Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat is Dependant on Treats! (March 16, 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!

I Need Fur Removal Tips!

"Is there an “easy” way to remove a fur mat from my cat?"- Sheila

Hello Sheila, Mats can look small on the surface, but they often tighten close to the skin, almost like felt that has shrunk in the wash. Because a cat’s skin is very thin and delicate, trying to cut a mat out with scissors at home is one of the most common causes of accidental skin lacerations I see in practice. Even electric clippers, if used without experience, can catch folds of skin hidden inside the tangle. So while we all wish there were an easy shortcut, there truly is not a completely safe, quick fix for established mats. If the mat is very small and loose, sometimes you can gently work it apart with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb while holding the fur at the base to avoid pulling the skin. If it feels tight, close to the body, or your cat resists, that is a sign it is uncomfortable, and it is best handled by a veterinary clinic or experienced groomer who can clip it safely. For cats that mat repeatedly, especially long-haired breeds, regular brushing combined with checking high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the armpits, and along the hindquarters can prevent them from matting in the first place. Good luck! Sincerely, - Dr. Paola

Help! How Do I Keep My Cat Off My Pillows?

"At night, when my cat Birdie wants to cuddle in my bed, she walks all over my pillows, and I can’t help but feel like she's leaving litter box residue everywhere. I don’t want to lock her out of the room, but I don’t want to sleep on/breath in whatever her paws are leaving behind. Can I get sick from this, and how can I keep her off my pillows? " - Arthur

Dear Arthur, That uneasy feeling is very understandable. While cats do carry small amounts of bacteria on their paws after using the litter box, healthy indoor cats who receive routine veterinary care and eat balanced diets are unlikely to pose a meaningful health risk from simply walking across bedding. Most organisms of concern require ingestion or particular environmental conditions to cause disease. Washing pillowcases regularly in hot water and maintaining good hand hygiene are generally effective precautions for healthy adults. To further reduce what reaches your pillows, focus on limiting what adheres to her paws. Scoop the litter box at least once daily, replace litter consistently, and wash the box itself on a routine schedule. A large textured litter mat helps trap particles, and keeping the fur between her paw pads neatly trimmed, if she tolerates it, can reduce litter clinging. To gently keep her off the pillows without excluding her from the room, create an equally cozy alternative at the same height and reinforce it positively. Place a soft blanket or small bed near your head, guide her there calmly, and occasionally offer a small treat when she settles in that space. Cats repeat behaviors that feel rewarding, so pairing comfort with a positive experience often redirects them more effectively than restriction. I hope this helps! Kind regards, - Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat is Dependant on Treats!

"My cat Teddy is a 3-year-old female tabby who depends on treats on top of her food for breakfast and dinner (she’s fed 2x/day). I give her wet food also, but she has become dependent on her treats as a major part of her meals. I know some cat behaviorists have said that you should use treats as a form of currency and reward. How do I get Teddy to stop relying on her treats and start eating regular kibble? I tried it today, and she was sooo angry. She really hates her kibble, and I don’t know how to help her with this transition into eating only kibble and wet food. " - Molly

Hey Molly, I can picture Teddy giving you that very clear feline opinion about breakfast. It sounds like she has simply learned that treats are part of the meal routine. Many commercial treats are highly palatable because they are energy-dense and often coated with flavor enhancers, so from her perspective, it can feel like expecting dessert before dinner. When treats make up a meaningful portion of daily calories, the overall diet can become unbalanced over time, so your instinct to recalibrate is absolutely appropriate. I am not sure what type of treats she is receiving or how they are being offered, and those details can influence how we structure a smooth transition. The safest and most successful approach is gradual change. Estimate how much of her daily intake comes from treats and begin reducing that amount slowly over one to two weeks. If they are placed on top, mixing a smaller portion into her regular food and tapering every few days can help reset her taste expectations. At the same time, make sure her wet and kibble portions together meet her caloric needs so she is not truly hungry. If she clearly prefers canned food, it is perfectly acceptable to lean more heavily on a complete and balanced wet diet, since hydration and satiety are often better supported that way. Avoid abrupt removal, as cats that stop eating for more than twenty-four hours are at risk for hepatic lipidosis. Think of this process like slowly reducing the sugar in your coffee over time. At first, you notice the difference, but gradually your palate adjusts. If you would like a tailored plan based on Teddy’s current treats, calorie intake, and preferences, you are welcome to book a consultation with me or one of our veterinarians at Pangovet. We can help design an individualized transition strategy that keeps her nutrition balanced while respecting her strong opinions about breakfast. Kind regards, - Dr. Paola