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.

Bird of Paradise is Toxic to Cats: A Vet Shares What to Do

What is a bird of paradise? (Strelitzia reginae) Family: Strelitziaceae Scientific name: Strelitzia reginae Common names: Bird of paradise, Crane flower, Bird’s tongue flower Plant type: Herbaceous perennial Bloom time: Late winter to early spring Toxic parts: Mostly the fruit and seeds Toxicity: Mild Toxic principle: Gastrointestinal irritants – tannins Bird of paradise is a flowering perennial native to South Africa which is … Read more

Is Bird’s Nest Fern Toxic to Cats? Our Vet Explains

What is a bird’s nest fern? Family: Aspleniaceae Botanical name: Asplenium nidus Common names: Birds nest fern, Bird’s nest fern, bird’s-nest fern, nest fern, bird’s nest spleenwort, wild birds nest fern, new world birds nest fern Plant type: Perennial Toxicity: Non-toxic Toxic parts: – N/A Severity: – N/A Toxic principle: – N/A Bird’s nest fern is a species of fern native to tropical … Read more

Is Dettol Toxic to Cats? A Veterinarian Explains

Is Dettol toxic to cats?

Dettol is toxic to cats, the active ingredient is chloroxylenol, a phenol that is a common ingredient in antiseptics, creosote, germicides, cleaners, and disinfectants. Phenols are locally corrosive and cause necrosis of the skin, mucous membranes, and esophagus, central nervous system stimulant and depressant, kidney and liver damage.

The major sites of metabolism are the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver and kidneys. Cats lack UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, including UGT1A6 and UGT1A9 necessary to metabolize phenols. Their accumulation in the liver and kidneys results in liver damage and renal tubular necrosis.

What is plasma cell pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats? Also known as pillow foot, feline plasma cell pododermatitis (FPP) is an uncommon autoimmune disorder in cats characterized by inflammation of the paw due to infiltration of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell known as a plasmacyte that secretes antibodies in response to infection). One pathologist searched … Read more

Is Shamrock Plant (Oxalis) Toxic to Cats? A Vet Explains

What is oxalis? Family: Oxalidaceae Botanical name: Oxalis spp. Common names: Shamrock plant, Wood sorrel, False shamrock, Wood plant, Good luck plant, Sorrel, Love plant Plant type: Perennial Toxicity: Toxic to cats Toxic parts: All parts Severity: Moderate Toxic properties: Oxalic acid (soluble calcium oxalate) Oxalis is a large genus of flowering perennials comprising of … Read more

Different Sized Pupils in Cats: Our Vet Explains What to Do

Different Sized Pupils (Anisocoria) – at a glance About: The pupils are the black portion of the eyes that change size according to light conditions. When it is dark, the pupils are large (dilated), and when it is bright, the pupils are small (constricted). The pupils should be the same size in both eyes, and … Read more

How To Remove Fleas From Kittens [Veterinarian Advice]

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Kovac BVSc (Merit) and Dr. Paula Simons DVM

Fleas are a common external parasite that feeds on the blood of their host. Their flattened body, a hard exoskeleton, and backward-facing hairs allow the flea to burrow through the fur to the skin where they feed on the host’s blood using specialized mouthparts. Young kittens are at risk because of their small size and blood volume, which puts them at risk of anemia (low red blood cell count). Most flea products are toxic to very young kittens and cannot be used until 6-8 weeks.