Ask Dr. Paola – Licking, Overstimulation & Abscesses (December 1, 2025)

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 Cat is Obsessively Licking!

“My cat Mr Fluffs has been obsessively licking one paw and chewing at it—should I be concerned?“- Ellen

Hi Ellen,

When a cat focuses intensely on a single paw, especially with licking and chewing, it usually means that something in that specific area is bothering them. Cats often use grooming as their way of pointing out discomfort, much like we might repeatedly rub a spot on our skin when it irritates us. Common causes include dermatitis, foreign material caught between the toes, an insect sting, a claw injury, or early infection. Because these are localized issues that require close inspection and sometimes diagnostic tests, an in-person veterinary visit is the most appropriate next step.

Early evaluation is important because persistent licking can quickly escalate into moisture-related dermatitis or secondary bacterial infection, which only makes the original problem worse. A veterinarian can carefully examine the paw, check the claws and interdigital spaces, and determine whether pain, inflammation, or an underlying condition such as allergies or arthritis is contributing. With prompt care, most of these problems resolve smoothly, and your sweet Mr. Fluffs will be back to using his paw comfortably.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Cat Swats Me With Her Tail!

“My cat’s tail starts flicking and twitching while I’m petting her, and then sometimes she swats me, but other times the tail language lasts for a couple of minutes—how do I know when Gidget’s had enough?“ – Carter

Hi Carter,

What you are seeing in Gidget aligns very well with overstimulation, a common response in many healthy cats. They often enjoy gentle touch at first, then as the sensory input builds, the nervous system shifts from relaxed to irritated, much like how rubbing the same spot on your arm can go from pleasant to uncomfortable. The earliest indicators usually begin with the tail. Quick flicks, a tightening tail tip, or subtle changes in the muscles along the back are all signs that she is reaching her limit. You might also notice her ears angling to the side, pupils widening, or her breathing pausing for a moment, cues that work together almost like the tension building in a stretched rubber band.

If her tail movement remains loose and her body stays soft, she may simply be excited rather than irritated. Observing her whole posture helps you interpret the difference. Keeping petting sessions short with gentle pauses gives her a chance to stay comfortable and prevents the interaction from tipping into overstimulation. If you ever notice that her reaction becomes abrupt or she seems uncomfortable when a particular area is touched, an in-person examination is the safest way to rule out pain or an underlying medical concern. I hope this helps!

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat Has a Bump on His Head!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I have a new 3-month-old kitten/cat that has been spayed and had all her shots, but she likes to play with Clyde, and Clyde has a bump on the top of his head now, maybe she scratched or bit him. This bump is soft, and if you squeeze it, a line of white stuff comes out of it. I shaved the hair around it and washed it with an antibiotic wash, and put antibiotic ointment on it.

It worries me, and I’m not sure if I need to take him to his vet. I handle my cats, so I know if something comes up that should not be there, and they get a monthly bath, too. Thank you. “– Sharon

Hi Sharon,

The soft bump you are describing on Clyde’s head, especially one that releases white material when pressed, is very consistent with an abscess. These often occur when a small puncture, usually from a claw or tooth, seals over quickly and traps bacteria beneath the skin. The bacteria multiply in that closed space and create a pocket of pus. Even though you have been cleaning it, an abscess behaves much like a small balloon filled with infectious material, and without proper drainage and systemic treatment, it can worsen or spread into deeper tissues.

Because abscesses frequently contain mixed bacterial populations and can reform if not fully treated, Clyde really does need to be seen in person. A veterinarian can safely open and flush the pocket, assess the surrounding tissues, and prescribe an appropriate systemic antibiotic. You did the right thing by noticing the change quickly and keeping the area clean, but an in-person visit is the safest step to ensure the infection resolves completely and Clyde stays healthy.

Best,

– Dr. Paola