens over time. Other options, like immunosuppressants such as Atopica (cyclosporine) or off-label use of Apoquel (oclacitinib)<\/a>, may also be considered, but this needs to be based on her specific case. Stress management is also important, as it can significantly impact her overall well-being since stress worsens allergies.<\/p>\n

If you wish to learn more and explore the different available options for Nikki while minimizing stress and ensuring her comfort, we recommend speaking to one of our veterinarians in a one-on-one consult at PangoVet.com<\/a>. PangoVet\u2019s services can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the next steps, ensuring you and the veterinarian can work together to create a plan tailored to her specific needs.<\/p>\n

Best wishes!<\/em>
\nDr. Paola<\/em><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc9b \ud83d\ude3a Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!<\/div>
\"PangoVet\"<\/p>\r\n

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet<\/b><\/a>. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online<\/b> and get the personalized advice you need for your pet \u2014 all at an affordable price!<\/p>\r\n

Click to Speak With a Vet<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Help! My Cats Are Fart Machines!<\/h3>\n

“Dear Dr. Paola,<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have two 5-month-old kittens, Tux and Max, from the SPCA. They eat Purina pro plan kitten food wet 2 times a day in addition to their dry food. Are they supposed to be little raging fart machines? I pick one up and WAM, it\u2019s so foul I have to cover my nose. Is this normal? Thank you.”<\/strong>\u00a0 – Mary<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hi Mary! It\u2019s not uncommon for kittens to experience occasional gas, however persistent foul-smelling flatulence<\/a> isn\u2019t considered normal. There are several possible reasons for this. Dietary factors are often the primary cause. Highly processed foods may contain ingredients that some kittens find harder to digest<\/a>, such as certain proteins, fillers, or additives. Swallowing air while eating, especially if they\u2019re enthusiastic eaters, can also contribute to the problem. Additionally, kittens recently adopted from shelters may have an imbalance in their gut flora or could still be harboring intestinal parasites, even if they were treated for worms.<\/p>\n

I recommend starting with a closer look at their diet. Transitioning to a species-appropriate, less processed food with fewer additives<\/a> might help improve their digestion and reduce gas. You want to stay away from foods with \u201cMeat By-Products\u201d in the ingredient list as you can never know what they contain. Adding a high-quality, veterinary-recommended probiotic can support them in building a healthy gut microbiome. It\u2019s also a good idea to confirm with your veterinarian that Tux and Max are free from intestinal parasites<\/a>, as these can often cause gastrointestinal upset, including gas. If the issue persists or is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, or weight changes, a vet visit would be essential to rule out other underlying concerns.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,
\n<\/em>Dr. Paola<\/em><\/p>\n

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Image Credit: mistermon, Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Help! My Cat Needs Weekly Baths!<\/h3>\n

\u201cDear Dr. Paola,<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have a foster cat, Catsby, with serious environmental and food allergies. Since he\u2019s allergic to dust mites he gets a weekly bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo. (Plus HEPA filters, frequent bedding changes, steam mopping, etc.) Someone recommended monthly treatment with Revolution because it would help with any dust mites in the environment. Is that true? I hate to put chemicals on his skin unless they really would help significantly. Thanks, Dr. Paola”
\n<\/strong> \u2013 Kitty<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hi Kitty,<\/p>\n

Thank you for your dedication to Catsby\u2019s care while he finds a forever home! While Revolution (selamectin) is effective against many parasites<\/a> like fleas, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange mites, it does not work on dust mites. Dust mites, such as Dermatophagoides farinae<\/em> and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus<\/em>, live in the environment, feeding on household members’ skin flakes and other organic debris. Since they don\u2019t live on or feed from pets, they\u2019re not exposed to selamectin, which primarily targets parasites that live in and interact directly with treated animals.<\/p>\n

I need to congratulate you, you\u2019re already doing an excellent job managing Catsby\u2019s dust mite allergies with HEPA filters<\/a>, frequent bedding changes, steam mopping, and hypoallergenic baths<\/a>. These steps are the most effective for controlling dust mites and minimizing allergens. Adding Revolution is unlikely to provide additional help with dust mites, so I understand your hesitation about applying chemicals unnecessarily. Please never take treatment recommendations by \u201csomeone\u201d unless they are a vet who has an established doctor-patient relationship with your cat.<\/p>\n

This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series<\/div>
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