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Browse articles in cats on Designer Mixes

Cat Bad Breath: Causes and When It Signals a Health Problem

Cat Bad Breath: Causes and When It Signals a Health Problem

If your cat’s breath suddenly smells “off,” it is easy to assume they ate something gross or need a dental cleaning. Sometimes that is true. But in cats, bad breath can also be an early warning sign of pain, infection, or even internal disease. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell...

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Why Is My Cat Breathing Fast?

Why Is My Cat Breathing Fast?

If you glance over and notice your cat breathing faster than usual, it is completely normal to feel worried. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that fast breathing can be something as simple as stress, or it can be an early sign of a serious issue involving the lungs or heart. This guide...

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Cat Eye Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Home Care

Cat Eye Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Home Care

If your cat’s eye looks red, goopy, or partly closed, it’s completely normal to wonder: is this just a little discharge, or a true eye infection? In cats, many eye infections show up as conjunctivitis , which is inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. It can be triggered by viruses,...

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Megacolon in Cats

Megacolon in Cats

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that constipation in cats is not just uncomfortable, it can become a true medical emergency when it progresses to severe constipation (obstipation) and triggers dehydration, electrolyte problems, and intense pain. Some cats also develop megacolon , which is...

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Best Foods for Cats With Cancer

Best Foods for Cats With Cancer

When a cat is diagnosed with cancer, food can start to feel like an emergency. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly appetite can change and how stressful it is when your cat turns away from the bowl. The good news is that nutrition is one area where you can take meaningful,...

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Homemade Cat Food for Diabetic Cats: Low-Carb Recipes

Homemade Cat Food for Diabetic Cats: Low-Carb Recipes

If your cat has diabetes, food can feel confusing fast. I see this a lot in veterinary settings. The encouraging news is that many diabetic cats do very well on a consistent, high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach because it can help reduce big post-meal blood sugar spikes and support steadier...

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Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat

If you are trying to decide between a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest Cat, you are not alone. These are two of the most-loved large, fluffy breeds, and they are also two of the most frequently confused. The good news is that once you know what to look for, the differences in body shape, coat, and...

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Homemade Low-Iodine Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism

Homemade Low-Iodine Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism

When a cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it can feel like everything changes overnight. Increased hunger, weight loss, yowling, restlessness, vomiting, and a racing heart can all show up at once, especially in older cats. The good news is that nutrition can be a meaningful part of support for...

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Signs of a Happy Indoor Cat

Signs of a Happy Indoor Cat

Indoor cats can live wonderfully rich lives, but it is not always obvious when they are truly thriving versus simply quiet. As a veterinary assistant, I like to remind families that happiness shows up in small, repeatable behavior patterns: a relaxed body, normal routines, and a cat who feels safe...

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Stomatitis in Cats

Stomatitis in Cats

When a cat has stomatitis, their whole mouth can feel like it is on fire. It is more than “bad teeth” or “a little gingivitis.” Feline stomatitis is a severe, painful inflammation inside the mouth that can make eating, grooming, and even being touched around the face miserable. As a...

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Russian Blue Cat: Personality, Care, and Hypoallergenic Facts

Russian Blue Cat: Personality, Care, and Hypoallergenic Facts

The Russian Blue is one of those cats people fall for quietly and then never forget. With their vivid green eyes, plush blue-gray coat, and gentle, observant nature, they often feel like a calm presence in the home. They are also a breed many people look into for a very specific reason: the...

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Savannah Cat: Personality, Size, Legality, and Care

Savannah Cat: Personality, Size, Legality, and Care

Savannah cats stop people in their tracks. They are tall, athletic, and often dog-like in the way they bond, play, and demand interaction. They are also not a “typical” cat in terms of energy level, enrichment needs, and, in some places, legal restrictions. Below, I will walk you through...

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Scottish Fold Cat: Personality, Health Risks, and Care

Scottish Fold Cat: Personality, Health Risks, and Care

The Scottish Fold is one of those cats people fall for fast: sweet face, quiet presence, and those famously folded ears. But as a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I also want you to know the full story. The ear fold is linked to a genetic cartilage problem, and that means this breed can come...

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Siamese Cat Guide

Siamese Cat Guide

Siamese cats are famous for their striking color points, bright blue eyes, and big personalities. They are also known for being very people-focused. If you love a “talkative best friend” who wants to be involved in everything you do, this breed may feel like a perfect match. As a veterinary...

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Sphynx Cat Care and Health

Sphynx Cat Care and Health

The Sphynx is one of the most recognizable cats in the world, with its “hairless” look, big ears, and soulful eyes. But what surprises many new owners is that Sphynx cats are not low-maintenance. They tend to be affectionate, social, and downright funny, but their skin, ears, nails, and...

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Abyssinian Cat: Energy, Personality, and Health

Abyssinian Cat: Energy, Personality, and Health

If you have ever met an Abyssinian cat, you probably remember it. These cats are bright, athletic, and deeply curious, with a personality that often feels more like a busy little teammate than a “sit and look pretty” lap cat. As a veterinary assistant, I love helping families understand what...

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Homemade Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Low-Phosphorus Meals

Homemade Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Low-Phosphorus Meals

If your cat has kidney disease, food becomes more than “just dinner.” Nutrition can help support appetite, hydration, and overall comfort, especially when the diet is designed to be lower in phosphorus with an appropriate protein level and sodium content. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen...

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Instant Pot Homemade Cat Food

Instant Pot Homemade Cat Food

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I love how an Instant Pot can take homemade cat food from “I want to do this” to “I can actually do this.” You can cook a big batch, portion it, freeze it, and feel good knowing exactly what went into your cat’s bowl. That said, cats are...

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Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care

Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care

Ringworm can be alarming because it often looks dramatic and it spreads easily, but the good news is that it is very treatable with the right plan. As a veterinary assistant, I like to remind families of one key fact right up front: ringworm is not a worm at all. It is a fungal skin infection...

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Norwegian Forest Cat: Personality, Size, Lifespan, and Care

Norwegian Forest Cat: Personality, Size, Lifespan, and Care

The Norwegian Forest Cat, often nicknamed the Wegie , is one of those breeds that feels both rugged and gentle at the same time. They are widely believed to have been shaped by Norway’s cold climate and centuries of living alongside people, which helps explain the powerful build, plush...

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