Ask Dr. Paola – Aggression, Stinky Cats & Drug Side Effects (February 17, 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 Cat Has Become Aggressive!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Notts is a rescue along with his brother Lumos. I have 5 other cats. I’ve had them for 5 years now. When I got them, Notts got along great with my other cats til we had him fixed. He totally changed. He’s mean and aggressive. At first, it wasn’t that bad. But as the last 3 years passed, he has gotten worse. My one cat, Mr. Toes, is his main target. he’s beat him up so badly. Mr. Toes won’t leave the kitchen or get on the floor, He won’t use the cat pan. he poops and pees on my kitchen counter. Mr. Toes has no teeth so he can’t defend himself. My once happy cats are now fearful and not getting along. They both (Notts & Lumos) destroyed my once peaceful and loving home with my cats. It’s gotten worse this past year. l don’t want to get rid of them So what should I do? Please help, Dr. Paola!” – Sheila

Sheila, I can hear how much you love your cats and how heartbreaking this situation has become for you. It’s devastating when a once-harmonious home turns into a place of fear and tension, and I admire your commitment to keeping your cats together while seeking a solution. Notts’ aggression, especially its escalation over the years, is concerning—not just for Mr. Toes but for the entire group dynamic. This isn’t just an issue of occasional scuffles; Mr. Toes is living in constant fear, and that level of stress is unsustainable for him and the others. You need to approach this from both a medical and behavioral standpoint to restore peace.

First, it’s crucial to rule out any underlying medical causes for Notts’ aggression. Even though you noticed that his behavior changed post-neutering, other factors like chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, or neurological conditions could be influencing his increasing hostility. A vet visit is a must to check for pain or discomfort that could make him more reactive. Mr. Toes should also be examined, his refusal to use the litter box and his extreme avoidance of the floor suggest emotional trauma and long-term stress can lead to serious health problems.

Behaviorally, you will need to hit the reset button on your home’s social structure. Notts needs to be temporarily separated, to break the cycle of conflict and to give Mr. Toes a chance to regain confidence. You will also need to provide Mr. Toes with a completely safe space where he has food, water, and litter access without fear of ambush.

After some time away you can start working on a controlled reintroduction. Start with scent swapping paired with positive reinforcement, use physical barriers, and gradually move to short, positive interactions to help rebuild a tolerable relationship.

You must also make sure you increase their access to environmental enrichment. A variety of vertical spaces, puzzle feeders, and structured play time can help redirect Notts’ energy in productive ways. Multi-cat synthetic pheromone diffusers and calming supplements may also help to ease tension.

Because this aggression has persisted and worsened, do not hesitate to ask for professional help if you feel is needed. Severe inter-cat aggression requires a tailored approach, and in some cases, targeted medication can help reduce reactivity while training is implemented. A veterinary behaviorist can help with both. This situation is challenging, but it’s not hopeless. With patience and a structured approach, balance can be restored in your home. Good luck!

Dr. Paola

If you'd like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!

Catster reader exclusive deal: Save 65% on your first call, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.

Help! My Cats Smells like Death!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My cat Pumba has a really bad odor that smells like death. I haven’t tried to give him a bath yet and he doesn’t seem to have any other problems, should I just give him a bath and see if the odor disappears.?” – William

William, a strong, foul odor; especially one that smells like decay, is not normal in cats and often indicates an underlying issue that needs attention. While bathing Pumba might temporarily reduce the smell if it’s due to something external, it’s important to first determine the source. Cats are excellent groomers, so a persistent bad odor usually suggests a medical concern rather than just an issue of cleanliness.

The smell could be coming from his mouth, possibly due to dental disease, an infected tooth, or even oral tumors. If the odor is more general or coming from his skin, there could be an infected wound, abscess, or a severe skin condition. If it’s from his rear end, impacted or infected anal glands could be the cause. Given the intensity of the smell you describe, I strongly recommend having him examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you’re unsure where the smell is coming from and Pumba seems otherwise fine, a teletriage veterinary service could help you assess whether this requires urgent in-person care.

However, if the odor persists or worsens, or if you notice any changes in his behavior, appetite, or grooming habits, an in-person veterinary visit is essential.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

Help! What Are the Side Effects of Prednisilone?

“My kitty Dusty is on Prednisilone. Is heavy breathing a side effect? – Laurie

Hi Laurie. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that can have various effects on a cat’s body, but heavy breathing is not a common or expected side effect. While mild panting can occasionally occur, especially in moments of stress or excitement, persistent or labored breathing is a red flag that should not be ignored.

Heavy breathing in a cat taking Prednisolone could indicate an underlying issue such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, or an underlying heart condition that may have been unmasked by the steroid. In some cases, corticosteroids can contribute to respiratory complications, particularly if there is an undiagnosed heart condition or an infection.

Additionally, steroids suppress the immune system, which can allow infections (especially respiratory infections) to worsen. If Dusty had a mild underlying respiratory issue, the steroid may weaken his ability to fight off infections, leading to increased congestion, inflammation, or difficulty breathing.

Because breathing problems in cats are always serious, I strongly recommend having Dusty checked by a vet as soon as possible. If the breathing is rapid, labored, or Dusty is open-mouth breathing, this should be treated as an emergency.