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 Being Bullied!

“What should I do if my male cat, Charlie, gets beaten up by other male cats? – Erica

Dear Erica,

If Charlie is getting into fights with other male cats, the most important step is prevention, since bite wounds in cats often look small on the surface but can swell quickly and trap bacteria underneath. These injuries commonly develop into painful abscesses within a few days, with signs such as swelling, heat, lethargy, fever, or decreased appetite. After any altercation, check him closely, especially around the head, neck, legs, and tail base, and seek veterinary care promptly if you notice swelling, discharge, or any change in his behavior. Outdoor fighting also increases the risk of serious infectious diseases such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, so testing and keeping his vaccinations current are essential.

Long-term management focuses on reducing both the motivation and the opportunity to fight. Neutering significantly lowers territorial aggression and roaming in most males, and keeping Charlie indoors, or providing a secure outdoor enclosure, is the safest way to protect him from repeated injuries and disease. Think of it as changing the environment rather than repeatedly treating the consequences, much like keeping a child away from a rough playground instead of constantly caring for new scrapes and bruises.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

Help! Is My Cat Too Old for Meds?

“My cat, Eclipse, will be turning 18 in April, and she is having trouble getting up on higher surfaces now with her front paws. She also does not sit in loaf positions anymore and hasn’t for a while. Would Solensia possibly be a good option for her arthritis, or is she too old?” – Kelly

Hey Kelly,

At 18 years old, Eclipse is showing very typical signs of advanced osteoarthritis. Difficulty jumping, using the front legs to pull up, and no longer resting in a comfortable loaf position often reflect joint stiffness and chronic pain rather than simply “old age.” Cats are very skilled at hiding discomfort, so when mobility changes become visible, the arthritis is usually significant. Age alone does not make her too old for treatment. In fact, senior cats often benefit the most from pain control because improving comfort can make a noticeable difference in appetite, grooming, social interaction, and overall quality of life.

Solensia can be an excellent option for cats like Eclipse. This medication contains frunevetmab, a monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor, a key driver of osteoarthritis pain. Because it is not processed through the liver or kidneys the way traditional pain medications are, it is generally considered safe for geriatric patients, even those with common age-related conditions such as kidney disease. Think of it as turning down the volume on the pain signal rather than asking aging organs to work harder to process a drug. Most cats show improved mobility and comfort within a few weeks of the monthly injections.

Before starting treatment, a veterinary exam and basic bloodwork are recommended to assess her overall health and establish a baseline. Alongside medication, simple environmental support can make a big difference, such as providing steps or ramps to favorite resting spots, soft bedding, and easy access to food, water, and litter boxes. When medical pain control and environmental adjustments work together, many senior cats regain a level of comfort that allows them to enjoy their routines again, even in their advanced years.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola