Ask Dr. Paola – Adoption, Over-grooming & Drooling (October 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!

I Need Help Deciding on Adoption!

"Katie is a 15-year-old female cat (indoor only) whom I adopted as a kitten. She is affectionate and active (plays with toys). Since my other cat passed away in January, I sense that Katie needs company (other than me), so I am considering adopting another cat. Should I adopt a kitten or a young adult cat? " - Linda

Hi Linda,

Katie sounds like a lovely senior cat, and it truly reflects your care that you are thinking about her emotional well-being after the loss of her companion. At 15 years old, she is still playful, but her tolerance for big changes may not be the same as it was when she was younger. Introducing a kitten into her life could be overwhelming, since kittens tend to be persistent in their energy, often not respecting an older cat’s need for rest or space. This mismatch can create stress for a senior cat, even one who is affectionate and playful.

A young adult with a gentle and respectful nature is usually a better match, since their energy levels are more balanced and their temperament is already known. Careful introductions remain essential, as even social cats need time and structure to feel secure sharing their space. With patience, Katie may welcome the companionship, but her comfort should remain the guide. If you ever need support with introductions, at PangoVet, we are glad to help you through the process.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paola

Why Would a Cat Over-groom?

"What might be the causes of BreeBree, one of my two cats, overgrooming, licking, and biting herself?" - Michael

Hi Michael,

Overgrooming in cats can have several possible causes, and it is important to think of it as a sign rather than a habit. One of the most common reasons is skin irritation, often triggered by fleas, mites, or allergies to food or environmental factors like dust or pollen. Pain in a specific area, such as arthritis or an old injury, can also lead a cat to lick or bite herself excessively as a way of soothing discomfort.

In other cases, overgrooming may be linked to stress or anxiety. Cats sometimes redirect their energy into grooming when they feel unsettled, much like people who bite their nails when nervous. This is especially relevant if there have been changes at home, such as new pets, loss of a companion, or shifts in routine. Because there are both medical and behavioral possibilities, BreeBree should be examined by your veterinarian to identify the root cause and guide treatment. If you would like immediate guidance while you arrange an appointment at the clinic, a teletriage veterinary service like what we offer at PangoVet can help you better assess the urgency of her care.

I hope this helps.

- Dr. Paola

Help! My Kitten is Drooling Alot!

"Hello Dr. Paola,

We have a 2‑month‑old kitten, called Cirmi, and she is drooling a lot. We thought it was because of lactose, as she had been given milk, but for a week now, she has only been eating pouch kitten food. The drooling came back after 2–3 days. During this time, the kitten has been lethargic, restless, tries to rest, but can’t really manage to. She has no appetite at these times. There is no infection or foreign object in the mouth." - L

Hi L,

Thank you for sharing your concern about little Cirmi. If a kitten is drooling heavily, is lethargic, and refuses food, this should always be treated as urgent and requires immediate veterinary attention.

I want to remind readers that this space is not intended for emergencies, since the time from submitting a question to publication can take a while, and we cannot get back to every inquiry, either.

In such a young kitten, drooling with restlessness and lack of appetite may signal a variety of issues, from oral discomfort to gastrointestinal or systemic disease. While milk can sometimes upset digestion, the persistence of these signs despite switching to appropriate kitten food suggests that something more serious is at play. Because kittens dehydrate and weaken very quickly, any delay in treatment can put them at risk.

The best step for Cirmi is to be examined promptly by a veterinarian. A thorough physical exam and diagnostic testing will help determine the cause and guide the right treatment to keep her safe and comfortable.

Sincerely,
- Dr. Paola