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Welcome to our series “Ask Dr. Paola”, where every Monday we bring expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand the health and well -being of their cats.

Whether he is a new pet father or an experienced cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to his more pressing questions. From nutrition and preventive attention tips to solve common behavior problems, Dr. Paola is ready to offer information that will keep his kitten happy, healthy and feline good. Be attentive to an expert orientation about a variety of issues that matter your cat most, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible attention for your furry partner. ‎

Do you have a question? Send it here!

Aid! My cat loves milk!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

I have a male cat named Sasja, 2 and a half years. He likes milk a lot. Give cats to cats, even in small quantities, always harmful to cats? – Christian

Dear Cristiano,

It is lovely to hear about Sasja’s love for milk, but unfortunately, milk is not the best option for most adult cats. While kittens produce sufficient lactase, the enzyme necessary to decompose lactose in milk, this ability often decreases as they grow. Many adult cats struggle to digest the dairy products properly, such as humans with lactose intolerance. Even small quantities can cause digestive discomfort, causing loose stool, gas or stomach discomfort.

If Sasja enjoys the taste of milk, you can consider lactose -free cat milk, which is specifically formulated to be safe for feline digestion. Alternatively, if you simply enjoy the routine of a special gift, you can offer small amounts of water diluted goat milk or a friendly broth for cats. In this way, you can still have a comforting pleasure without the possible belly problems.

Cordial greetings and better wishes,

Dr. Paola

Aid! I need introduction tips!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I brought an 8 -week kitten and we also have two 12 -year -old cats at home. What are your best introduction tips and how do we know when it is sure to let them interact freely? Thank you so much! – Chad

Hi Chad. Bringing a new kitten to a home with larger cats requires patience and a reflective introduction process to guarantee a transition without problems. The best advice I can give you is not to hurry. Cats are territorial, and sudden presentations can create stress and tension. Instead of hurrying, give time to its oldest cats to adjust establishing a separate space for the kitten, complete with food, water, a sandbox and safe hiding places. This allows their resident cats to become familiar with the scent of the kitten without feeling immediately threatened. It also allows the kitten to settle in the new environment and feel quieter and more safe.

You can accelerate the odor exchange by exchanging bedding between them and using a soft cloth to rub a cat, and then the other, so that they begin to associate the aroma of the other with something familiar.

Once the aroma introduction phase becomes without problems, allow short and supervised visual meetings through a baby or cracked door. During these first presentations, it is a clue to observe your body language closely. Signs such as flattened ears, high fur, whistle or growl indicate restlessness or tension, while relaxed postures and curiosity suggest that they are adjusting well. If you see positive body language signs, continue and give them a delicious gift; Do not give it if the tension is in the air. If things are going well, you can gradually progress to short and supervised interactions in a neutral space and continue using positive reinforcement, such as candy or soft praise to create positive associations. It is very important to give them time and avoid forcing interactions. You should also make sure your older cats have safe escape routes if they feel overwhelmed.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of observation; You will know that it is safe to let them interact freely when their encounters remain calm, which means that there is no aggressive persecution, hitting with extended claws or prolonged grunts. Some brief sishes or corrections of the oldest cats are normal, since they establish limits, but should not increase to prolonged hostility.

Keep in mind that, since your older cat is likely to have different levels of energy than the kitten, you must ensure that you have high hangers or quiet retirement areas where they can relax without being bothered. With careful patience and monitoring, most cats fit over time, but it is always important to go at their own pace, give them a private space and do the job to reinforce positive associations to maintain a harmonious home.
I wish you good luck

Dr. Paola

Aid! My cat seems to be hump?

“My 13.5 -year -old castrated cat, has developed an unusual habit in recent years. When kneading a soft microfiber blanket, gradually enters a trance state and begins the rhythmic movements that resemble the hump, although direct contact or fluid discharge occurs. It stops on its own or when it is gently interrupted, after which it is immediately licks, apparently to reduce discomfort instead of greater stimulation. No medical problems have been found during regular veterinary consultations. Tuffy has been well socialized with other cats and remains active and healthy. Could this be a self -grooming behavior, a learned habit or something completely different? – Ben

Hi Ben!
Tuffy’s behavior, although unusual, is not completely uncommon in castrated male cats. Amasar is a deeply rooted kitten behavior associated with breastfeeding, and many cats continue to do so in adulthood as a self -speeter mechanism. The state of trance suggests that it is highly concentrated and relaxed, just like some cats aspire about fabric or toys. The hump movement in layers in this ritual could be a learned or compulsive behavior that developed over time, possibly reinforced by the pleasant sensation of kneading a soft surface. By the way, have you read about Olga’s toy trance? Tuffy is not the only one with a comfort blanket.

Although Tuffy was castrated as a kitten, the brain of a cat still retains some instinctive behaviors related to mating. Some castrated males continue to show assembly or thrust behaviors, especially when they are particularly happy or overestimulated. It is interesting that you do not look for other objects or participate in this behavior outside its kneading sessions, which suggests that it is more a comfort habit instead of a hormonally driven. Its subsequent licking flavors could simply be a way of establishing itself after an episode instead of a sign of discomfort or irritation.

Since this has been happening for years and there are no medical concerns that accompany him, it is likely to be harmless and self -gilly behavior. However, if you ever note changes such as excessive licking, swelling, difficulty urinating or signs of discomfort, a veterinary check would be a good idea to rule out urinary or penis problems. If this behavior ever begins to interfere with your daily life or becomes obsessive, a veterinary television service could help evaluate whether intervention is needed. You can book a call with one of our experienced veterinarians in Pangovet if you have more questions or want any support. But as it is, it seems that Tuffy has simply found his very personal way to relax!

I hope this helps

Dr. Paola