cats

Cats can absolutely come down with “colds,” and it can be surprisingly stressful to watch. The good news is that most mild cases improve with supportive care at home, especially when you know what to monitor and when to call your veterinarian. Important note: A “cat cold” usually means an upper...

If your cat is limping on a front paw, it can feel scary and confusing, especially when they still want to play, eat, or jump on the couch like nothing happened. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common concerns I see. The good news is that many causes are treatable...

Seeing diarrhea in the litter box can be unsettling, especially when your cat cannot tell you what feels “off.” The good news is that many cases are short-lived and treatable once you identify the likely trigger. The not-so-good news is that diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and can also be...

If your indoor cat got out, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see this happen to loving, attentive families all the time. The good news is that many indoor cats are found close to home, and a calm, organized plan can make a huge difference. This article covers...

If you are thinking, “my cat is dehydrated, help” , you are not overreacting. Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, and dehydration can sneak up quickly, especially in kittens, seniors, and cats with kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. The good news is that there are clear signs you can...

When your cat has diarrhea day after day, it is exhausting and honestly a little scary. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: there are safe, practical steps you can take at home today , and ongoing diarrhea is also a medical clue that deserves a thoughtful...

When your cat is struggling in the litter box, it is stressful for both of you. Constipation is common, and many mild cases improve with simple, safe changes at home. But some situations need a veterinarian quickly, because “constipation” can look like a urinary blockage or a painful GI problem. In...

Hearing that your cat has a heart murmur can feel scary, especially when it comes out of nowhere at a routine exam. Take a breath. A murmur is a finding , not a diagnosis, and many cats with murmurs live normal, happy lives. The key is understanding what a murmur means, what it can (and cannot)...

Cats are affectionate, funny, and surprisingly complex. As a veterinary assistant, I have learned that most “mystery behaviors” make perfect sense once you view your cat as a small predator who also happens to share your couch. This guide breaks down common house cat behaviors, what they mean,...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this with total confidence: fleas on kittens are common, treatable, and worth taking seriously right away. Kittens are tiny, their blood volume is small, and a heavy flea load can make them sick faster than many pet parents expect. And...

If you live with a cat, you have probably felt that gentle rumble when they curl up beside you. Purring is one of the sweetest sounds in the pet world, but it is also more complex than many people realize. Cats purr for comfort, communication, and sometimes as a coping tool when they do not feel...

Bringing a new cat into your home can be exciting and also a little nerve-wracking, especially if you are trying to keep things calm for the whole family. The good news is that most cat-to-cat tension is not “bad behavior.” It is normal feline communication, stress, and territory instincts...

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you one thing with confidence: cats usually do not “cry for no reason.” Crying, yowling, or constant meowing is communication. Sometimes it is simple and fixable. Other times, it is your cat’s early warning sign that something is painful, scary, or medically...

Fleas can make even the sweetest cat miserable, and they can also create real health problems in your home. The good news is that you can treat fleas effectively when you use a step-by-step plan and choose products made for cats. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell pet parents the same thing:...

If you have ever watched your cat’s tail flick, swish, or thump and wondered, “What are you trying to tell me?”, you are not alone. Cats communicate with their bodies constantly, and the tail is one of their clearest, most honest signals. The tricky part is that a “wagging” tail in cats rarely...

Bringing a kitten home is exciting, and that first night can feel like a big test for both of you. The good news is most “first-night” struggles come down to one thing: your kitten is suddenly in a brand-new place without mom, littermates, and familiar smells. Your job is to make sleep feel safe,...

When a cat starts pooping outside the litter box , it can feel confusing, frustrating, and honestly a little heartbreaking. Most cats are not being “bad.” They are either telling you something hurts, something scares them, or something about the litter setup is not working for their body or their...

If your cat is pooping outside the litter box , I know how upsetting and confusing that can feel. The good news is that this behavior is very common, and in most cases there is a clear reason behind it. Many veterinarians and cat behavior professionals treat this as a clue, not a “bad cat” moment....

When a cat starts losing weight, it can be subtle at first. The scale drops a little, the spine feels a bit sharper under your hand, or their face looks less “filled out.” As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of those signs that deserves attention, especially if the weight loss is...

Cats can live long, happy lives with diabetes , and I want you to know that right up front. As a veterinary assistant, I have watched many families go from overwhelmed to confident once they understand what is happening in their cat’s body and what routines actually make the biggest difference....