cats

How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat?

As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question all the time because it is a smart one. Spaying and neutering prevent surprise litters, reduce certain health risks, and can make life easier for both cats and humans. The tricky part is that the price can vary a lot based on your location, your...

Homemade Cat Food for IBD (Low-Residue Recipes)

If your cat has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), feeding can feel like a daily guessing game. You want to stop the vomiting and diarrhea, help them maintain weight, and still serve food they actually want to eat. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how much diet can help some IBD cats,...

Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Stages, Treatment, and What to Expect

If your cat has just been diagnosed with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how scary this diagnosis sounds, and I have also seen FeLV-positive cats live happy, comfortable lives with the right plan and the right...

Homemade Cat Food for Liver Disease

If your cat has been diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) or a chronic liver condition, food can feel suddenly complicated. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: liver disease is serious, and you can absolutely make nutrition simpler and more...

Gabapentin for Cats: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Gabapentin is one of the most common medications I see veterinarians reach for in cats, especially when we need help with pain , anxiety , or safe, low-stress handling for vet visits. If your cat has ever turned into a tiny panther at the carrier or the clinic, you are not alone. Below, I will walk...

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...