Ask the Doctor

Q I had been using a store brand clumping litter for a number of years for my two indoor cats: One is a 16-year-old male, and the other is a two-year-old female. Recently, I needed to switch to a newspaper pellet-type litter for a couple of weeks, and I noticed that the smell is not as bad as the clay clumping litter - and it doesnt track!

Q I have a cat that has a problem with a weeping eye (at the nose), a condition she has had for several years.

Now, the iris is gradually turning orange, starting at the nose, and the eye is starting to squint slightly. This seems to be getting worse. When the cat was adopted at about nine months old, she already had this condition (she was microchipped, but we received no response from her owner).

Our veterinarian has tried several different medications to no avail. Do you have any advice?
Sean Mahoney

Socializing the shy cat
Q For years, I adopted kitten siblings that required close to zero socialization to adjust to living in my home. However, the last four cats Ive adopted from shelters took a long time to feel comfortable enough to come out of hiding from under my bed or behind my sofa. I am happy to report that they are all now well adjusted and contented, but it did take some time.

Some advice for weight loss
Q My cat, Buddy, is obese. He is very long, and weighs close to 29 pounds. Our veterinarian says we should try to get him down to 20 pounds. He has been tested for a thyroid problem, and it appears that this is not the issue.
My veterinarian consulted with a colleague, who thought it may be that Buddy is not able to process carbohydrates. Weve reduced Buddys total calories to around 325 per day.

Blood work: How often is best?
Q I have an eight-year-old cat who I rescued from a shelter as a kitten. I take Daisy to our local veterinarian once a year for a health examination. During our last visit, the veterinarian recommended that we run blood work every year. Is this really necessary for my cat, who is overall healthy? If so, can you explain the advantages of looking at blood work every year?
Elizabeth Vega

A Dear Elizabeth: The American Veterinary Medical Association states on their website that, geriatric pets should have semi-annual veterinary …

One can hope that the newcomers aggression is merely play and that the others cope with it during his remaining kittenhood by removing themselves from his reach. To facilitate their ability to take care of themselves, you should provide plenty of places for them to run to, hide in, or escape to - including boxes, cardboard tunnels, and/or an elaborate cat condo/cat tree). In time, things may work out for them all. We certainly hope so!

Similar to humans with asthma, cats with this form experience constriction of muscles within the bronchial walls, causing airway obstruction. Cats with bronchoconstriction may demonstrate increased respiratory rate or effort, or open-mouthed breathing. These cats require immediate veterinary attention, and in severe cases, may die.

Advice for bad breath
Q My nine-year-old cat's breath has always been slightly unpleasant, but it has become noticeable worse over the past few months. I would like to know what might be causing this, and if there's anything I should be doing.
Natalia Brown

A Dear Natalia: There are many possible causes for bad breath in cats, and many of the reasons are the same as they are for humans. Primary causes can include dental diseases, foreign material stuck…

Best treatment for ear tumors

Q Recently, Marabelle, my 11-year-old Himalayan mix, was diagnosed with tumors in her ears and the only option offered by my veterinarian was to have her entire ear canal surgically removed. Even if I could afford this surgery, I am not convinced that it would contain the tumors. I also do not feel good about putting her through the suffering for this procedure.

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I would like to know if you can provide some specific information regarding Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. I have a cat affected with this and most of what Ive read is redundant. I am curious about the best way to introduce a new cat into the home when you have a resident cat that suffers from FHS.

Frankly, I have a feeling that this is not feline acne. I suspect your cat has idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats, also known as Dirty Face Syndrome. It is seen most commonly in young Persians and Himalayans and is thought to have an inherited basis. It is characterized by a dark greasy exudate that adheres to the hairs. The muzzle, around the eyes, and the chin are the most commonly affected areas. Concurrent waxy ears and ear infections are common.

Senior cat with digestive issues Q My cat Gizmo is 15 years old and has been having digestive problems and persistent diarrhea. He has lost five pounds in the past few months and I cannot seem to control his loose bowels. I have tried two different enzymes and I have been giving him probiotics that I bought from PetSmart, made with Alaskan salmon oil. So far, his problem still persists. …