cats

If your cat is visiting the litter box again and again with little to show for it, it is easy to second-guess what you are seeing. Is it constipation, a hairball problem, stress, or something more urgent like a urinary blockage? As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this: noticing the pattern...

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy, and it also comes with a big responsibility: protecting that tiny immune system while it is still learning how to fight germs. Vaccines are one of the most effective, evidence-based tools we have to prevent serious illness in cats, especially in the first year of...

Ear mites are one of those “small problem, big misery” issues I see all the time in veterinary settings. The good news is that ear mites in cats are very treatable , and most cats feel relief quickly once the right plan starts. The not-so-good news is that ear mites are contagious between pets...

If you have ever watched your cat hack up a puddle of clear, foamy liquid, you know how unsettling it can feel. The good news is that many cases are mild and short-lived. The tricky part is knowing when it is “just an upset tummy” and when it is a sign your cat needs a veterinarian right away....

If your cat looks a little bony lately, you are right to pay attention. Healthy weight supports immune function, muscle strength, and overall comfort. But in cats, unplanned weight loss is often a medical clue , not just a “they need more food” situation. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen...

Kidney disease in cats is one of the most common serious health problems we see, especially in seniors. More specifically, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very common in older cats. The tricky part is that early kidney decline can be quiet. Cats often keep their routines surprisingly well until the...

If your cat is throwing up, it is scary, messy, and honestly confusing. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this: vomiting can be as simple as hairballs or as serious as a blockage. The goal is to keep your cat safe while you figure out why it is happening and what support is appropriate at...

Kittens are tiny, curious, and wonderfully messy. Most of the time, they keep themselves clean, but there are moments when they truly need a bath, like stepping in something sticky, getting flea dirt on their coat, or having a messy bowel movement. The key is to keep it calm, quick, warm, and safe...

When a cat has pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed and irritated. Because the pancreas helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation, flare-ups can make your cat feel deeply unwell. Depending on the severity and symptoms (like vomiting, diarrhea, or not eating), pancreatitis can also lead to...

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this: when cats have urinary trouble, it can look subtle at first, then turn serious fast. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one possible cause, but not the only one. In younger cats, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (sterile bladder inflammation, often...

Cat spraying can feel personal, but it is not “spite” or “revenge.” Urine marking is a normal feline communication behavior , but frequent indoor spraying is a problem in a home setting. It usually shows up when hormones, stress, conflict, or a medical issue pushes your cat to mark...

Kitten biting can feel confusing because it often happens during sweet moments like petting, playtime, or cuddles. The good news is that most kitten biting is normal development, not aggression. Kittens explore the world with their mouths, practice hunting skills through play, and learn bite...

If you have ever wondered whether your cat should eat once a day, free-feed from a full bowl, or follow a timed routine, you are asking the right question. A thoughtful feeding schedule can support healthy weight, steadier energy, fewer stomach upsets, and a happier household overall. The goal is...

Giving a cat a pill can feel like a tiny wrestling match you did not sign up for. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly a well-meaning attempt can turn into stress for both the cat and the human. The good news is that with the right technique and a calm plan, most cats can...

Cats are not being “bad” when they jump on counters. They are being cats. Counters are warm, elevated, and full of interesting smells. From a cat’s point of view, the kitchen is a high-value observation deck and sometimes a snack bar. Still, keeping cats off counters is a smart hygiene and...

If your cat has fleas, you are not failing as a pet parent. Fleas are tiny, fast, and annoyingly good at hitchhiking indoors on people, other pets, or even wildlife that passes through the yard. The good news is that getting fleas off your cat is absolutely doable when you understand a few key...

If your kitten suddenly becomes more vocal than usual, clingy, restless, or starts trying to bolt out the door, you may be seeing her first heat cycle. It can feel alarming, but it is usually a normal reproductive stage. It can also be stressful (and exhausting) for pet parents, so you are not...

Kittens are tiny comedians with sharp little teeth and very big feelings. If you are wondering how long the kitten stage lasts , you are not alone. In general, many families think of the “kitten stage” as birth to about 12 months , but definitions vary. Some veterinarians and behavior...

Bringing your cat home after a spay can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if she is still sleepy or acting “not like herself.” The good news is that most cats recover smoothly with simple, consistent home care. I have walked many families through this as a veterinary assistant, and it...

If your cat has stopped using the litter box, it can feel confusing, stressful, and honestly a little heartbreaking. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two important things: this is common, and it is usually fixable. The key is to treat it like a health and comfort issue, not a behavior...