cats

Cats and Worms

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this with a lot of confidence: worms are common in cats, treatable in most cases, and very preventable once you know how they spread. The tricky part is that some cats with intestinal parasites look completely normal at first. Others...

How Much to Feed a Kitten

Feeding a kitten can feel surprisingly confusing because the rules change fast. One week your kitten seems to inhale every bite, and the next week they walk away like they are “done.” As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this is completely normal. Kittens grow in...

Signs of Liver Failure in Cats

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this with a lot of care and respect: liver failure in cats can look subtle at first, then escalate quickly. The liver is a powerhouse organ that helps with detoxification, digestion, and nutrient storage. When it struggles, the whole body feels it. The good...

Ear Mites in Cats: Facts Every Owner Should Know

If your cat is suddenly scratching like crazy, shaking their head, or you notice dark, crumbly debris in the ears, ear mites may be the reason. Ear mites are common, contagious, and very treatable, but they can cause a lot of discomfort fast. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have...

How to Get Cats to Stop Spraying

Cat spraying is one of the most frustrating behavior problems I hear about, and I promise you are not alone. The good news is that spraying is usually a solvable mix of biology, stress, and communication. Your cat is not being “bad.” They are leaving a message. In this article, I will walk you...

When your cat is making frequent trips to the litter box, crying while urinating, or peeing outside the box, it is easy to assume “UTI.” But in cats, lower urinary tract signs are often not caused by a simple bacterial infection. That is exactly why this topic matters. The right next step can...

Why Do Cats Sneeze?

Cats sneeze for many of the same reasons we do. It is a quick reflex that helps clear the nose when something irritates the delicate lining inside. Most of the time, an occasional sneeze is no big deal. But frequent sneezing, new nasal discharge, or a cat who seems “off” can be your cue to look...

Is My Cat Depressed?

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question a lot: “My cat is acting different. Is she depressed?” The honest answer is that cats can show depression-like behaviors, but many of the same signs can also come from pain, illness, stress, or changes at home. The good news...

My Cat Has Diarrhea

Diarrhea in cats is one of those symptoms that can feel alarming and messy at the same time. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: many cases are mild and short-lived, and some cases need prompt care. The goal is to spot the difference early, keep your cat...

Insightful Kitten Care Help & Care

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy, until the first time they sneeze, skip a meal, or decide your curtains are the perfect climbing wall. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how a few evidence-based basics early on can prevent common health problems later. The goal is simple:...

Liver Problems in Cats: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

If your cat suddenly stops eating, hides more than usual, or starts vomiting, it can feel scary and confusing. One body system that often gets overlooked in those moments is the liver. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how quickly liver issues can become serious, especially in...

Cat Kidney Disease Care Tips

When a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, it can feel scary and overwhelming. I get it. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have walked alongside many pet parents through this exact moment. The encouraging news is that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often very manageable with...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this with confidence: many litter box “problems” are not your cat being difficult. They are your cat communicating that something about the setup, the routine, or their health is not working for them. The good news is that litter...

Cat Urinary Symptoms: Facts and Insights

When a cat has a urinary tract issue, the signs can look small at first and then turn serious fast. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen “he’s just going to the litter box a lot” turn into an emergency visit the same day. The good news is that if you know what to watch...

How Long Does a Cat Stay in Heat?

If you have a female cat who is not spayed, her first heat cycle can feel surprising, noisy, and honestly a little stressful for everyone in the house. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, and I want you to know this up front: a cat in heat is not being “bad” or...

Feline Diabetes Overview

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how scary the word diabetes can feel for cat parents. The good news is that many cats do very well with diabetes when it is caught early and managed consistently. Some cats even go into remission with the right mix of diet, insulin when...

How to Train a Kitten

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy, but it can also feel like you just adopted a tiny, fast athlete with opinions. The good news: kittens learn quickly when we set them up for success. From a veterinary assistant perspective, the “secret” is simple: reward the behaviors you want, prevent the...

Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

Cat urine odor can feel impossible to eliminate, especially once it soaks into carpet pad, wood subfloor, or upholstery. The good news is there is a reliable method that is widely recommended by veterinarians and pet behavior pros to remove both the smell and the scent cue that tells your cat,...

My Cat Is Sneezing: Need-to-Know Tips

If your cat is sneezing, you are not alone. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I see this concern all the time. The good news is that some causes are mild and you can take a few safe steps at home. Quick safety note: Home care is only appropriate for short-term, mild sneezing in a cat who is...

Why Does My Cat Sneeze?

If your cat sneezes once in a while, it can be totally normal, just like us. But repeated sneezing, new nasal discharge, or sneezing along with other symptoms usually means something is irritating or inflaming the upper airways. As a veterinary assistant, I like to start with a simple question: Is...