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 Don’t Want to Do Anything Wrong!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I have heard of something called feline pansteatitis. I have a healthy short-haired cat called Frodo, who likes cat food with mackerel and sardines (Applaws). He is on a combined dry and wet food diet. One tin of wet food is about 70 g; the rest is dry food, Eukanuba. Now he weighs 4500 kg and is about 11 months old. My question is: is it generally unsafe to give him cat food brands made of boiled mackerel and sardines, even in addition to chicken-based Eukanuba dry food? Or is it safe, but not every day/once a week/once a month? Should I supplement vitamin E or not (Eukanuba contains vitamin E, but will he get enough of that when also fed this fish wet food?)? I need to know, my cat is presently a healthy, active, happy cat, and I do not want to do anything wrong with his feeding.” – Anna

Hi Anna,

That’s an excellent and very responsible question. You are right that Applaws Mackerel with Sardine in Broth is a complementary food, which means it is not nutritionally complete on its own. While oily fish such as sardines and mackerel provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids, they also contain high levels of unsaturated fats that can predispose cats to pansteatitis if fed too frequently without sufficient antioxidant protection, mainly vitamin E. This condition, sometimes called “yellow fat disease,” causes painful inflammation of fat tissue when oxidative damage occurs.

Since Frodo’s main diet is a complete, balanced formula like Eukanuba, it already supplies the necessary vitamin E and other nutrients to keep his fatty acids in check. Offering a small portion of the Applaws fish variety once or twice a week is perfectly safe for a healthy young cat and adds some enjoyable variety to his diet. Feeding it daily or as a large part of his calorie intake, however, could unbalance the diet over time. Supplementing vitamin E separately is not recommended unless advised by a veterinarian, as excessive vitamin E can also disrupt nutrient balance.

Think of the fish tins as a treat or side dish rather than a staple meal. With Eukanuba as his main food and Applaws given occasionally, Frodo’s diet remains both safe and enjoyable. Something else to consider is that Applaws does offer other protein varieties, and this could be used as occasional toppers or treats in a rotation to provide Frodo with the variety he craves. But a complete and balanced diet should be the base of his diet to ensure Frodo receives all the essential nutrients he needs. You’re doing a great job staying informed and protecting his long-term health. I hope this helps!

Dr. Paola

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Help! What is Your Fee?

“I have a question about my female feral cat, Lillie, and her brand new kittens. How much is your fee for your advice?“ – Sheree

Hi Sheree, that’s so kind of you to reach out, and congratulations on helping Lillie and her new kittens! I don’t charge any fees for general advice here, so you’re very welcome to ask your questions. I’ll gladly offer guidance and education to help you care for them safely and confidently.

If at any point you would like a more personalized or in-depth consultation, we also offer an online veterinary teletriage service called Pangovet, where you can schedule a one-on-one video call with us for tailored advice specific to Lillie and her kittens. Either way you choose, we would be happy to help you!

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

Does My Indoor Cat Need Tick Prevention?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Do indoor cats really need tick prevention? James barely steps outside — just the windowsill. “- Charlotte

Hi Charlotte,

That’s a very good question, and one many cat parents share. Even indoor cats like James can occasionally be at risk for ticks, though the likelihood is much lower compared to outdoor cats. Ticks can enter the home by hitching a ride on people, other pets, or even through open windows and doors. In some regions where ticks are abundant year-round, this small chance can still lead to exposure, especially if wildlife such as rodents or birds frequent areas near your home.

The best approach is to consider your local risk level and James’ lifestyle. If you live in an area where tick-borne diseases such as Cytauxzoon felis or Borrelia burgdorferi are prevalent, your veterinarian may recommend preventive treatment even for mostly indoor cats. These products are generally safe when prescribed correctly and help protect against the rare but serious complications ticks can cause. This is especially relevant because some tick species also transmit zoonotic diseases, which can affect humans. If James’ exposure risk is minimal, regular tick checks and maintaining a secure indoor environment may be sufficient. Your local veterinarian remains your best guide, as they are familiar with the parasites and disease risks in your area.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola