Ask Dr. Paola – Fighting, Sneezing & Fried Chicken (January 13, 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 Aren’t Getting Along!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

I have 3 cats Finn (14y), Cinnamon (8y), and Honey (4y). They get along well for the most part but my oldest and youngest really have the biggest struggle. My oldest will even hiss sometimes when my youngest walks near him. Why would this be and any tips to help?” – Alex

It’s common for cats in a multi-cat household to experience occasional tension, especially with a significant age gap, as with Finn and Honey. Older cats like Finn often have less patience for younger cats’ playful or unpredictable behavior. Finn may feel his space is being invaded, or he might be dealing with age-related discomfort that makes him more irritable. Hissing is his way of communicating discomfort rather than aggression.

Alex, you can help improve their relationship by creating positive associations. Provide Finn with quiet, safe spaces where he can retreat without disturbance. Engage Honey in interactive play sessions to redirect her energy, reducing the chances of bothering Finn. Synthetic feline pheromone diffusers can also encourage a calmer environment. Reward peaceful interactions between them with treats or praise to reinforce positive behavior. If Finn’s hissing becomes more frequent or is paired with signs of pain, a veterinary check-up would be a good idea to rule out any health concerns.

Best wishes!
Dr. Paola

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Help! My Cat Keeps Sneezing!

“Dear Dr. Paola,
My cat Mushka sneezes 2-3 times per week, mostly it’s a short dry sneeze, twice in the last two months she had a wet one. No changes in her behavior or eating habits. Shall I take her to the vet?”  – Anna

Occasional sneezing in cats like Mushka, especially when it’s dry and infrequent, is usually harmless and often caused by minor irritants such as dust or stray hair in her nasal passages. Since she hasn’t shown any changes in behavior or appetite, it’s unlikely to be a serious issue.

If Mushka’s sneezing becomes more frequent, the wet sneezes happen more often, or you notice other signs like nasal discharge or changes in her breathing, scheduling a vet visit would be a good idea to ensure her respiratory health. And if you’re still unsure, remember how lucky you are to live in 2025! Online veterinary support makes it so much easier to assess situations like this, giving you expert guidance from the comfort of your home without the guesswork or hassle of a clinic visit. You can speak to one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet.com on a one-on-one video call and they can help answer any questions you have and provide you with a personalized care plan for Mushka.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

Help! I Gave My Kitten Fried Chicken!

“Dear Dr. Paola,
I gave my 10-month-old kitten a little bit of fried chicken, no skin and no bone. She is acting fine but I just want to check if she will be OK, and if it is safe to give her fried chicken in the future or not. Thanks!”
– Debbie (Tinker Bell’s Mom)

Debbie, it’s great that you’re keeping such a close eye on Tinker Bell’s well-being! A small amount of fried chicken without skin or bone shouldn’t cause her any issues, especially since she’s acting fine. However, fried chicken isn’t an ideal treat for cats because the frying process adds oils and seasonings that aren’t good for their digestion or overall health. In the future, plain boiled chicken would be a much better option—it’s gentler on her stomach and free from unnecessary fats or additives.

It’s also important to remember that treats should only make up a tiny part of a cat’s diet. Ensuring Tinker Bell gets complete and balanced meals designed for her nutritional needs will help keep her healthy as she grows. If you’re ever unsure about what’s safe for her or notice any unusual signs, you always have access to online veterinary services. You can speak to one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, and they will provide expert advice without the stress of putting her in a carrier for a clinic visit if it isn’t absolutely necessary.