Ask Dr. Paola – Stress, Treats & Biting (October 20, 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 is Stressed!

"Lily has been stressed since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has clean litter boxes, scooped every day, but decides to pee in one and poop on the floor near the other one. What is good to give her for her stress problems?" - Maria

Hi Maria,

Firstly, I am so sorry you are going through this, and, understandably, Lily is picking up on the changes and stress at home. Cats are susceptible to emotional shifts in their environment, and they often express their distress through changes in litter box use. Since she is urinating in one box but defecating outside the other, it would be important to first have her examined by your veterinarian to rule out medical causes such as gastrointestinal discomfort or mobility issues, which can mimic stress-related behavior.

If she checks out healthy, then helping her feel secure becomes the focus. Providing consistency in her routine, adding a synthetic pheromone diffuser in the areas where she spends most of her time, and offering engaging play or puzzle feeders can all help ease anxiety. Some cats also benefit from natural calming supplements, which are available without a prescription. These strategies stay within safe boundaries and can be very effective in supporting her emotional well-being while you continue caring for yourself.

With time and gentle reassurance, many cats regain their litter box confidence once their stress is eased. I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Dr. Paola

Help! What is the Best Treat for My Picky Cats?

"Dear Dr. Paola,

For a treat, can I give my cats Callie and Roscoe regular tuna (such as Starkist), or should I stick with a cat food treat (such as Fancy Feast flaked tuna)? They don't like dry cat food treats. " - Carol

Hi Carol,

Thanks for your question. I can understand wanting Callie and Roscoe to enjoy something they love. Plain canned tuna in water, like the kind made for people, can be given occasionally in very small amounts as a special treat. The concern with using it more often is that it is not a balanced diet for cats, so relying on it regularly could lead to nutritional imbalances. Another important consideration is that tuna can contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as mercury, which may accumulate in the body over time if eaten too frequently.

Cat-specific tuna treats, like the Fancy Feast option, are formulated to be safe for feline nutrition and are less likely to pose those risks if offered more regularly. If you decide to give plain tuna, keep portions tiny, more like a taste than a serving, and choose tuna packed in water without added salt or flavorings. This way, Callie and Roscoe can enjoy the flavor without compromising their long-term health. Their main diet should continue to be a complete and balanced cat food, with tuna staying in the “special treat” category.

Best,

- Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat Bites Me When I Pet Him!

"When I’m petting and loving on my cat, Franklin, sometimes he just turns around and bites my hand or my arm, even though he was just purring. Why does he do that?" - Cassy

Hi Cassy,

I know how confusing and even sometimes hurtful it can feel when a cat like Franklin is happily purring one moment and suddenly biting the next. What you are seeing is a common behavior often called "petting-induced aggression." Some cats have a lower tolerance for physical contact, so while they enjoy being close and petted, they can quickly reach a threshold where the sensation shifts from pleasant to irritating. Because cats communicate largely through body language, they may show subtle signs before the bite, such as a twitching tail, flattened ears, or skin rippling along the back.

Purring can sometimes be misleading, since cats may purr not only when they are content but also when they are anxious or conflicted. For Franklin, the bite is his way of saying “that’s enough for now.” The best approach is to keep petting sessions short, pay close attention to his body language, and stop before he feels the need to escalate. Over time, you’ll learn his comfort window, and by respecting it, he will begin to trust that his signals are understood. This helps maintain the affectionate bond while preventing those unexpected bites.

Good luck!

- Dr. Paola