Ask Dr. Paola – Staring, Cough & Deorming (July 7, 2025)

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

Whether you are a new pet parent or an experienced cat lover, Dr. Paola here to give answers to your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventative care to troubleshooting ordinary behavioral questions is Dr. Paola ready to offer insight that will keep your kitty happy, healthy and cats fine. Keep an eye on expert guidance on a variety of topics that matter most to you and your cat so you can make informed decisions and give the best possible care to your furry companion. ‎

Do you have a question? Send it in here!

Help! My cat is staring at me as I use his kitter box!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Every time my cat plates use the litter box, he stare directly at me. Is it a sign of something or just him is weird? Should I do something about it? “– Vicky

Hi Vicky,

Thanks for the lovely question. While Plumpers’ intense litter box may be staring a little strange, it is actually a pretty ordinary cat behavior and in most cases nothing to worry about. Cats are both predators and prey of nature, so they tend to be more vigilant in situations where they feel vulnerable as when using the litter box. By staring at you, plumping can simply seek reassurance or ensure that you are nearby to keep an eye on while he is in a compromising position. It’s a bit like a child calling for a parent while in the bathroom who wants to feel safe and supported.

That said, if you have noticed any changes in his cash register habits, such as exertion, vocalization, frequent trips or avoidance of the box, his stare could be paired with discomfort or concern. In these cases, it would be wise to plan a veterinary study to rule out conditions such as urinary tract inflammation or constipation, which are quite common in cats. But if plumpers seem happy, healthy and use the box regularly with normal attitude and output, his behavior is probably just his own special way of expressing confidence. So as long as it’s only staring, you have to embrace the wonders!

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! My cat coughs!

“My healthy 16-year-old cat, Jake, recently began to cough as if he wants to cough
Up a hair ball, but then he doesn’t. Even in a death sleep he jumps up and hangs down
On all fours for several seconds. Then it’s over. Does this sound serious? I have 5 cats but have never experienced this before.“ – Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

At the age of 16, even subtle changes deserve like this attention. A dry, unproductive cough, especially if it is frequent, wakes him up from sleep or happens while bent by outstretched neck, may suggest irritation or inflammation of his respiratory tract rather than a simple hair ball. In senior cats, this can sometimes point to conditions such as cat aastma, chronic bronchitis or even early signs of heart disease, especially if the episodes become more frequent or intense.

What you describe sounds like more than a typical care-related cough. Otherwise, as he is healthy and this is new behavior, I recommend planning a veterinary study where a thorough physically can be done, potentially with breast stage thiefs or evaluation of the airways. These tools help exclude more serious causes and ensure that Jake gets the support he may need. Shopping early often prevents medical complications. Become aware of; If coughing becomes more frequent or if you notice that there is strained breathing, opening the mouth or lethargy, these would all be considered more urgent signs.

I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

I want Deworm a Wildcat!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I have fed a wild cat named Hank since winter, but now he does not thrive! I want to deorm him, but am confused about what type of worms to treat for. The local co-op has products, but I’m unsure what worm treatment I need.

This wildcat is friendly with me unless a loud noise, high wind or another person’s voice scares him and he runs away. I can’t afford veterinary visits; I feed and house an outdoor female (firm) wild cat and have my own 7-year-old rescue, a tabby that lives indoors.

I’m on a fixed income. I have saved and resumed many in this area, but 71 years old. I will have to go away in the future. Hank can stay here permanently if he chooses. I hope to save him. Hope deorming can help him. He is a little independent and does not spend the night, but is otherwise homeless. “ – Pat

Dear Pat,

Thank you for the deep compassion and dedication you have shown that Hank and the many cats you have helped over the years. It is incredible to move to see someone offer so much care, especially when resources are limited. In situations like Hank’s, where a wild or semi-ferocal cat does not thrive despite food and shelter, one of the most useful first steps is to reach local animal control, municipal shelters or rescue organizations. Many of these groups work closely with veterinarians and can offer low costs or even non-cost veterinary services, including deorming, to social taxes. They often have access to medicine and diagnostics that individual carers cannot easily get on their own, and some can even offer mobile clinics or traps, castrate, return (TNR) support, which may include basic medical treatment.

If these services are not available in your area or they are in capacity, it is a practical and reasonable approach to start with an over-the-counter (OTC) Deormer. Since a fecal test is not possible and Hank’s outdoor lifestyle is likely to expose him to different parasites, it is important to choose a broad -spectrum product made specifically for cats. Pyrantel Pamoate, sold under brand names such as “NEMEX-2” or in generic form, is safe and effective for treating roundworms and hookworms. It is available in liquid form and is generally well tolerated. If Hank has had fleas or chases a small prey, the addition of a praziquantel product such as “tapeworm tabs for cats” of Elanco will help address ordinary tapeworm. Just be sure to avoid the decoices labeled dogs, such as “Petarmor 7 Way De-Wormer”, which can be dangerous to cats, even if the ingredients sound the same. Likewise, it is important to ensure that the dose is appropriate for his weight.

If hank still does not appear to improve after a course of aforming, or if he remains underweight, has a dull coat or shows signs of digestive disorder, it may be time to consider other possible causes, such as chronic infections or nutritional deficiencies. But even this first step in parasite control can make a meaningful difference. You have already changed his life simply by caring, feeding and protecting him, and that kind of stable support really lays the basis for improvement. Again, thank you for your compassion; Our planet needs lots of it.

Sincerely

Dr. Paola

The post asks Dr. Paola – staring, cough & deorming (July 7, 2025) by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (veterinary) first appeared on Catster. Copying over entire articles violates copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for so that they are not considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued to share just the first paragraph of an article and then link to the rest of the play at Catster.com.