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

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 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. ‎

Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

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

Dear Sandra,

You are doing something really meaningful for this young momma cat, especially since she is still growing herself. It is very common for nursing queens to become quite thin because producing milk is like running a marathon every day while still trying to nourish their own bodies. Her energy and protein needs right now can be two to three times higher than normal.

The most effective and evidence-based way to help her regain her condition is to feed a high-quality kitten food, either canned, dry, or a mix of both, offered freely throughout the day. Kitten diets are more energy-dense and richer in protein and fat, which supports both milk production and her own recovery. If she prefers wet food, that can also help with hydration and is often more palatable. You can think of it as giving her “baby formula for adults”; it is concentrated nutrition designed for growth and high demand. Avoid supplements like dairy or homemade additions, since these can upset her digestion and do not provide balanced nutrition.

Since the kittens are already eating on their own, their bodies should begin to recover soon, especially once nursing decreases. Keep fresh water available at all times and monitor that she is eating well and staying bright and attentive to her kittens. If she seems weak, stops eating, or continues to lose weight, it would be best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying concerns. You are on the right track, and once she is spayed, her body will have a much easier time maintaining a healthy weight.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

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

Hello Denny,

Avishai sounds like he is doing very well, and your approach to his nutrition is thoughtful and appropriate. Maine Coon cats mature more slowly than many other breeds, so continuing a growth-support diet a bit longer aligns nicely with their natural development.

Taurine is essential for cats, particularly for the heart, eyes, and reproductive health, but when a diet is already complete and balanced, it provides exactly what their bodies need. Any extra taurine that exceeds his requirements is not stored in large amounts; instead, it is processed and excreted primarily through urine. Because of this, adding more does not translate into additional health benefits in a healthy cat, and it is generally unnecessary unless there is a specific medical indication. That said, there is no harm to having too much, other than to your wallet.

Your current approach with a mix of wet and dry food supports both hydration and energy needs very nicely. As you continue to optimize his diet, you could consider a properly formulated fresh diet labeled for all life stages, as these can offer highly digestible nutrients when balanced correctly. The most important thing is maintaining that nutritional balance so his steady, slow growth continues in a healthy and sustainable way.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

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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

Hi Heidi,

You’re noticing exactly the kind of details that help us narrow things down. The combination of itchiness, small scabs around the head and ears, and a thinning or bald spot along the back is a very typical feline skin reaction pattern. While allergies can play a role, in cats these signs are often linked to parasites or secondary skin infections, even when fleas are not seen.

This is why we rely on simple diagnostic tests like a skin scrape and cytology. I recommend you take your cat to the vet to get a skin scrape, which allows the veterinarian to gently collect material from the surface of the skin to check for mites under the microscope. Mites are microscopic parasites that live on or within the skin, and unlike fleas, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Different types can cause intense itching, especially around the ears, head, and neck. Cytology, which uses tape or a slide pressed against the skin, helps identify bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory cells, giving us a clear picture of whether an infection is contributing to those scabs.

Because these underlying causes can look so similar, over-the-counter sprays are usually not the best first step. They may soothe temporarily, but do not address mites, infections, or most allergic triggers, and in some cases can further irritate the skin. A targeted approach based on what is actually found on those simple tests will bring her relief much more effectively.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola