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 cats health and well-being. Whether youre 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 Restless After Puking!On occasion, after my cat vomits, she starts walking around restlessly, going towards corners of the room and finding dust or hair the vacuum didnt pick up, and eats it. What could this mean? - JennyHi Jenny,What you are describing is something many cats do after vomiting, and it can look quite unsettling. That restless pacing followed by eating dust or hair is often a response to lingering nausea. In simple terms, her stomach still feels off, and she is trying to self-soothe. Cats may seek out non-food items, a behavior called pica, especially when their gastrointestinal tract is irritated. Think of it as the stomach and brain being slightly out of sync after the episode. The nausea lingers, and she may try to settle that sensation by ingesting unusual things. In many cases, this is linked to residual nausea or gastric irritation rather than true hunger.That said, this behavior should not be ignored, especially if it happens repeatedly. Eating hair and debris can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or even obstruction over time. Common underlying factors include hairballs, dietary sensitivities, or mild gastrointestinal inflammation. Supporting her with smaller, more frequent meals, regular grooming to reduce hair ingestion, and ensuring good hydration can make a meaningful difference.If these episodes are happening more than occasionally, or if her behavior seems more intense each time, it would be wise to have her evaluated, as chronic vomiting in cats is often linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or dietary intolerance. For now, try to gently limit access to debris right after vomiting and offer a calm, clean space while she settles. If this pattern continues, she would benefit from a more thorough in-clinic evaluation. I hope this helps!Regards, Dr. PaolaHow Do I Fix Tear Stains?I adopted a Persian cat, Gia. Her nose is not too squished in, so she can breathe normally, which is wonderful, but she gets tear stains pretty badly. Why is this? And what can I do to help? MacklinHi Macklin,Gia sounds lovely, and it is great that she has a more moderate facial structure, which already reduces many of the breathing challenges we see in Peke-face Persians. Even so, tear staining is very common in this breed. It usually comes down to how their tear drainage system is shaped. In many Persians, the nasolacrimal ducts, which normally carry tears from the eyes into the nose, are narrower or slightly misaligned. When tears cannot drain efficiently, they overflow onto the face, and over time, those pigments oxidize and leave the brownish stains you are seeing.In most cases, this is more of a cosmetic and hygiene issue than a medical one, but keeping the area clean is important to prevent skin irritation. Gently wiping the area once or twice daily with a soft, damp cotton pad or a veterinary eye-cleaning solution can help, always moving away from the eye. Keeping the fur trimmed around the eyes and ensuring good grooming reduces moisture buildup. Some cats also benefit from a balanced diet and good hydration, since tear composition can be influenced by overall health. Avoid harsh products or hydrogen peroxide, as the skin in that area is very delicate.If you notice thick discharge, a change in color to yellow or green, redness, squinting, or if the tearing seems excessive even for a Persian, that can indicate underlying issues like infection or inflammation that should be examined in person. If it is just persistent staining without other concerning signs, a safe cleaning routine should help.Kind regards,Best wishes, Dr. PaolaHelp! I Am Worried About My Cats Hydration!What can I do to keep Cleo hydrated? She wont eat wet food or wet treats. MerryanneHi Merryanne,This is a very common situation with cats, and you are absolutely right to focus on hydration, since cats naturally have a low thirst drive. When wet food is not an option at first, the goal is to make water more appealing, almost like turning it into something she is curious about. Many cats prefer moving water, so a fountain can encourage drinking, and placing several bowls in quiet areas away from food and litter can also help. You can gently flavor her water with a small amount of low-sodium, onion- and garlic-free broth, or a splash of water from plain cooked chicken or tuna, to make it more enticing. Many owners also report success with cat milk treats formulated for cats, so these can be worth trying in moderation.You can also add moisture directly to her dry food by lightly misting it with warm water, which softens the texture and increases fluid intake without drastically changing her routine. From there, a gradual transition to wet food can be very effective. Start by mixing in a very small amount of wet food with her kibble, just enough to introduce the smell, and slowly increase the proportion over time as she accepts it. Think of it like adjusting a recipe little by little so it remains familiar while becoming more hydrating. Slightly warming the wet portion can further enhance its aroma and improve acceptance.Keep an eye on her litter box output and overall energy, as these can give you helpful clues about hydration. And remember, with picky cats, small, gradual steps often lead to lasting success more effectively than sudden changes that can feel overwhelming.Good luck! Dr. PaolaIf you'd like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat all at an affordable price! Catster reader exclusive deal: Save 65% on your first call, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series Read last weeks questions here: March 30, 2026 Find the full list of past articles here Click here to submit a question Sign up for our weekly newsletter below to get Dr. Paolas advice sent straight to your inbox.

They welcomed a stray cat into their home and watched him form the sweetest friendship with another cat. Wilbur@poohlovestiggerA tabby named Wilbur was found wandering the streets of a neighborhood in DC. From the beginning, it was clear he was never meant for life outdoors.The team at Tails High, an all-volunteer rescue, saw just how friendly and gentle he was and knew he deserved a loving home. "This sweet, affectionate boy belonged somewhere soft, safe, and surrounded by love," the rescue shared.A volunteer who lived a few blocks from where Wilbur was rescued offered to foster him. @poohlovestiggerWhile Wilbur waited for his test results, his foster mom set up a cozy playpen for him in the foster room. He quickly settled in, purring nonstop as he soaked up every bit of affection she gave him. "Wilbur is a total sweetie pie, and he loves being pet," she said.Not far from his setup was another foster cat who was curious and eager to meet him. @poohlovestiggerWanda, a dilute tortie, had recently arrived after raising a litter of kittens. Although all of her babies had found homes, Wanda remained in foster care, still learning to trust people.She was shy around humans, but she adored other cats. Wanda greeted Wilbur through the playpen and even ate her meals nearby, as if the two had known each other forever. @poohlovestiggerWilbur was thrilled to have another cat around. Once he was medically cleared, he wasted no time befriending Wanda, and the two quickly became roommates.Wanda watched as he played with bursts of kitten-like energy. "She keeps him in check when his playful energy gets a little over the top, and he absolutely adores her for it," the rescue shared. @poohlovestiggerOnce Wilbur was fully integrated into the foster room, he rolled around beside his foster mom in pure delight.He embraced indoor life like he'd been waiting for it all along. "He is equal parts playful and snuggly. He'll carry his toys around like prized possessions, leave you little 'gifts,' and then melt into your arms like he's been yours forever." @poohlovestiggerAs time went on, Wilbur and Wanda's friendship grew sweeter. They began sharing toys, taking turns at the window, and lounging side by side on the couch like old pals. Along the way, Wilbur seemed to help Wanda realize just how comforting human affection could be.Little by little, Wanda started leaning into pets and snuggles, even climbing into her foster mom's lap for the first time. Wanda and Wilbur@poohlovestigger"Whether they're chasing toys, sharing window-watching duties, or just hanging out together, Wilbur thrives with a feline friend."In just a few weeks, Wilbur has blossomed into a lovable social butterfly. He adores the resident cats and happily offers them cheek rubs through the door. "He thinks he's ready to join the big boys club." Wilbur and Tigger@poohlovestiggerWhenever his foster mom sits down, Wilbur comes over for a cuddle. Sometimes, he even drops toys into the food bowlshis own charming way of saying thank you. "He's the kind of cat who wants to be part of everything you're doing, whether that's lounging on the couch or watching the world go by outside the window.""Wilbur is ready for adoption and waiting for someone to see just how special he is." @poohlovestiggerAfter spending so long wandering the streets, Wilbur is overjoyed to be safe indoors, to have a feline friend by his side, and to finally enjoy the cushy life he was always meant to have. @poohlovestiggerShare this story with your friends. More on Wilbur, Wanda (in the DC area), and Tails High on Instagram @tailshigh and Facebook. Thanks to the foster mom @poohlovestigger.Related story: Cat Follows His New Family from Room to Room, Guarding Them After Many Lonely Years Outside

This review was created in partnership with Neakasa, who compensated us for our time and editorial work. However, our opinions and ratings remain entirely our ownwe only recommend products we genuinely believe in, and all assessments reflect our honest experience and testing.In this articleWhy Litter Box Odors Are Hard to DefeatAbout the Neakasa AirStepProduct SpecsComparisonFAQView 4More +Less -Our Final VerdictWe give Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.Effectiveness: 4.9/5Features: 4.7/5Build Quality: 4.8/5Value: 5/5 Check Price at Neakasa.comFor most cat owners, the battle against litter box odors is an endless one. It doesnt seem to matter how good your litter is at absorbing odors, how often you scoop, or how much you spend on the newest automatic litter box; those odors always seem to find their way back.This battle is precisely what Neakasas new AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step was created to put an end to, once and for all.This multi-purpose cat box step not only catches litter to prevent tracking, but it also features a powerful built-in air purifier to trap odors before they wage war against the air in your home. With a high-density activated carbon filter, multiple fan settings, and an incredibly useful design, this litter box step goes beyond functional.My cat, Makoa, and I had a chance to put this revolutionary purifying litter box step to the test. Keep reading for my full Neakasa AirStep review and find out if this really is the secret weapon you need to win the war against litter box odors.Why Litter Box Odors Are so Hard to DefeatIf your litter box leaves a lingering (and embarrassing) catty odor in your home, dont blame yourself. You, like every other cat owner out there, were set up for failure from the start. Why? Because cat excrement odor is notoriously hard to deal with.It starts with the concentration. Domestic cats are descended from desert felines that had to conserve every nutrient and drop of water, which means their urine and feces are highly concentrated. Translation: your cats pee and poop are much smellier than those of the average animal.Worse still, that smell only grows after your cat goes to the bathroom. Urea in cat urine breaks down into ammonia due to bacterial activity. This is the compound that makes your eyes water when you scoop the litter box. And no matter how good your litter is at clumping and absorbing moisture, this potent stink will escape into the air as a gas.Cat urine also contains uric acid, which, over time, crystallizes. These microscopic crystals bind to surfaces and are difficult to remove. They are especially prone to making their way into the porous surface of plastic (hello, every litter box ever made!) and into the scratch marks your cat leaves behind.All this is to say that, unless you dump your litter box and clean it with an effective enzymatic cleaner after every use, you will have lingering odors that will escape into the air. You can invest in all the best auto-boxes and odor-absorbing litters you want, but unless you clean the air, those odors will prevail.About the Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box StepCleaning the air around your litter box is exactly what the Neakasa AirStep was created to do. The high-iodine activated carbon filter absorbs 95% of ammonia, 99% of acetic acid, and 98% of hydrogen sulfide (the rotten eggs stench common to cat feces).Unlike traditional home air purifiers, this one is designed for use with cat litter boxes. The step shape makes it functional and easy to place right next to the source of the problem, while additional featureslike the litter catching gratemake it far more useful than other purifiers.This highly useful litter box step is compatible with almost all automatic and manual litter boxes. It features three fan settings for continual use and targeted purification. Most impressive of all, it doesnt cost much more than most litter-catching cat steps, but it does so much more.Who Makes the Neakasa AirStep and Where Is it Produced?Neakasa is a smart home accessories company with a focus on pet products and cleaning solutions. They are based in Shenzhen, with offices around the world.Which Type of Cats Is the AirStep Best Suited For?The AirStep works with almost all types of litter boxes, including automatic models.The air-purifying features are effective regardless of whether your cat uses the step to get into their litter box. However, the litter catching component only works if your cat steps down onto the AirStep after doing their business. In other words, if you have an open litter box that your cat can jump out of in all directions, dont expect this feature to live up to expectations.Owners of cats of all types and ages will benefit from the purifying component, as all cats, whether we admit it or not, are stinky when they do their business.Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step Product Specs (the boring bits) Check Price at Neakasa.comOdor-Fighting FilterThe Neakasa AirStep features a large filter to help capture odors, dust, and hair.The filter is encased in a fine mesh to catch larger particles and features 230 grams of high-iodine activated carbon to capture odors. High-iodine carbon has extra pores that increase its surface area and help it grab onto more odor-causing gases.Rather than absorbing odors like litters do (a process that allows much of the gaseous odors to escape), activated carbon adsorbs odors. That d is an important distinction. It means the carbon grabs and holds onto gaseous odors via chemical bonding, preventing them from escaping.This filter lasts up to three months under most conditions, though multi-cat households may need to replace it every two months.FeaturesThe AirStep features a relatively simple interface. The front control panel has two buttons: a power button and a fan speed control.There are three fan speeds for the purifier: low, medium, and high. There are no timers, movement sensors, or automatic functions. Rather, this device is meant to be used as a set-and-forget accessory with the option to crank up the purifying power manually when needed.In addition to the purifier, the step also features a grate that helps capture stray litter particles stuck to your cats paws before they get transferred to the floor. This grate is easy to remove, and the surface below features a removable catch cup to make disposing of the wandering litter a breeze.Lastly, this cat box step also does what all cat box steps do: make it easier for your cat to get in and out of the litter box. This is especially helpful if you have a tall automatic litter box (like the Neakasa M1) or have a kitten or older cat who needs a little help.Size, Noise Output, and Energy UseThe AirStep is 17 inches end-to-end, 12 inches across, and 6 inches tall.The marketing material for this product claims a noise output of 40 dB. According to my measurements, the low setting averages around 35 dB, while the highest fan setting peaks at just over 50 dB. On low, the hum is noticeable in silence, but quickly fades into the background when any additional noise is present.According to my tests, at low speed, the AirStep uses about 1.09 watts, which equates to an average monthly energy cost of about 12 cents if you leave it running continuously. Even if left on high continuously, this purifier is fairly cheap to operate. At the highest setting, it uses about 3.64 watts on average, which equates to about 40 cents extra on your energy bill per month.ComparisonNot surprisingly, this innovative product currently stands alone in the market. With no other purifying cat litter box steps to compare it to, here is how the AirStep stands up to the leading pet air purifier and the leading litter box step.Neakasa AirStepLeading Litter Box StepLeading Litter Box Air PurifierPrice:$$$$$$$$Features:High-iodine activated carbon filter, stray litter catch with removable grate, 6-inch stepStray litter catch, 4.5-inch stepProfessional modified activated carbon H13 filterCompatibility:Works with all litter box typesWorks with most litter box typesOn-floor design to sit next to all litter box typesOur Experience with the Neakasa AirStep Check Price at Neakasa.comI had never heard of such a thing as a purifying cat litter box step before this one arrived on my doorstep. Now, after having used the Airscape for over a week, my only question is: Why didnt someone think of this sooner!It is such a brilliant, functional, and effective product. But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you how I tested and used the Airscape to come to this conclusion.When the AirStep arrived, my cat, Makoa, was immediately curious. Luckily, it was incredibly easy to set up and get working. No assembly was required, and one of the biggest complaints in other reviewsthreading the cord under the stephad already been taken care of for me.I set it in front of Makoas automatic litter box and plugged it in.At low speed, the purifier emits a quiet, consistent hum that fades quickly into the background. I left it running at this speed for the duration of the week, except for one ten-minute episode after an especially stinking bathroom trip by my otherwise perfectly gentlemanly cat.The AirStep disposed of that odorous evidence quicklymuch more quickly, in fact, than the exhaust fan in the room typically does.Outside of that moment, I didnt notice a single foul odor coming from the litter box the entire week. That lingering, stale, urine smell that my litter box has developed after way too long between deep cleans? Gone. In fact, the litter box room may now be the freshest-smelling room in my house!Makoa had no problem using the step to get into his litter box, and the amount of litter caught in the grate after a week tells me he happily used it to get out as well. However, it is worth noting that when he isnt using the litter box, he goes out of his way to avoid stepping on the step. I think the grate is not quite as soft and cushy as his little paws prefer.The step seemed to do a good job catching the litter, as I didnt notice nearly as many stray granules on the floor as usual.Under the removable grate is a flat surface with a removable cup in the center of one end. When I first saw this, I wondered whether the purifiers vibrations might scatter the litter into the cup over time. After a week, I can tell you this is not the case.Rather, I believe the cup is there so you can sweep the scattered litter into it and then dispose of it. If only the AirStep came with a tiny broom!But overall, I am very happy with this product.The step/litter catch function works well enough as long as your cat actually uses it instead of jumping straight out of the litter box onto the floor (as noted in some other reviews). But the real reason to get this is for the air-purifying effects.The purifier works exceptionally well, uses very little energy, and, unlike other purifier options, can be placed right up next to the litter box opening for maximum effectiveness. Best of all, it integrates seamlessly into the litter box setup, providing a functional step without taking up extra floor space.I highly recommend this product for anyone who is sick of battling litter box odors.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Where should I place the AirStep?Simply place the AirStep in front of the opening to your litter box. If you have an open box, it may be worth getting a guard or otherwise blocking off the sides to force your cat to use the step. Be sure the wall of your litter box does not block the intake vents at the back of the step (you may need to leave a slight gap between).Should I leave the AirStep on at all times?The AirStep is most effective when left on continuously. Most of the lingering odors from cat boxes come not from the waste itself, but from the breakdown of waste material, especially the traces left behind after scooping. The energy consumption of this product is incredibly low, even when left running continuously. Check Price at Neakasa.comConclusionIf youve tried better litter, the best cat boxes, and all the odor absorbers on the market and are still battling lingering litter odors, the AirStep is for you.This functional, effective, and well-designed litter box step with a powerful built-in purifier neutralizes lingering gaseous odors that other cat litter products fail to capture. Best of all, it is inexpensive to run, easy to integrate into your litter box setup, and doesnt cost much more than the leading litter box step (which, for the record, has zero odor-eliminating features).

Kind people noticed a mother cat and her kittens living inside an empty tire and changed their lives forever. Molasses and her kittensLittle Wanderers NYCAn animal rescuer was visiting a tire shop when he noticed a mother cat and her tiny kittens living inside an empty tire.Though the mom was severely underweight, she was doing everything she could to keep her kittens safe. "A tire shop is no place for tiny kittens, with loud machinery, heavy equipment, and constant activity," Little Wanderers NYC, a volunteer-run rescue, shared.As soon as the rescue learned about the feline family's situation, they sprang into action. Little Wanderers NYCThe kittens' eyes were crusted with dirt and debris. Despite barely having enough food for herself, their mom never stopped feeding them. "We raced them to our partner veterinarian for critical vetting."Determined to keep the family together, the rescue quickly arranged a foster home. Shannon, a dedicated volunteer, stepped in and welcomed them into her care. Little Wanderers NYCThe cat, named Molasses (also known as Cricket), was just skin and bones beneath her long-haired coat. She was incredibly friendly, affectionate, and hungry, eagerly devouring every bit of food given to her."The mama is as sweet as molasses, so naturally her babies were given names to match: Pie, Honey, Gelato, and Candy." Little Wanderers NYCWith plenty of food available, Molasses ate to her heart's content. Overnight, her world changed. For the first time, she could relax and focus on caring for her kittens.Meanwhile, the kittens received the care they desperately needed. Their faces were gently cleaned, and their infected eyes were treated. Candy, the runt of the litter, who had arrived with one eye completely crusted shut, could finally see through both eyes. Little Wanderers NYCA few days later, Molasses took a turn for the worse. Determined to give her every chance to recover and return to her kittens stronger, the rescue team rushed her to the emergency vet.After 24 hours of supportive care, Molasses began to turn a corner. Little Wanderers NYCAs her strength returned, so did her spirit. Molasses blossomed into a total love bug. She happily greeted her foster mom whenever she entered the room, leaning in for pets and affection. "She is so sweet; it's hard to believe she was a stray," Shannon told Love Meow."She's very trusting and never hisses. She likes to play with my cat, Cheeto." Little Wanderers NYCWith a cozy playpen keeping her kittens safe, Molasses was finally able to take some well-deserved breaks. "She jumps on my son's bed to take breaks."Shannon's dog, Bean, is famously gentle with cats and has become a fun "uncle" to many foster kittens. He gladly watches over Molasses' babies, giving her a chance to rest and enjoy a little time to herself. Bean, the canine friend, adores the kittensLittle Wanderers NYCThe kittens are growing by leaps and bounds, and their personalities are starting to shine. They spend their days tumbling over one another, playing, and exploring, while their mom keeps an eye on them, making sure they don't wander too far.Molasses still has some weight to gain, but she is finally healthy, safe, and thriving. Little Wanderers NYCThanks to the compassionate rescuer and the dedicated volunteers at Little Wanderers NYC, this feline family now has a bright future ahead.In a few more weeks, the kittens will be ready for adoption. And Molasses, after everything she has been through, will find a loving home where she will be cherished and pampered for the rest of her life. Little Wanderers NYCShare this story with your friends. Little Wanderers NYC takes in some of the neediest cats. If you'd like to foster or adopt, message them on Instagram @littlewanderersnyc, Facebook, or email adopt.littlewanderersnyc@gmail.comRelated story: Cat Came to Shelter with 7 Kittens, Months Later She's Offering Same Love She Received to Everyone She Meets