cats

Senior Cat Care: Screenings and Quality of Life

If your cat is entering the “senior” years, you are not imagining things. Many veterinary guidelines place cats in the senior range somewhere around 10 to 12+ years (often 11+), but every cat ages a little differently. Cats also tend to show subtler signs of change than we expect, so aging can...

Homemade Cat Food for Urinary Health (Low Magnesium)

If your cat has had urinary crystals, a UTI, or blockages, you already know how scary and painful urinary problems can be. The good news is that food choices really can make a difference, especially when we focus on three big goals: more moisture , controlled minerals (magnesium, phosphorus,...

Cat Not Grooming Herself: Causes and When to Worry

One of the sweetest things about cats is how naturally clean they are. So when a cat stops grooming, it is usually not “just a phase.” In my experience as a veterinary assistant, under-grooming is often an early clue that something hurts, something feels off, or a medical problem is brewing....

Ear Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

If your cat is shaking their head, tilting it to one side, or you are noticing a “not quite right” smell from the ears, you are right to pay attention. Cat ear problems are common, and one of the biggest reasons they drag on is simple confusion: ear mites are not the same thing as bacterial or...

Blood in Cat Urine: Causes and When It’s an Emergency

Seeing blood in your cat’s urine can be scary, and I want you to know two things right away. First, blood in urine (hematuria) is not considered normal and should be checked out. Second, many causes are very treatable, especially when you act quickly. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell...

When to Euthanize a Cat With Kidney Disease

As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how deeply cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are loved. I have also seen how confusing this stage can feel, because CKD often moves in waves. A cat can have a “good week,” then suddenly crash, then bounce back again. This page is here to help you make...

Coconut Oil for Cats: Benefits, Uses, and Risks

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question a lot: Is coconut oil safe for cats? The honest answer is: sometimes , and it depends on the cat, the goal, and the amount. Coconut oil is popular because it is natural, easy to find, and can be used both topically (on the skin...

Homemade Cat Food for Pancreatitis

If your cat has pancreatitis, feeding can feel stressful fast. I see it all the time in clinics and rescue work: a cat finally wants to eat again, but the wrong meal can trigger vomiting, pain, or another flare. The goal is gentle, highly digestible nutrition that supports steady intake, served in...

Separation Anxiety in Cats: Signs and How to Help

If your cat seems "fine" while you are home, but turns into a different cat the moment you leave, you are not imagining it. While separation anxiety is talked about more in dogs, cats can absolutely struggle with distress when a favorite person is gone. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I...

Tooth Resorption in Cats

Tooth resorption in cats is one of those problems that can hide in plain sight. Many cats keep eating, keep grooming, and keep acting “mostly normal” while a tooth is being broken down by the body’s own resorptive cells. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is incredibly common, and...

Periodontal Disease in Cats: Stages, Symptoms, and Prevention

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you with a lot of confidence: dental disease in cats is common, sneaky, and often very manageable when we catch it early. Many veterinary dentistry sources and prevalence studies commonly report that a majority of cats show some signs of dental disease by...

Homemade Cat Food for Heart Disease: Low-Sodium Meals

If your cat has heart disease like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), food can feel suddenly complicated. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly a heart diagnosis turns everyday choices into big questions. The good news is that some cats can do...

Homemade Cat Food for Cats With Cancer

If your cat has cancer, feeding them can suddenly feel like the hardest part of the day. Appetite changes, nausea, mouth soreness, and weight loss can turn even a favorite food into a struggle. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant from Frisco, Texas. While I am not a veterinarian, I have seen...

Himalayan Cat: Personality, Grooming, and Health

If you love the plush, doll-like look of a Persian but you also want a cat who tends to be very people-oriented, the Himalayan (often called a “Himmie”) may be your perfect match. Many families tell me their Himalayans are especially content to stay close, settle in for lap time, and follow...

Probiotics for Cats

If your cat has ever dealt with messy litter box days, gas, vomiting, or that on-and-off “sensitive stomach” phase, you have probably heard someone mention probiotics. As a veterinary assistant, I like probiotics because they are simple, targeted, and supported by real research in both human...

Methimazole for Cats

If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you are not alone. I see this condition often as a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, especially in older and senior cats . The good news is that most cats feel noticeably better once their thyroid hormone levels are brought back into a...

Munchkin Cat: Short Legs, Big Personality, and Health Risks

Munchkin cats are instantly recognizable for one feature: their short legs. For some people, that look is irresistible. For others, it raises a big ethical question: should we intentionally breed cats for a skeletal trait associated with potential medical risks? As a veterinary assistant, I try to...

Lumps on Cats: When to Worry

If you just found a lump on your cat, take a breath. Many bumps are benign, but some need quick attention. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how much easier outcomes can be when we catch problems early, even when the “problem” turns out to be something simple like a small cyst or a healing...

Best Foods for Cats With Pancreatitis

When a cat has pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and digestive upset can escalate quickly. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how fast cats can go from “a little off” to not eating at all. The good news is that the right foods, the right texture, and a gentle...

Siberian Cat: Personality, Allergy Notes, and Care

If you love cats but your nose and eyes disagree, the Siberian cat is probably already on your shortlist. Siberians are famous for being affectionate, playful, and people-focused. You will also often hear that they may be easier for some allergy sufferers to live with. The reason is usually tied to...