cats

Can Cats Catch Colds From Humans?

If you are sniffling and your cat starts sneezing too, it is completely normal to worry you passed your cold along. The reassuring news is that most human “common cold” viruses do not infect cats . But cats do get their own upper respiratory infections that look a lot like a human cold, and...

Why Does My Cat Lie on My Chest?

If you have ever been pinned down by a purring cat who insists on settling right on your chest, you are in very good company. As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question all the time, and the sweet truth is that chest-sitting is usually a sign of connection, comfort, and trust. That said, cats...

How to Check for Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites are a common cause of itchy ears in cats, especially kittens and cats who spend time outdoors or around other pets. The good news is that ear mites are treatable, and the sooner you spot them, the sooner your cat can get comfortable again. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell pet...

Stop Male Cat Spraying Indoors

If your male cat is spraying inside, you are not dealing with “bad behavior.” You are seeing a normal cat communication tool showing up in the wrong place. Spraying is most often driven by hormones, stress, conflict with other pets, outdoor cat pressure, or a medical problem that makes your cat...

Why Is My Cat Staring at Me?

If you live with a cat, you have probably felt it: you look up from your phone or the TV and there they are, staring like they have a question, a complaint, or a secret. The truth is, a cat’s gaze can mean many different things, from affection to anxiety to a simple request for dinner. The key is...

Can Cats Have Peanut Butter?

If you have ever opened a jar of peanut butter and noticed your cat sniffing the air with interest, you are not alone. Peanut butter is a common human snack, and many pet guardians wonder if it is safe to share. The short, evidence-based answer is this: peanut butter is not inherently toxic to...

Why Cats Knock Things Off Tables

If you live with a cat, you have probably watched it happen in slow motion. A paw reaches out. Your cat looks you right in the eyes. And then your keys, your pen, or your glass of water goes over the edge. It is tempting to call this “spite,” but in most cases, it is not personal at all. It is...

Do Cats Dream?

If you have ever watched your cat snoozing with tiny paw twitches or whiskers quivering, you have probably wondered: do cats dream ? While we cannot ask a cat what they saw in their sleep (or prove dream “storylines”), the science of feline sleep strongly suggests that cats experience...

Are Roses Toxic to Cats?

If you share your home with a cat and you love gardening, you have probably asked the big question: are roses toxic to cats? The reassuring answer is that true roses (genus Rosa ) are generally considered non-toxic to cats . For example, they are commonly listed as non-toxic by reputable pet poison...

Cat Years to Human Years

If you have ever looked at your cat and wondered, “How old are you really?”, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question all the time because cat aging does not follow a simple one-year-equals-seven-years rule. Cats mature quickly in early life, then the pace slows down....

Foods That Can Kill Your Cat

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this with love: cats get into trouble fast with “people food.” Their bodies process certain ingredients very differently than ours, and some common pantry items can trigger life-threatening anemia, seizures, organ failure, or a...

Do Cats Fart?

Yes, cats fart. It’s usually quieter, less frequent, and easier to miss than it is with dogs or people. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that feline gas is usually harmless. But persistent gas, new very smelly gas, or gas that shows up with other symptoms can be your cat’s way of...

Is Your Houseplant Safe for Cats?

If you share your home with a cat, you already know the truth: if it’s leafy, dangling, or looks even slightly snackable, your cat will investigate it. Some cats only take a curious nibble. Others go all in like it’s a salad bar. As a veterinary assistant, I’ve seen how quickly a “small...

Why Cats Hate Water (And the Breeds That Don’t)

Most cats are famous for giving water a hard no. But from a veterinary assistant perspective, that “hate” is usually a mix of biology, comfort, and past experience, not attitude. The fun twist is that some cats genuinely enjoy water, and a few breeds are known for splashing, fishing toys out of...

Tuxedo Cats: The Personality Behind the Pattern

Tuxedo cats have a way of turning an ordinary moment into something a little more special. One minute they are curled up like a perfect black and white cameo, and the next they are trotting into the room like they own the place. While the “tuxedo” look is a coat pattern, not a breed, many...

Essential Oils and Cats: Safe Scents vs High-Risk Oils

If you love essential oils, you are not alone. They can make a home feel calm and clean. But if you share that home with a cat, it is important to slow down and get picky about what you diffuse, spray, or dab on your own skin. Cats are not small dogs. Their bodies process certain compounds...

The Truth About Hypoallergenic Cats

If you have allergies but love cats, you have probably searched for a “hypoallergenic cat” and felt a spark of hope. I get it. In veterinary clinics and rescue circles, I have seen how much people want this to work out. Here is the honest, evidence-based truth: no cat is truly 100%...

Are Orange Cats Really Crazier?

If you have ever lived with an orange cat, you have probably heard it at least once: “Ginger cats are a little… wild.” The internet even has a name for it, “orange cat energy.” As a veterinary assistant, I get why this stereotype sticks. Orange cats can be bold, social, and hilariously...

A Deadly Bouquet: Flowers Toxic to Cats

Cats have a talent for getting into whatever we bring home, especially something new on the counter, dining table, or windowsill. And while a bouquet feels like a harmless treat, many popular flowers can be truly dangerous for cats. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen heartbreaking cases that...

How to Trim Your Cat's Nails Without Stress

Trimming your cat’s nails can feel intimidating, especially if you have tried once and ended up with a squirmy cat and a racing heart. The good news is that most cats can learn to tolerate nail trims, and many even relax into the routine when it is done gently and consistently. As a veterinary...