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 Chews on Wires!

“Why does my male kitten, Binx, nearly 6 months old, chew on electric wiring, and how can I stop it? He was found wandering around our yard in November and needed a lot of tender loving care and, of course, vet bills. He will be fixed next week. He is so hyper that we are hoping that will settle him down somewhat, but we cannot let him run loose anymore. Thank you.“– Cathy

Hi Cathy,

What you are seeing with Binx is very common at his age. At five to six months, kittens are in their adolescent phase, full of curiosity and energy, and they explore the world with their mouths. Electrical cords are especially tempting because they resemble thin, moving prey, which triggers hunting behavior. Chewing can also be related to teething discomfort or excess energy. Neutering may help reduce roaming and some hormone-driven behaviors, but it usually does not decrease normal juvenile activity levels, so environmental management and enrichment remain essential.

The safest approach is a combination of prevention and redirection. Cover or hide cords using protective tubing or cord covers, block access when possible, and consider a pet-safe bitter deterrent on exposed wiring. At the same time, increase daily interactive play with wand toys to help release energy, and provide appropriate chew options such as durable kitten toys or rubber-style dental toys. Think of it like guiding a busy toddler away from a dangerous object and toward something safe to explore. For general guidance on enrichment, behavior, or kitten proofing your home, our Pangovet service can help you plan safe next steps and keep this energetic phase manageable while he matures.

If Binx ever chews through a cord, swallows pieces, shows vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, or oral burns, he should be seen by a veterinarian promptly.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! Do Dental Chews Help Clean Teeth?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Do you recommend cat chews to keep their teeth clean? I have seen chews of silverdine sticks, and not sure if they are safe for my 3-month-old Maine coon, Sasha.” – Beth

Hi Beth,

This is a great question, especially with a young Maine Coon, because kitten teeth and growing jaws are a bit like baby teeth in children; they need gentle care while everything is developing. For a 3-month-old kitten, dental chews and sticks are generally not necessary and often not recommended. At this age, Sasha still has her baby teeth, which will begin changing between 4 and 6 months. Many commercial chews, including silvervine sticks, can be too hard for delicate deciduous teeth and may increase the risk of tooth fracture or gum irritation if she chews aggressively.

Silvervine itself is safe and non-toxic for cats, and it works as a natural enrichment similar to catnip. Most kittens do not respond when they are very young because sensitivity develops with neurological maturity. Around 3 to 6 months, some kittens start to show a response, and full sensitivity may not appear until 6 months or older, just like catnip.

At this age, Sasha is at the ideal stage to begin gentle toothbrush training, using a feline toothpaste and introducing the routine slowly with positive reinforcement so it becomes a normal and stress-free part of her care. For now, focus on a complete kitten diet and safe, softer toys designed for young cats rather than hard dental products. If you notice red gums, bad breath, or reluctance to eat, or if you would like help choosing appropriate dental options during teething, at PangoVet, we can help guide your next steps and create a personalized plan for Sasha. Starting these habits early will help support her oral health as she grows into adulthood. I hope this helps,

– Dr. Paola

If you'd like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!

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Help! Is nytroglicerin okay for cats?

“Can cats consume nytroglicerin?“– Jan

Hi Jan,

Please note that nitroglycerin is a potent cardiovascular medication and should never be given to a cat unless it has been specifically prescribed by a veterinarian for a diagnosed heart condition. In feline medicine, topical nitroglycerin may occasionally be used in a controlled hospital setting for certain cases of congestive heart failure because it helps dilate blood vessels and reduce cardiac workload. The dose, formulation, and monitoring must be very precise. Cats are highly sensitive to medications, and unsupervised use can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, weakness, collapse, or worsening cardiovascular instability.

If a cat has accidentally ingested or been exposed to nitroglycerin, this should be considered a potential emergency. Excessive vasodilation can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduce blood flow to vital organs. Immediate veterinary evaluation is important. As a general rule, human heart medications should never be given to cats, even with good intentions. Any signs such as rapid breathing, lethargy, pale gums, or collapse require prompt veterinary assessment, as cardiac conditions in cats require individualized treatment and careful monitoring.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola