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! I Want to Travel With My Cats!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

We are trying to make it less stressful for our cats, Kraken and Yetti, to travel. We have a vacation home about 5 hours away and need to bring our cats when we go there. We’ve gone twice driving with them. They are in a big crate that has some fluffy things to lie on and a few toys. I also put in a small litter box just in case. Both times, one of them has gotten sick. I cover the crate with a blanket so they can’t see anything. They cry almost all the time. I put on some soft classical music, gave them some treats, and even tried some catnip, and I bought some collars that are supposed to give off some pheromones to calm them down, but they obviously don’t work.

I would just put the collars around the crate because they won’t wear them. So my question is, what else can I do to make traveling with them easier for them? It breaks my heart that they get so wound up. We even play with them before we get them in the crate to try and wear them out, but that doesn’t really work. What are your thoughts and suggestions on this? Thank you in advance, “- Linda

I feel you, Linda.

Travel can feel overwhelming for many cats because the motion, unfamiliar scents, and loss of control disrupt their sense of safety. It sounds like you are already doing so many thoughtful things for Kraken and Yetti, and their reactions are very common. Cats often experience motion-related nausea along with fear-based stress, much like how some people feel queasy and anxious when riding in a car. Using a secure carrier that feels like a protected den is ideal, although covering it completely sometimes makes the motion more disorienting. Leaving part of the carrier uncovered can give them a visual anchor and may help reduce the nausea that often leads to vomiting during car rides.

Before your next trip, offering a gradual desensitization plan can be very helpful. Short practice sessions where the cats enter the carrier, then sit in the parked car for a few minutes, and eventually take very short drives tend to build predictability and confidence. Synthetic pheromone sprays have better evidence for calming effects when applied inside the carrier about fifteen minutes before loading the cats, rather than using collars placed externally. Many cats travel more comfortably when the carrier is secured so it does not sway, the temperature inside the vehicle is cool, and they have access to familiar bedding that smells like home. Since vomiting is occurring, it would be wise to speak with your veterinarian about nausea control because medications that are available with a prescription.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Kitten Bites & Swats Me!

“SOX is 13 weeks old and wants to bite a scratch us when we want to handle him. He was a rescue we got from our vet and is in excellent health and up to date with all his shots. Is there a method to help him stop the biting? Thanks,“ – William

Hey William,

Young kittens like SOX often use their mouths and paws the same way toddlers use their hands; they explore, test boundaries, and practice hunting skills. At 13 weeks, the desire to pounce and nip is very normal, especially if play sessions become overstimulating or if he has not yet learned how to regulate his bite strength. The goal is to gently guide him toward appropriate behavior without creating fear. When he becomes mouthy during handling, calmly stop the interaction and redirect him to a toy that allows him to bite and kick safely. This teaches him that hands are for affection, and toys are for rough play.

Consistent positive reinforcement is your strongest tool. Offer praise or a tiny food reward when he chooses calm behavior during handling, much like rewarding a child for choosing quiet play instead of roughhousing. Short, predictable handling sessions throughout the day help him learn that being touched is safe. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement can also burn off the extra energy that often drives biting. If you ever feel unsure whether the behavior is purely play-related or if stress is contributing, please feel free to use our 1:1 service at PangoVet. We would be happy to help you with personalized advice. With patience and clear guidance, most kittens outgrow this phase and become wonderfully affectionate companions.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! Do My Cats Know I Love Them?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I can’t help hugging and kissing and telling Darwin and Breebree I love them. My question is, do they sense in those moments how much I love them? “– Michael

Hi again, dear Michael. Cats understand affection in their own language, and while they may not interpret hugging or kissing the same way humans do, they certainly recognize the gentle tone, relaxed body posture, and soft interactions that come with loving attention. According to feline behavior research, cats are skilled at reading human emotional cues. Your calm voice, slow movements, and the familiar scent you bring act very much like a comfort blanket that tells them they are safe. Many cats respond by leaning in, purring, blinking slowly, or simply choosing to stay close, all signs that they associate you with security and positive experiences.

Think of it as speaking different dialects of the same emotional language. You express love through touch and words, while Darwin and Breebree reply through their body language and their willingness to share space with you. When a cat chooses to settle near you or relaxes in your arms, it reflects trust, and trust is the feline version of a heartfelt declaration. Their understanding may not be verbal, but they absolutely perceive the warmth behind your actions.

Please give Darwin and Breebree an extra kiss today, sent from Dr. Paola.

– Dr. Paola