cats

How to Treat a Cat With a Cold

If your cat is sneezing, has a runny nose, watery eyes, or sounds a little congested, you may be dealing with an upper respiratory infection (URI), what many of us call a “cat cold.” As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once. Many mild URIs improve with...

Kitten Litter Box Training

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy, until the first “oops” outside the box. The good news is that kittens are naturally inclined to dig and cover, so litter training is usually more about setting them up for success than forcing a new habit. In this handbook, I’ll walk you through exactly...

Teach Your Cat to Walk on a Leash

Leash walking is not just a dog thing. Many cats can learn to enjoy safe, supervised outdoor time on a harness and leash, especially when you go slowly and make it positive. As a veterinary assistant, I love leash training because it can enrich your cat’s life and, compared with unsupervised...

Diarrhea in Cats: Causes and What to Do

Seeing diarrhea in the litter box can be alarming, and I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have talked with many cat parents who feel worried, grossed out, and unsure what counts as an emergency. The good news is that many cases are mild and short-lived. Still, diarrhea can lead to dehydration,...

How Do Cats Show Pain?

Cats often hide pain. In the clinic, I have seen sweet, social cats quietly “go inward” when something hurts, and their families often feel blindsided because there was no obvious limping or crying. That is not your fault. It is feline instinct, and it also varies from cat to cat. This guide...

Vet-Approved Tips for Cat Diarrhea

Finding diarrhea in the litter box is stressful, especially when your cat seems “mostly fine” otherwise. The good news is that many cases are mild and short-lived in otherwise healthy adult cats . The not-so-good news is that diarrhea can also be an early warning sign of dehydration, parasites,...

Symptoms of UTI in Cats

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how quickly a simple urinary issue can turn into a serious emergency for cats. The tricky part is that “UTI” is often used as a catch-all phrase, but many cats actually have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) , which can...

Preparing for a New Kitten

Bringing home a kitten is one of those life moments that feels pure joy and pure chaos at the same time. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen the difference a little preparation makes. A kitten-proofed home, the right supplies, and a simple plan for the first week can...

Why Do Cats Throw Up Their Food?

If you live with a cat, you have probably seen it: your cat eats, walks away, and then suddenly you hear that unmistakable retching sound. It is stressful, messy, and honestly a little scary. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: an occasional hairball or...

What To Do If Your Cat Has a Seizure

If you have ever seen a cat have a seizure, you know how scary it feels. The good news is that many cats recover quickly, and what you do in the moment can make a real difference in their safety and your veterinarian’s ability to help. As a veterinary assistant, I like to keep this topic simple...

Does My Cat Have Fleas?

If your cat is suddenly itchy, restless, or leaving little “pepper specks” on their bedding, fleas are high on the list of suspects. The tricky part is that cats are excellent groomers, so you might never see an actual flea even when they are there. Let’s walk through the most reliable signs,...

How Often Do Kittens Eat?

Kittens eat a lot, and they should. In the first months of life, they are building bone, muscle, a strong immune system, and a healthy metabolism. That growth requires steady calories, high-quality protein, and frequent meals. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question...

How Often to Give Your Cat Catnip

Catnip can be a fun, enriching treat for many cats, but it is also one of those things where more is not better . As a veterinary assistant, I like to think of catnip the way we think of dessert: a little can be delightful, too much can backfire. Below are vet-informed, commonly recommended...

Cats Kidney Disease: Overview & Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in older cats. The good news is that with early detection, smart nutrition, and consistent at-home care, many cats live comfortably for years after diagnosis. This overview will walk you through what CKD is, what to watch for,...

Wellness Clip Cat Nails Advice You Need

Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed is one of those small wellness habits that can make daily life calmer for everyone. Shorter nails mean fewer painful scratches, less snagging on carpet and blankets, and less risk of a nail overgrowing and curling into the paw pad. And the best part? With the...

Fun Cat Adoption Checklist Care Tips

Bringing home a new cat is exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and completely worth it. As a veterinary assistant (and someone who has seen both smooth transitions and the stressful ones), I can tell you this: a few simple preparations make the first week calmer for you and kinder for your cat. This...

Treating Tapeworms in Cats

If you have ever spotted little rice-like pieces near your cat’s tail or in the litter box, it can be alarming. The good news is that tapeworms in cats are very treatable. In many cases, the visible segments stop quickly once the right medication is given, and any mild digestive signs often...

How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

Cat urine odor is one of the toughest household smells because it is not just “stinky.” It is chemistry. When urine sits, bacteria break it down and release ammonia and other volatile compounds. Over time, uric acid residues can bind to fabric, grout, and wood, then the smell can resurface when...

Why Does My Cat Meow So Much At Night?

If your cat turns into a tiny opera singer the moment you turn off the lights, you are not imagining it. Nighttime meowing is one of the most common behavior concerns I hear about as a veterinary assistant here in North Texas. The good news is that most causes are manageable once you figure out the...

Cats With Diarrhea: Need-to-Know Tips

Diarrhea in cats is common, but it is something you should not ignore, especially if it persists or comes with other symptoms. Sometimes it is a simple upset tummy that resolves quickly. Other times, it can lead to dehydration or be your cat’s early clue that something is off, like parasites,...