cats

It can feel confusing and even discouraging when a neutered cat starts spraying. Many people assume spraying is only a “not fixed” problem, but in real life, spraying is often a stress and communication problem. Hormones can still play a role in some cases, which is why a vet visit matters. The...

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy, and it also comes with one big question: Am I feeding them correctly ? As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this with confidence: kittens are not just small cats. They are growing fast, building bones, organs, and an immune system, which means their...

Cat diarrhea is common, but it is not “just a tummy bug” every time. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen plenty of cases where the cause was surprisingly simple, and a few where it was urgent. This quick guide will help you spot some of the clever, easy-to-miss triggers, know what you can do...

If your cat is dealing with an upset stomach, it can feel stressful fast. The good news is that some mild cases can be supported at home with simple, gentle care. That said, cats can worsen quickly, so it is important to watch closely and get veterinary guidance promptly if things are not...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have met many families who are blindsided by a diagnosis of kidney disease. The truth is, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in cats, especially as they age, and it often moves quietly at first. The good news is that with early detection and...

Nighttime meowing can feel personal, but in most homes it is a solvable mix of biology, habits, and a cat’s very real needs. Many cats are naturally more active at dawn and dusk, and if your cat has learned that vocalizing gets attention, food, or play, they will keep doing it. The key is to...

When a cat sprays, it can feel personal. It is almost never personal. Spraying is a communication behavior, and once you figure out what your cat is trying to “say,” you can often reduce it significantly, and in many homes it stops entirely. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen many families...

Finding cat urine in your bed is upsetting, and it can feel personal. In most cases, it is your cat communicating a health issue, a litter box problem, or stress. More rarely, factors like cognitive changes in senior cats, neurological problems, or medication side effects can contribute. The good...

If your older cat seems confused, vocal at night, or suddenly forgets where the litter box is, it can feel scary and heartbreaking. The good news is that many cats with cognitive decline can still have a comfortable, happy life with a few practical changes at home and the right veterinary support....

If your cat has peed on your bed, I know it feels personal. It is also one of the most common panic moments I hear from pet parents. But in most cases, this is not “spite.” Cats usually urinate outside the litter box for a reason that falls into two big buckets: a medical problem or a stress or...

If you have ever seen a video of a cat launching into the air after noticing a cucumber, you might wonder if cats are truly “afraid of cucumbers” or if something else is going on. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is less about cucumbers specifically and more about surprise,...

Kittens bite for a reason. Sometimes it is playful hunting practice, sometimes it is overstimulation, and sometimes it is fear. The good news is that most kitten biting can improve quickly when you respond the right way, build better habits, and make sure your kitten has healthy outlets for all...

Diarrhea in cats is common, but that does not mean it is harmless. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell pet parents the same thing: your cat’s stool is a health report. A sudden change can point to something simple like a diet slip, or something more serious like parasites, inflammatory bowel...

Cats are pros at hiding discomfort. It is a survival instinct, and it is one reason a “maybe” symptom can quietly turn into a real problem. The good news is you do not need to be a veterinarian to spot early clues. You just need to know your cat’s normal and watch for changes that stick...

As a veterinary assistant, I have seen the love behind this question up close. When someone types, “How do you know when to put your cat down?” they are not looking for permission to give up. They are looking for a humane way to stop suffering without acting too soon. This decision is never...

If you have ever tried to use the bathroom alone and felt a pair of curious eyes on you, you are in good company. Many cats follow their people into the bathroom, wait outside the door, or even insist on supervising the whole process. It can feel funny, clingy, or a little bit invasive, but in most...

Most cats naturally want to bury their waste, so litter training is usually less about “teaching” and more about setting up the environment so your cat feels safe, comfortable, and consistent. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you the biggest mistakes I see are simple ones: the box is in...

Trimming your cat’s nails can feel intimidating, especially the first few times. But with the right timing, tools, and a calm plan, most cats can learn to tolerate nail trims and some even come to accept them as part of normal care. As a veterinary assistant, I like to remind families of a...

How to Tell How Old a Cat Is

If you have a new cat or you have taken in a stray, one of the first questions you will ask is simple: How old are you? And it matters. Age helps your veterinarian choose the right vaccines, parasite prevention, diet, and screening tests. It also helps you set realistic expectations for energy...

If your cat has fleas, I know how overwhelming it can feel. Fleas multiply fast. They make cats miserable, and they do not live only on your pet. The best way to get rid of fleas on cats is a three-part plan: treat your cat with a proven vet-grade product, treat every pet in the home at the same...