Dear Duncan,

What you’re describing is actually quite common in cats. Many cats seem to enjoy chewing grass, and some will vomit shortly afterward. We do not have definitive evidence that cats eat grass specifically to induce vomiting, but it appears to be a normal feline behavior. Think of it a bit like a person enjoying a particular crunchy snack. The behavior itself is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. The blades of grass can sometimes irritate the stomach lining or tickle the back of the throat, which may trigger vomiting soon after ingestion.

If Bhelpuri is otherwise healthy, maintaining her weight, eating normally, and showing no other digestive signs, I would not be overly concerned. However, because she vomits “more often than not” after eating grass, it may be worth limiting the amount available during garden time rather than removing it entirely. Offering a small patch of safe, untreated cat grass and discouraging large binges may help. If the vomiting becomes more frequent, occurs when she has not eaten grass, or is accompanied by changes in appetite, weight, energy level, or stool quality, a veterinary examination would be warranted.

For now, Bhelpuri sounds like a cat who may simply enjoy her garden salad a little too enthusiastically!

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

Hi Sybil,

Thank you for your kind words. I can certainly understand your concern for Ninji. Watching a fearful feral cat struggle with itchy ears can be heartbreaking, especially when handling her is not an option.

Banixx Spray is marketed for a variety of skin and ear conditions, but it is not considered a proven treatment for ear mites. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live deep within the ear canal, and effective treatment requires a medication specifically designed to kill them. If Ninji is scratching intensely, losing fur around the ears, and trying to reach deep into the ear canal with her foot, ear mites are one possibility, but some other conditions can cause very similar signs, including bacterial or yeast ear infections, allergies, ear polyps, inflammatory ear disease, or even skin parasites. Using a spray that does not address the underlying cause may provide little benefit and could delay effective treatment.

Because Ninji cannot be handled, the safest approach may be to contact a veterinary clinic, shelter veterinarian, or a teletriage veterinary service for guidance on some options for treating feral cats. In many cases, veterinarians can recommend parasite treatments that can be applied to the skin at the back of the neck (spot-on treatments) after humane trapping, and these products are often effective against ear mites. If you notice head shaking, a foul odor from the ears, discharge, loss of balance, or worsening wounds from scratching, veterinary attention becomes more urgent. Think of the scratching as an alarm bell rather than the problem itself. The important part is identifying what is causing the itch so it can be properly treated.
I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Dear Dana,

First, I want to acknowledge how much you care about these cats. The fact that you’re losing sleep over this decision tells me you’ve been carrying a tremendous sense of responsibility for them. You rescued them from the streets, gave them a safe home for two years, and are now trying to secure their future. That is an act of compassion, even though the situation is incredibly difficult.

Your concern about the heat is very valid. Persian cats, even doll-face Persians, can be more vulnerable to heat stress than many other cats, and a history of panting and drooling in hot weather suggests your cat may not tolerate extreme temperatures well. The good news is that reputable airlines that transport pets internationally generally keep live animals in a temperature-controlled, pressurized section of the aircraft, not in the same conditions as regular cargo.

The greatest risk is often not during the flight itself, but during ground handling, loading, unloading, and transfers. Because temperatures in Oman can approach 50°C (122°F), I would strongly encourage working closely with the airline and rescue organization to arrange travel during the coolest months possible, select flights that depart or arrive during cooler times of day, minimize layovers, and verify the airline’s live-animal temperature policies. Many airlines have temperature restrictions specifically to protect pets and may refuse transport if conditions are unsafe.

If the Canadian rescue is experienced with international cat transport, they have likely navigated these concerns before and may be able to recommend the safest route and season. From an animal welfare perspective, I would generally consider a carefully planned journey to a reputable rescue preferable to abandonment or an uncertain future on the streets. Think of the trip as a short, stressful bridge to a potentially much safer life.
Before committing, I would ask the rescue and airline detailed questions about temperature controls, transfer procedures, and contingency plans for delays. Having those answers may help replace some of the fear with concrete information and allow you to make the most informed decision for your Persian and her kittens.

Best wishes,

– Dr. Paola