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 Poops Out of Spite!

“My 13-year-old Yoruichi recently started to poop outside of the box when he gets mad about something. Is that normal? His brother, who’s also 13, doesn’t do that, so I am concerned if there’s any other underlying cause.“– Kumi

Dear Kumi,

Your concern is very appropriate, especially at Yoruichi’s age. Cats do not eliminate outside the litter box out of spite or anger in the human sense, so when this happens, it is best thought of as communication rather than misbehavior. In senior cats, while sometimes the trigger is stress or frustration, very often there is a physical or cognitive reason underneath that lowers their tolerance or changes how comfortable the litter box feels.

At 13, medical causes always need to be considered first, even if the behavior seems situational and even if his brother is unaffected. Conditions such as arthritis can make climbing into a box painful, gastrointestinal discomfort can create urgency, and age-related cognitive changes can reduce flexibility in routines. Stressors that seem minor to us, such as changes in schedule, noise, or interactions with his brother, can also tip the balance when a cat already feels physically vulnerable. Unlike dogs, cats tend to externalize discomfort through behavior long before other obvious signs appear.

Because this is a new change, I would not consider it normal aging, but rather a signal that Yoruichi needs closer evaluation. A veterinary exam is important to rule out pain, digestive disease, or neurologic changes, and adjustments to the litter box setup are often part of the solution. In the meantime, observing patterns around when it happens can be helpful. But it’s best for all that you take him in sooner rather than later. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat Needs More Water!

“My overweight male cat Chunk doesn’t care for wet food. I give him Chuuru in addition to his dry food, which is probably why he’s so large. How can I make sure he’s getting enough water without turning him into a sumo wrestler cat?” – Kathryn

Hi Kathryn,

You’re asking a very thoughtful question, and you’re right to connect hydration, calories, and weight. Cats evolved to meet most of their water needs through food rather than drinking, so when a cat eats primarily dry food, hydration can quietly become a challenge. Dry food is a bit like crackers compared to soup; both provide nutrition, but only one contributes meaningful moisture. Churu is highly palatable and contains a lot of water, but it is also calorie-dense for its volume, so frequent use can unintentionally contribute to weight gain in a cat like Chunk.

One of the most effective ways to improve hydration without adding calories is to focus on how water is offered rather than adding more food. Many cats drink more from fountains because moving water taps into their natural curiosity and feels safer than still water. Placing multiple wide, shallow bowls in quiet locations and away from food can also increase intake. If wet food is consistently refused, offering a very small amount of a lower-calorie canned diet mixed with warm water, presented separately and without pressure, can sometimes be accepted gradually.

Because Chunk is already overweight, hydration and weight management should support each other rather than compete. Calorie control needs to be slow and deliberate, since rapid weight loss in cats is unsafe. Using treats like Churu sparingly and intentionally, while keeping portions measured, helps prevent him from becoming that sumo wrestler you’re trying to avoid. If you ever notice signs such as concentrated urine, straining in the litter box, or reduced appetite, those warrant prompt veterinary guidance. For general support with hydration strategies and safe weight planning, the Pangovet teletriage service can be a helpful first step to talk through options and decide whether an in-person exam is needed, while keeping Chunk comfortable and protected. Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

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Why Do Cats Hate Water So Much?

“Why, in general, do cats not like water? Is there something evolutionary about it? Like, tigers love water, but lions not so much, and most house cats I know, like my Ernie, like looking at it, but would rather die than go into the tub or even a puddle after the rain.“ – Carlie

Hi Carlie,

This is a wonderful observation, and yes, there is a strong evolutionary thread running through it. Most domestic cats descend from desert and semi-arid ancestors, particularly African wildcats, who evolved in environments where standing water was scarce and unpredictable. For those cats, staying dry mattered. Wet fur is heavy, takes a long time to dry, and interferes with insulation and scent control, which are essential for hunting and self-protection. To a cat, being soaked is a bit like wearing cold, soggy clothes with no way to change them, an experience that offers no survival advantage.

Big cats help illustrate how the environment shapes behavior. Tigers evolved in habitats with dense vegetation, rivers, and high humidity, so water became part of daily life, even a tool for cooling and hunting. Lions, much like domestic cats, come from drier regions and tend to avoid water unless necessary. Your Ernie’s fascination with watching water fits perfectly here. Cats are natural observers and problem solvers, so moving water catches their attention like a puzzle, but stepping into it goes against deeply ingrained instincts that say wet equals vulnerable.

Individual experience also matters. A cat that was never gently exposed to water during early development is more likely to avoid it later, just as a child unfamiliar with swimming may hesitate at the pool’s edge. Respecting that preference is part of good welfare, since forcing water exposure creates stress without benefit. When hygiene or medical care requires water contact, keeping sessions brief, warm, and calm helps reduce anxiety. For curious but cautious cats, offering safe ways to interact, such as drinking fountains or watching raindrops from a window, honors their instincts while letting them engage on their own terms. Although water avoidance is deeply rooted in feline evolution, coat characteristics and breed history mean that some cats are more likely to take the plunge.

– Dr. Paola