Dr Paula Simons, Veterinarian

Dr Paula Simons graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2019. She is currently working at 'Cornell University Veterinary Specialists' (CUVS) in Connecticut as an Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian resident (see her work profile). CUVS is a 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Facility certified by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, indicating the highest level of patient care.

Yellow Cat Poop [With Pictures]: Our Vet Shares What to Do

It may sound gross, but paying close attention to your cat’s bowel movements is an important part of being a cat owner. Changes in the appearance of their poop may be an early sign that something is amiss. So what does yellow cat poop mean? In this article, I will review the most common causes … Read more

Pictures of Mange in Cats – with Veterinarian Comments

What does mange look like in cats? (with pictures) Picture 1: In this first photo we can see a severe case of mange that has caused fur loss and scabbing around the cat’s eyes. This is a common location for fur loss as cats will rub their face vigorously on the ground and other objects … Read more

Cat Vomited 2-3 Times: What to Do When a Cat Keeps Throwing Up

There is a common misconception among pet owners that vomiting in cats is normal. Hairballs are often to blame and owners will shrug off a few episodes of vomiting. As an emergency veterinarian, I’m here to tell you that vomiting is not ‘normal’. Vomiting may be the first sign of an undiagnosed health problem and … Read more

Cauliflower Ear in Cats: Dr. Simons Shares What to Do

What is cauliflower ear?

Also known as a perichondral hematoma, cauliflower ear is an irreversible deformity caused by the formation of scar tissue and contraction of the perichondrium which occurs after a separation of the ear cartilage from the underlying connective tissue.

The pinna is the outer part of the ear that acts as a funnel to direct sound further into the ear and is made up of three layers:

Cartilage plate: The innermost layer of the pinna provides shape and rigidity. Unlike other tissues, the cartilage cannot heal itself when damaged.
Perichondrium: A protective layer of connective tissue that provides the blood supply and nutrients to the cartilage. The underlying cartilage and the overlying skin are both firmly attached to the perichondrium.
Skin: The outermost layer of skin that is covered with short hairs on the outside.

Feline Ear Anatomy – Source: Veterian Key

As the cat scratches the ear or shakes the head (head shaking is more common in floppy-eared dogs), the perichondrium separates from the cartilage which creates space. The perichondrium blood vessels rupture and blood pools in the pocket-forming a hematoma. This build-up of blood between the perichondrium and cartilage can interrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the cartilage causing necrosis.

The distortion of the pinna, which becomes hard and cauliflower-shaped (hence the name) is thought to be due to a combination of factors which include myofibroblastic contraction of the maturing granulation tissue, excess cartilaginous tissue (preexisting and newly formed), and the separated perichondrium retracts and acts as a bowstring, gradually folding back the cartilage.

What is Noble fir? Botanical name: Abies Procera Common names: Noble fir, Red fir, Christmas tree Needle retention: Excellent Scent: Earthy, citrus Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats Toxic parts: None Severity: N/A Toxic principle: N/A Noble fir is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 70 meters tall and is native to the Cascade Range and … Read more

Vomiting in Kittens: A Veterinarian Explains What to Do

At a glance

Vomiting is a common but potentially serious symptom in kittens that, if left untreated, can lead to dehydration, which can quickly become fatal in young cats. The most common causes of vomiting in kittens include worms or other parasites, dietary indiscretion, and infections.

Other common causes:

Poisoning/toxicity
Sudden change in diet
Heatstroke
Intussusception of the intestines
Gut obstruction
Eating too fast
Lactose intolerance from cow’s milk
Fading kitten syndrome
Liver shunt
Snake bites
Food allergy (more common in adults)

Treatment: The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause and provide supportive care while your kitten recovers.

About Scabs are dry, crusty lesions or pustules which can be singular or multiple. There are many causes of scabs which include allergies, parasites and immune system disorders. The type of scabs, location, and accompanying symptoms can all give your veterinarian an indication as to the possible cause. Untreated, scabs can lead to secondary bacterial … Read more

Why is My Cat Farting A Lot?

Why is My Cat Farting A Lot? While flatulence (aka farting) is pretty common amongst humans, it can be surprising when we hear this sound from our feline friends. This passage of gas may raise concern. This is because we do not hear farting as often from cats, likely due to their small size and … Read more

My cat’s farts smell like death or rotten eggs. What is wrong?

Cats, just like all mammals, can experience flatulence. This is also known as farting. We may be startled hearing these noises coming from our little kitties, but occasional farting is a very normal digestive process. What is not normal is when farting becomes excessive, is very foul smelling, or is accompanied by other signs of … Read more

You’ve Dewormed Your Cat: A Vet Explains What Happens Next

Deworming has become an extremely common practice in veterinary medicine and is pivotal to the health and wellbeing of our pets. Gastrointestinal parasites can be prevalent amongst certain populations of cats including outdoor kitties, kittens from breeding colonies, those from shelters, and any cat not treated routinely with preventatives. Indoor cats are at risk too! … Read more