cats

Tooth Resorption in Cats

Tooth resorption in cats is one of those problems that can hide in plain sight. Many cats keep eating, keep grooming, and keep acting “mostly normal” while a tooth is being broken down by the body’s own resorptive cells. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is incredibly common, and...

Periodontal Disease in Cats: Stages, Symptoms, and Prevention

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you with a lot of confidence: dental disease in cats is common, sneaky, and often very manageable when we catch it early. Many veterinary dentistry sources and prevalence studies commonly report that a majority of cats show some signs of dental disease by...

Homemade Cat Food for Heart Disease: Low-Sodium Meals

If your cat has heart disease like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), food can feel suddenly complicated. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly a heart diagnosis turns everyday choices into big questions. The good news is that some cats can do...

Homemade Cat Food for Cats With Cancer

If your cat has cancer, feeding them can suddenly feel like the hardest part of the day. Appetite changes, nausea, mouth soreness, and weight loss can turn even a favorite food into a struggle. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant from Frisco, Texas. While I am not a veterinarian, I have seen...

Himalayan Cat: Personality, Grooming, and Health

If you love the plush, doll-like look of a Persian but you also want a cat who tends to be very people-oriented, the Himalayan (often called a “Himmie”) may be your perfect match. Many families tell me their Himalayans are especially content to stay close, settle in for lap time, and follow...

Probiotics for Cats

If your cat has ever dealt with messy litter box days, gas, vomiting, or that on-and-off “sensitive stomach” phase, you have probably heard someone mention probiotics. As a veterinary assistant, I like probiotics because they are simple, targeted, and supported by real research in both human...

Methimazole for Cats

If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you are not alone. I see this condition often as a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, especially in older and senior cats . The good news is that most cats feel noticeably better once their thyroid hormone levels are brought back into a...

Munchkin Cat: Short Legs, Big Personality, and Health Risks

Munchkin cats are instantly recognizable for one feature: their short legs. For some people, that look is irresistible. For others, it raises a big ethical question: should we intentionally breed cats for a skeletal trait associated with potential medical risks? As a veterinary assistant, I try to...

Lumps on Cats: When to Worry

If you just found a lump on your cat, take a breath. Many bumps are benign, but some need quick attention. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how much easier outcomes can be when we catch problems early, even when the “problem” turns out to be something simple like a small cyst or a healing...

Best Foods for Cats With Pancreatitis

When a cat has pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and digestive upset can escalate quickly. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how fast cats can go from “a little off” to not eating at all. The good news is that the right foods, the right texture, and a gentle...

Siberian Cat: Personality, Allergy Notes, and Care

If you love cats but your nose and eyes disagree, the Siberian cat is probably already on your shortlist. Siberians are famous for being affectionate, playful, and people-focused. You will also often hear that they may be easier for some allergy sufferers to live with. The reason is usually tied to...

Cat Bad Breath: Causes and When It Signals a Health Problem

If your cat’s breath suddenly smells “off,” it is easy to assume they ate something gross or need a dental cleaning. Sometimes that is true. But in cats, bad breath can also be an early warning sign of pain, infection, or even internal disease. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell...

Why Is My Cat Breathing Fast?

If you glance over and notice your cat breathing faster than usual, it is completely normal to feel worried. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that fast breathing can be something as simple as stress, or it can be an early sign of a serious issue involving the lungs or heart. This guide...

Cat Eye Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Home Care

If your cat’s eye looks red, goopy, or partly closed, it’s completely normal to wonder: is this just a little discharge, or a true eye infection? In cats, many eye infections show up as conjunctivitis , which is inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. It can be triggered by viruses,...

Megacolon in Cats

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that constipation in cats is not just uncomfortable, it can become a true medical emergency when it progresses to severe constipation (obstipation) and triggers dehydration, electrolyte problems, and intense pain. Some cats also develop megacolon , which is...

Best Foods for Cats With Cancer

When a cat is diagnosed with cancer, food can start to feel like an emergency. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly appetite can change and how stressful it is when your cat turns away from the bowl. The good news is that nutrition is one area where you can take meaningful,...

Homemade Cat Food for Diabetic Cats: Low-Carb Recipes

If your cat has diabetes, food can feel confusing fast. I see this a lot in veterinary settings. The encouraging news is that many diabetic cats do very well on a consistent, high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach because it can help reduce big post-meal blood sugar spikes and support steadier...

Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat

If you are trying to decide between a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest Cat, you are not alone. These are two of the most-loved large, fluffy breeds, and they are also two of the most frequently confused. The good news is that once you know what to look for, the differences in body shape, coat, and...

Homemade Low-Iodine Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism

When a cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it can feel like everything changes overnight. Increased hunger, weight loss, yowling, restlessness, vomiting, and a racing heart can all show up at once, especially in older cats. The good news is that nutrition can be a meaningful part of support for...

Signs of a Happy Indoor Cat

Indoor cats can live wonderfully rich lives, but it is not always obvious when they are truly thriving versus simply quiet. As a veterinary assistant, I like to remind families that happiness shows up in small, repeatable behavior patterns: a relaxed body, normal routines, and a cat who feels safe...