Ask Dr. Paola - Sneezing, Licking & Clean Freaks (January 6, 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! I Have a Sneezy Cat!

“ I’ve noticed my cat Penny sneezes occasionally. I haven’t really been able to figure out the trigger yet, it’s maybe three sneezes/day on a bad day, but only one most days. Should I be worried about her being a little sneezy?" - Helen

Hi Helen,

There is no need to be concerned about Penny's occasional sneezing. In most cases, infrequent sneezing in cats is normal and can be attributed to minor irritants like dust or mild allergens in the environment. Sneezing helps protect the respiratory system by getting rid of these small particles. However, if Penny's sneezing becomes more frequent, or it is accompanied by other signs such as nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, or changes in activity levels or appetite, it would be best to consult with your veterinarian as those signs indicate health concerns. Kind regards!

Best wishes! Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat Loves Licking Plastic Bags!

"My cat loves licking plastic bags, generally ones without food in them so it isn’t food that’s drawing her to them. I keep them away from her as best as I can but she is like a moth to a flame and if I ever leave one unattended for a second she finds it. Could this be related to something serious? And how can I stop her?"  - Freddie

Hi Freddie, it is not uncommon for cats to be attached to plastic bags. It may be the sensation or the sounds, but your cat is not the only one. Some cats also present this suckling behavior where they “nurse” on their human’s finger or inanimate objects like blankets, clothing, or in your cat’s case, plastics. This behavior is often observed in kittens who were separated from their mothers too early and is more common in oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese, which may have a genetic predisposition to it.

The main concern with your cat presenting this behavior would be the risk of asphyxiation or choking and the potential ingestion of the plastic bags, which might lead to dangerous obstructions that require emergency surgery. To manage this behavior, provide alternative activities like interactive toys to redirect their focus. You will also need to continue doing your best to keep the plastic bag out of her reach to avoid unnecessary risks.

Sincerely, Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat is a Clean Freak!

“Bernie has started giving himself extra-long grooming sessions, especially after I pet him. Is this him being a clean freak, or does he just think I’m messing up his fur-care routine?” – Tyler

Hey Tyler, petting Bernie can be a wonderful way to bond with him and show him your affection. However, it's important to stroke him in the same direction the fur grows. Petting against the natural lay of the fur could cause discomfort and may lead to tangling or matting, especially if Bernie has long hair. Most cats prefer gentle strokes that follow the natural direction of their coat.

If you do not think that is the cause of the long grooming sessions, you must keep in mind that many cats have a short tolerance for getting handled and Bernie might just not appreciate the petting as much as you would like or assume. Don't worry, though, there are many other ways to show Bernie how much you love him!

Grooming is a self-soothing behavior for cats, so please keep a close eye on him. Try to note if the extra-long grooming sessions are only triggered by your petting or if he is starting to develop a compulsive behavior due to other factors that might be causing him stress and anxiety. The main thing here is that you do not want this to turn into a habit and then a compulsion because cats can end up with inflamed skin that leads to infections and even alopecia. Overgrooming is the term we use to describe when cats well…overdo it. Good luck!