Ask Dr. Paola – Assist! I Am Apprehensive My Cat Isn’t Getting Sufficient Water! (April 6, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey 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 mum or dad or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply 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 maintain your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline tremendous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion. ‎

Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Cat is Stressed After Puking!

“Every so often, after my cat vomits, she begins strolling round restlessly, going in direction of corners of the room and discovering mud or hair the vacuum didn’t decide up, and eats it. What may this imply? “- Jenny

Hello Jenny,

What you’re describing is one thing many cats do after vomiting, and it might look fairly unsettling. That stressed pacing adopted by consuming mud or hair is commonly a response to lingering nausea. In easy phrases, her abdomen nonetheless feels “off,” and he or she is attempting to self-soothe. Cats could search out non-food objects, a behavior called pica, particularly when their gastrointestinal tract is irritated. Consider it because the abdomen and mind being barely out of sync after the episode. The nausea lingers, and he or she could attempt to settle that sensation by ingesting uncommon issues. In lots of instances, that is linked to residual nausea or gastric irritation moderately than true starvation.

That mentioned, this conduct shouldn’t be ignored, particularly if it occurs repeatedly. Consuming hair and particles can improve the chance of gastrointestinal irritation and even obstruction over time. Frequent underlying elements embrace hairballs, dietary sensitivities, or gentle gastrointestinal irritation. Supporting her with smaller, extra frequent meals, common grooming to scale back hair ingestion, and making certain good hydration could make a significant distinction.

If these episodes are taking place greater than often, or if her conduct appears extra intense every time, it could be sensible to have her evaluated, as persistent vomiting in cats is commonly linked to situations like inflammatory bowel disease or dietary intolerance. For now, attempt to gently restrict entry to clutter proper after vomiting and supply a relaxed, clear house whereas she settles. If this sample continues, she would profit from a extra thorough in-clinic analysis. I hope this helps!

Regards,

– Dr. Paola

How Do I Repair Tear Stains?

“I adopted a Persian cat, Gia. Her nostril isn’t too squished in, so she will be able to breathe usually, which is great, however she will get tear stains fairly badly. Why is that this? And what can I do to assist?”
 – Macklin

Hello Macklin,

Gia sounds pretty, and it’s nice that she has a extra reasonable facial construction, which already reduces most of the respiratory challenges we see in Peke-face Persians. Even so, tear staining is quite common on this breed. It normally comes right down to how their tear drainage system is formed. In lots of Persians, the nasolacrimal ducts, which usually carry tears from the eyes into the nostril, are narrower or barely misaligned. When tears can not drain effectively, they overflow onto the face, and over time, these pigments oxidize and depart the brownish stains you’re seeing.

Normally, that is extra of a beauty and hygiene concern than a medical one, however conserving the world clear is necessary to forestall pores and skin irritation. Gently wiping the world a couple of times day by day with a comfortable, damp cotton pad or a veterinary eye-cleaning resolution may help, at all times shifting away from the attention. Conserving the fur trimmed around the eyes and making certain good grooming reduces moisture buildup. Some cats additionally profit from a balanced food regimen and good hydration, since tear composition will be influenced by total well being. Keep away from harsh merchandise or hydrogen peroxide, because the pores and skin in that space may be very delicate.

If you happen to discover thick discharge, a change in colour to yellow or inexperienced, redness, squinting, or if the tearing appears extreme even for a Persian, that may point out underlying points like an infection or irritation that ought to be examined in individual. Whether it is simply persistent staining with out different regarding indicators, a secure cleansing routine ought to assist.
Variety regards,

Finest needs,

– Dr. Paola

@media (max-width: 767px) {
.pcpw-hide-mobile {
show: none;
}
}
@media (min-width: 768px) {
.pcpw-hide-desktop {
show: none;
}
}