Ask A Vet: Interview with Dr. Rachelle Biondolillo, part II

You'll absolutely want to 'dog- ear' the final section of this Q&A with Dr. Biondolillo of Prytania Veterinary Hospital. Read part one here.

Editor's note: Dr. B., as everyone at Prytania Veterinary Hospital calls her, is my kitten Claude's vet. She and her team worked tirelessly to save him after he was rescued from the bottom of a dumpster by a kind soul at four weeks old and 1.10 lbs. My formerly named "Dumpsta Kitty" is now almost 6 months old, and 8 pounds. We both look forward to our vet visits with Dr. B.

Q: My cat pees and poops on anything she can. I love her but she is about to go out the door. I always scoop the litterbox clean, so that can't be it. It also can't be because she smells an old smell -- she peed on my new couch immediately after it was delivered. My vet said to try two litterboxes but my apartment is small, and I don't want two when she doesn't even want to use one.

A: Your cat is stressed. That's the easy part. The hard part is figuring out why. A cat goes to the bathroom where it feels best, where it smells best, and where it's quiet. Get down on all fours. Would you want to go where you're asking Kitty to go? First make sure the problem isn't medical, then investigate your home situation. Think like a cat.

Do you have a big cat and a small box? Make sure Kitty is comfortable in the box! Try using an under-the-bed sweater box as a litterbox to make things cozier. Do you have a cover on your box? Covers can actually intensify the smell of what's inside. Think of the port-a-potties after Jazz Fest...do you want to go in there?

Do you use very fine grit litter?  Cats love the feel of small grainy sandy stuff. Remember, their sense of smell is much better than ours and Kitty may not like it if you choose to use a litter with additive odors. Some cats require scooping as often as the box is used; some cats are just that sensitive. Most of the time, humans put the litter box in a place most convenient to us. The laundry room may make sense, but the washer and dryer may scare Kitty.  Human and animal relationships can play a part in Kitty's stress. Your cat may be settling down for a private moment, when Kitty #2 or even Fido decides to investigate or possibly antagonize Kitty #1, and the stress is too much. Kitty #1 may then decide your bathmat is a better alternative.

Are you dating a dog person who doesn't care for Kitty? I definitely have clients whose cat feels the slight. Using treats is an easy way to encourage a better relationship between Kitty and your significant other.

Have you had Kitty's urine checked for infection or other issues like crystals? Cats are prone to lower urinary tract inflammation. Sometimes it's dietary. Sometimes it hurts to go to the box, so cats pick another spot. The box can be a safe haven for Kitty, and she doesn't want to associate it with pain...your laundry is a good second choice.

Q: Do you recommend any natural or homemade remedies for keeping pets flea-free?

A:  No. They just don't work. If garlic worked, the market for flea control wouldn't exist.  Scientists study flea biology carefully. One flea can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime, in your home. Eggs can stay viable (survive) for up to a year. The best way to combat flea problems is to address the flea reproductive cycle. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) are like birth control. They're safe because they prevent the eggshell and exoskeleton from hardening. If you can prevent flea eggs then you'll win the battle against the thousands. Now lets address female fleas. She bites. She causes itching and hotspots and vet visits.  She can cause tapeworms. She can cause blood-born infections serious enough to cause fever and stop your pets' blood from clotting. Fleas are serious. You need serious flea control to match. Sentinel heartworm preventative contains an IGR. That's what my dog takes. It covers all intestinal parasites, plus heartworms and flea eggs.

There are also topicals and oral medications to combat adult fleas. Choose the one that best suits your pet's needs and lifestyle, such as oral for the frequent bather and topical for fewer chemicals within the body and for tick control. Definitely ask your vet about your choices.

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Dr. Rachelle Biondolillo graduated from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and joined Prytania Veterinary Hospital in 2003. She previously practiced at Algiers Animal Clinic and Audubon Veterinary Hospital, and was an attending doctor at the Animal Emergency Clinic for 10 years. Her special interests include internal medicine, surgery, ultrasound, behavior counseling, and feline medication. She places a high emphasis on education and enjoys teaching pet guardians about health maintenance and how to avoid problems. Dr B. lives with her cats, Payton and Drew Brees Barrymore, and dog Betty, who helped introduce her to her husband.

Jennifer Coleman is the Founder & Owner of Jellicle Pet Sitting and Jellicle Lagniappe.

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