Ask Dr. Paola – Sore Backs, Fighting & Breed Identification (April 7, 2025)

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 Cats’ Back is Getting Sore!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My Kitty-Boy, Mash, will be 14 years old in May. I have noticed that his back gets sore near the tail. Can I give him something that will be healthy for his kidneys and liver?”  – Nikki

Hi Nikki,

Thank you for being such a loving and observant pet parent to your sweet Mash. At nearly 14, he’s entering his golden years, and it’s not uncommon for older cats to experience discomfort in the lower back or near the base of the tail. This area can be a hotspot for age-related changes such as arthritis or even referred discomfort from other areas like the hips or spine. Just like older people may feel stiff getting out of bed, senior cats can develop inflammation in their joints that makes certain movements or touch uncomfortable.

Before considering any supplements or treatments, it’s important to first pinpoint what’s causing the soreness. While there are joint-supportive options like omega-3 fatty acids (from high-quality fish oil), glucosamine, or green-lipped mussel that can be gentle on the liver and kidneys, it’s best to rule out other potential issues first, like hyperesthesia syndrome, spinal discomfort, or even early kidney-related changes that may cause back sensitivity. Because Mash is a senior, I recommend scheduling a veterinary exam, ideally including bloodwork and possibly X-rays. These will help guide safe choices and ensure any supplement or medication supports his overall health. With the right care, many older cats like Mash can stay comfortable and active well into their senior years.

Best,

Dr. Paola

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Help! I Need Help Getting My Cats to Like Each Other!

“Hi Dr Paola!

I have a cat, Looney, that adopted me 16 months ago. I already have 3 cats. Looney is about 2. When I found him, I took him to the vet and got all his shots, and he was neutered.
I brought him home, separated him in a special cat room with a cat door, windows so he could look at water, a fountain, and a little robot! Gradually, we put a leash on Looney to walk around the house, inside the house so the other cats could see him, and he could smell the other cats. After 1 year, I took him off the leash and let him run around the house, which caused a MAJOR PROBLEM. One of my cats, a male named Gio, does not like Looney at all and freaks out every time he sees him. I don’t know how to get these cats to like each other! Please help!“ – Christine

Hi Christine,

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful, gradual, and loving approach. It sounds like you’ve truly gone above and beyond for Looney, and it’s clear that your heart is fully devoted to all your feline companions. Integrating a new cat into a home with established senior cats can sometimes feel like introducing a young whirlwind into a quiet retirement village. Even with slow introductions, some personalities naturally clash, especially when the newcomer is still youthful and full of energy and the resident cat, like Gio, has a well-established sense of territory and routine.

Gio’s strong reaction suggests he may feel threatened or overwhelmed by Looney’s presence, especially if Looney is playful or assertive in ways Gio finds intrusive. Cats are creatures of control, and changes to their environment or social structure can unsettle them deeply. While you’ve already done a careful introduction, in cases like this, it’s often necessary to go back a few steps and reintroduce them more gradually using structured positive reinforcement. Think of it as rebuilding a shaky bridge with patience and confidence: tiny steps, well supported.
A technique called “site swapping” can help: let Gio spend time in Looney’s special room with Looney confined elsewhere, so he can get used to Looney’s scent in a low-pressure way. Pair any visual access between them with something both cats love, like treats or play, so they begin to associate each other with good experiences. Multi-cat synthetic pheromone diffusers and calming supplements recommended by your vet can also help ease underlying tension. If things continue to feel stuck, working with a feline behaviorist can make a world of difference. They have the experience required to note subtle cues and can tailor specific strategies to your unique household dynamics. With time, support, and consistency, many cats learn to tolerate or even enjoy the presence of a once-unwelcome housemate.

Wishing you good luck,
Dr. Paola

Can You Help Me Determine My Cats Breed?

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Please, what breed is my much loved cat George? I thought Turkish Angora, but his vet says he’s unsure, maybe a Maine Coon. He’s got a beautiful big bushy tail, 5 kg, and nearly eight months old. “ – Charlotte

Hi Charlotte,

Thank you for sharing a little about your wonderful George. He sounds absolutely stunning, and with that big, bushy tail and solid build at just eight months old, it’s no wonder he draws attention! While his features might resemble those of breeds like the Turkish Angora or Maine Coon, the only way to know for sure is with a feline DNA test. These tests can reveal breed ancestry, coat traits, and even potential health markers, offering a fascinating glimpse into what makes George unique. Knowing the breed just from a photo is oftentimes challenging, and it’s worth noting that unless he came with pedigree papers, George is likely a beautiful mixed-breed cat with features reminiscent of one or more longhaired breeds. But that doesn’t make him any less special; in fact, some of the most charming personalities and unique looks come from these delightful blends.

That said, whether he turns out to have purebred roots or is a beautiful blend of several lineages, every cat is perfect in their own way. Their charm, quirks, and companionship don’t come from a pedigree but from the bond they share with us, and it sounds like George has found exactly where he belongs. By the way, feel free to add his photo to our cat of the week contest; we love to see pics of our readers’ beloved pets! Looking forward to that pic!

Dr. Paola