cats

How to Tell if Your Cat Is in Heat

If your cat is suddenly louder, clingier, and a little extra dramatic, you are not imagining it. She may be in heat, which is the fertile phase of her reproductive cycle. For many families, the hardest part is that cats rarely bleed like dogs do, so the signs can feel confusing at first. As a...

When a cat starts acting “not quite like herself,” it can be scary and confusing, especially when it seems to come and go. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I talk with pet parents every week who worry their senior cat is just “getting old” or, on the flip side, that...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: “What shots does my cat actually need?” The honest answer is that every cat’s vaccine plan should be tailored to their lifestyle, age, and health status. The good news is that once you understand the basics,...

If your sweet, quiet cat suddenly turns into a talkative, wiggly, attention-seeking little drama queen, you are not imagining things. When an unspayed female cat reaches sexual maturity, she goes through repeating heat cycles (also called estrus). These cycles can show up as noticeable behavior...

Cat spraying can feel personal, especially when it hits your couch, laundry basket, or favorite rug. But in most cases, spraying is a communication behavior, not “spite.” The good news is that once you identify why it is happening, you can usually reduce it dramatically or stop it altogether....

If your cat seems hungrier than ever, is losing weight anyway, or suddenly acts like they have a motor that will not shut off, it is worth thinking about the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, and the signs can be easy to miss at first. The good news is that feline hyperthyroidism is...

Finding cat pee on your bed is one of those moments that makes your stomach drop. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: this is incredibly frustrating, and it is also valuable information. Cats are naturally clean, so when they pee on a bed it often points to...

Seeing diarrhea in your cat can be stressful, especially when it comes on suddenly or comes with a change in appetite or behavior. The good news is that many cases are mild and short-lived. The important part is knowing what is normal, what is not, and when to get your veterinarian involved right...

Car travel can feel like no big deal to us, but for many cats it is a perfect storm of unfamiliar sounds, motion, and scents. The good news is that most cats can learn to travel more comfortably with a little preparation and the right setup. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen anxious travelers...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you one thing with total confidence: fleas move fast, especially on tiny kittens. The good news is that flea removal is absolutely doable at home when you know what to use, what to avoid, and when it is time to call your veterinarian. This...

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this: many cat skin problems are not “just cosmetic.” Skin is a living organ that reflects what is happening inside the body and in the environment. The good news is that many common feline skin conditions can be managed very successfully once you know...

If you have a cat who is suddenly making frequent trips to the litter box, straining, crying, or peeing outside the box, it is scary and frustrating all at once. I have been there with clients in clinic and with foster cats, and I want you to know this: urinary signs are common, but they are never...

If your cat is slowing down, skipping the windowsill, or acting a little grumpy when you touch their back, it is easy to chalk it up to “just getting older.” But arthritis is very common in cats, and many cats suffer quietly because they are masters at hiding pain. In fact, studies commonly...

If you have ever watched your cat suddenly become extra affectionate, extra vocal, and strangely determined to escape through the front door, you may be seeing a heat cycle in action. Cat heat can look dramatic, but for most healthy cats it is a normal reproductive hormone pattern in unspayed...

If it feels like your cat always has diarrhea, you are not overreacting. Ongoing loose stool is a common reason cats end up at the vet, and it can signal anything from a simple diet mismatch to parasites or chronic intestinal disease. The good news is that with the right steps, many cats improve...

Wellness Cats With Allergies Treatment Handbook

If your cat is itchy, over-grooming, getting recurring ear infections, or vomiting more than seems normal, allergies may be part of the story. I know how frustrating it can feel, because cat allergies rarely have one simple cause. The good news is that most cats can feel much better with a...

If your cat got stung by a wasp, it can be scary, especially because cats tend to get stung right where it hurts most: the face, lips, paws, or inside the mouth after trying to bite the insect. Most wasp stings cause short-lived pain and swelling. But in some cats, stings can trigger a dangerous...

Veterinarian-Approved Care for 4-Week-Old Kitten Behavior

At 4 weeks old, a kitten is in a huge transition phase. They are starting to explore, play, and interact more, but they are still learning the basics of feeling safe, using the litter box, and figuring out how to be a cat. The good news is that most “naughty” behavior at this age is really...

Home Remedies for Feline Constipation

Constipation in cats is fairly common, and it can range from mildly uncomfortable to truly dangerous. As a veterinary assistant, I always encourage two things at the same time: safe, gentle home care for mild cases, and a clear plan for when to call your veterinarian. The goal is simple: get stool...

How to Treat Constipation in a Cat

When a cat is constipated, it can look like a simple bathroom problem, but it can quickly turn into a painful, stressful medical issue. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen cats strain for days and then feel immediate relief once the right plan is in place. The key is to act early, use safe home...