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 FIV Cat is Sleeping More than Usual!

“Oreo is a male stray that my boyfriend and I took in 4 years ago. He may be about 5 years old. He’s been neutered and microchipped. My question is, he has FIV and lately has been sleeping more than usual, and he has one eye that tears and scabs up. He is indoor/outdoor, but lately indoor. In the past, we had eyedrops for that one eye. Should I be worried about him? It’s out of character for him to sleep so much. Thank you”
– Kim

Dear Kim,

It is understandable to feel concerned when a cat’s routine changes, especially when they are living with feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV. Many FIV-positive cats live long and comfortable lives, but their immune system is a bit like a shield with small gaps in it. Because of this, infections that might be mild in other cats, particularly eye or respiratory infections, can sometimes linger or recur. Increased sleeping, combined with tearing and scabbing around one eye, can indicate that the eye is irritated or infected again, or that there may be inflammation of the conjunctiva or cornea. Cats often rest more when they are not feeling well, much like people who prefer to stay in bed during a cold.

Because eye disease can progress quickly in cats, especially if there is a corneal ulcer or deeper infection, it would be wise to have Oreo examined by a veterinarian rather than restarting old eye drops. Different eye problems require very different medications, and some drops that are safe for one condition can worsen another. A physical exam can also help determine whether his increased sleep is simply related to discomfort from the eye or if there are other underlying concerns, which is particularly important for cats with FIV.

Until he is seen, keeping him indoors is a good step since it reduces exposure to additional pathogens and prevents debris from irritating the eye further. If you notice squinting, cloudiness, swelling, reduced appetite, or a sudden drop in energy, that would make a prompt veterinary visit even more important. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Help! Wet Food Causes My Cat Diarrhea!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My name is Lulu, and I own a feline. He is my little buddy, Belito. I would like to know why the wet canned cat food I have been feeding for four months or so now causes him diarrhea. The brand name of the cat food is ‘I and Love and You’ grain-free recipe. Should I look into switching his food?” – Lulu

Hi Lulu.

If Belito has been eating the same canned diet for about four months and the diarrhea appeared only recently, the food itself becomes less likely to be the primary cause. When a cat develops loose stool after tolerating a diet well for several months, it is similar to a person who has eaten the same breakfast every day for years and suddenly develops stomach upset. We would first look for something new in the environment rather than blaming the breakfast. In cats, common explanations include intestinal parasites, a change in treats or table foods, stress in the household, ingestion of something unusual, or shifts in the intestinal microbiome.

Food intolerance can develop over time, but it is not the first explanation when a diet has been stable for months. In these situations, evaluating a fresh fecal sample is often the most practical starting point because parasites such as Giardia or Tritrichomonas can cause persistent diarrhea in otherwise bright, active cats. If the diarrhea becomes watery, contains blood, or Belito shows decreased appetite or energy, a prompt in-person veterinary visit would be the safest next step.

Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola