Ask Dr. Paola – Hunting, Over-Grooming & Third Eyelids (January 19, 2026)

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 Loves to Hunt!

"Pearl is a bit of a hunter, which I hate, and I try to keep her indoors as best as I can. She likes to bring me mice or small birds if she does go out, so I really try hard not to let that happen. How can I keep her happy inside so she doesn't need to go out and hunt?"- Ori

Hey Ori,

Keep in mind that Pearl’s hunting drive is very natural, and it often helps pet parents to think of it like a built-in engine that switches on whenever movement triggers their attention. Indoor life can still satisfy that instinct as long as we recreate the sequence of stalking, chasing, and capturing in a safe and structured way. Cats thrive when their environment feels like a landscape full of small opportunities, so providing vertical spaces, cozy observation points, and a predictable daily routine can make their indoor world feel rich rather than restrictive.

Interactive play becomes the heart of this approach because it allows Pearl to practice her hunting skills without any risk to wildlife. Wand toys that dart and flutter, food puzzles that encourage problem solving, and short sessions several times a day help channel her energy into healthy outlets. Rotating toys prevents boredom, and placing a perch near a window can give her that enjoyable sense of watching the world without the urge to run after it. If you ever wonder whether her behaviors reflect frustration or if adjustments might help her settle more comfortably, we would be happy to help you at Pangovet. We can offer you guidance from the comfort of your home. With consistent enrichment, most cats can successfully transition into indoor life.

Best wishes,

- Dr. Paola

Help! When Does Grooming Become Over-Grooming?

"Tiger cleans herself a lot, but when is it too much? I've heard of overgrooming and anxiety, and am now worried she's got it (probably putting my anxiety about it onto her! " - Rhyanne

Dear Rhyanne,

It is completely normal for a healthy cat to spend a good portion of the day grooming; it is part of keeping the skin and coat in good condition. The concern begins when grooming starts to create changes you can see or feel. Overgrooming is described as behavior that leads to hair thinning, broken hair tips, patches of bald skin, or irritation such as redness or small crusts. Cats can also develop hairballs more frequently because they ingest more fur. When grooming starts to interrupt resting or play, or when you notice the coat looking uneven, it can be a sign that something beneath the surface needs attention.

Overgrooming is often compared to scratching an itch that never quite goes away. The underlying cause may be medical, such as flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, pain in a specific area, or skin infection. Anxiety can also play a role, but it is essential to rule out physical causes first because the behavior is usually the visible tip of an iceberg. A physical examination by a veterinarian is the most reliable way to determine what is driving the behavior, since treatment will vary depending on the origin.

The fact that you are observing Tiger so carefully already puts her in good hands. If her grooming has not changed the appearance of her coat or skin, and her daily routine remains normal, you may simply be seeing a very tidy cat. If anything about her grooming pattern shifts or you see any coat or skin changes, an in-person visit is the safest way to protect her comfort and well-being. I hope this helps!

- Dr. Paola

Help! My Cats Third Eyelid Gets Stuck?

"Daisy's third eyelid sometimes gets stuck, but not always. When should I worry? "- Lyle

Dear Lyle,

I understand your concerns. The third eyelid or ​​nictitating membrane can appear briefly in relaxed cats, or when they are just waking, so an occasional glimpse is not always a sign of trouble. Worry grows when the membrane stays elevated, shows up on only one side, or comes with other changes such as squinting, pawing at the face, or discharge. Its protrusion often reflects irritation, dehydration, pain, or conditions like Haws syndrome. It can help to imagine the third eyelid as a little curtain that the eye pulls up when it feels bothered or needs extra protection.

If the third eyelid stays visible for more than a few hours, if the eye becomes red or cloudy, or if Daisy seems uncomfortable, she should be examined in person. Eye issues can progress quickly, and timely evaluation helps rule out corneal injury, infection, neurologic causes, or systemic illness. Your careful observation is already giving Daisy a strong advantage because eye changes can be easy to miss early on. Quick attention is the best way to protect those delicate structures that serve as her windows to the world.

Kind regards,

- Dr. Paola