cats

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...

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....

Cats are often experts at hiding pain. In the veterinary clinic, I have met many loving pet parents who did not realize their cat was hurting until the problem became severe. This is not anyone’s fault. Cats are both predators and prey in nature, so many are wired to mask weakness. That said,...

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. And because cats often drink less water than dogs, dehydration can sneak up quietly until it becomes serious. (Cats also evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and may rely more on moisture from food than a big water bowl.) If you have ever wondered, “Is my...

If your cat is biting, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant, I see this all the time, especially with young cats, newly adopted cats, and cats who are under-stimulated or going through big routine changes. The good news is that most biting is not “bad behavior.” It is communication,...

When your cat has diarrhea, it is normal to feel worried and a little helpless. The good news is that many cases improve quickly with the right support at home. The key is knowing what to feed , what to avoid , and when to call your veterinarian , especially for kittens and senior cats. As a...

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so urinary trouble can sneak up on you fast. One day your cat seems normal, and the next they are straining in the litter box, peeing outside it, or crying out like something is truly wrong. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of those situations...

When most people hear “allergies,” they think of sneezing. Cats can absolutely sneeze from allergies, but many allergic cats show it through skin and behavior instead. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I have seen many cats labeled as “moody” or “high maintenance” when they were...

Litter box training is one of those cat-care wins that can feel intimidating, especially if you are new to cats or bringing home a kitten, rescue, or formerly outdoor cat. The good news is that most cats are naturally drawn to digging and covering, so in many cases you are not so much...

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is a very common, fixable issue I see: a cat with intestinal parasites (worms). The tricky part is that cats can have worms and look mostly “fine” at first. Also, many tummy troubles can look like worms, so symptoms alone are not a diagnosis. The...

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites we see in cats, especially kittens. The tricky part is that many cats can appear normal at first, while the worms quietly steal nutrients and irritate the gut. The good news is that roundworms are treatable, and you can dramatically lower...

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....