cats

CBD Oil for Cats: Safety, Uses, and What Vets Say

CBD oil for cats is increasingly common right now, from pet boutiques to online ads promising calmer days and pain-free naps. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I love when pet parents ask questions before trying something new. Cats are not small dogs, and their bodies process supplements...

Glucosamine for Cats

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you one thing with confidence: cats are masters at hiding pain. By the time many pet parents notice stiffness, jump hesitation, or a grumpy “do not touch me” attitude, joint changes may already be well underway. Glucosamine is one of the most common joint...

Transitioning Your Cat to Homemade Food Safely

If you have been browsing the homemade cat food recipes here on Designer Mixes, you are not alone. Many cat parents want to move away from ultra-processed diets and toward real, minimally processed ingredients. You will also see the term human-grade used online. Just know it has a specific...

Homemade Cat Food for Constipation Relief

When a cat is constipated, everyone in the house feels it. Your cat may strain in the litter box, produce small dry stools, skip pooping for a day or two, or act cranky and uncomfortable. The good news is that for many cats with mild or recurring constipation , the right homemade food strategy can...

Fish Oil for Cats: Benefits, Dosage, and Safety

Fish oil can be a wonderful add-on for many cats, especially if you are trying to support dry skin, a dull coat, or stiff joints. The key is using the right type of omega-3s and the right dose , because more is not better when it comes to supplements. As a veterinary assistant, I like fish oil...

What Do Cats Eat?

Cats are not small dogs. They are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are built to run on animal-based nutrition. If you have ever watched a cat stalk a toy mouse and then proudly “eat” it, you have seen that instinct in action. In this guide, I will walk you through what cats eat in the...

What Can I Give My Cat for Pain? Safe Options and Risks

If your cat seems uncomfortable, it is completely normal to want to help right away. The safest answer is this: do not give your cat human pain medication unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to. Cats process drugs very differently than people, and even small amounts of certain...

Vestibular Disease in Cats

If your cat suddenly develops a head tilt, walks as if intoxicated, or starts darting their eyes back and forth, it can be terrifying to watch. I want to reassure you right away: feline vestibular disease often looks dramatic, but many cats, especially those with peripheral (inner ear) causes,...

Pica in Cats: Why Cats Eat Non-Food Items

If you have ever caught your cat chewing on plastic, licking the shower curtain, swallowing string, or munching on cardboard, you are not alone. This behavior is called pica , and it can range from mildly annoying to truly dangerous. As a veterinary assistant, I want to reassure you and still be...

Lymphoma in Cats: Stages, Prognosis, and What to Expect

If your cat has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, you are likely juggling a lot at once: scary new terms, a whirlwind of tests, and the big question everyone asks first, “How much time do we have?” As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things right away. First, feline lymphoma is...

Homemade Cat Food for Food Allergies (Elimination Diet Recipes)

If your cat is itchy, overgrooming, vomiting, or having chronic soft stools, a food allergy is often on the shortlist. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of those conditions where a simple, systematic plan can make a huge difference. The elimination diet is the gold-standard way...

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...