cats

Cat Acne: Yes, Cats Get Pimples Too

If you’ve ever noticed little black specks on your cat’s chin or a few red bumps that look like tiny pimples, you are not imagining it. Cats can get acne, too. The good news is that many cases are mild and manageable with simple changes at home. The not-so-good news is that some cases can turn...

Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water?

If you have caught yourself thinking, “My cat is practically living at the water bowl,” you are not being paranoid. Increased thirst can be a simple, temporary change, but it can also be an early clue that something bigger is going on, especially kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. As...

How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas

Realizing your cat has fleas is frustrating. The good news is you can get control of them, but it takes a complete approach. Fleas live on your cat, in your home, and sometimes in your yard too. If you only treat one area, the problem often comes right back. In this guide, I will walk you through...

Why Is My Cat Sneezing?

If your cat sneezes once or twice and then goes right back to napping in a sunbeam, it is usually nothing to panic about. Cats sneeze for many of the same reasons we do, like dust, strong smells, or a mild irritation in the nose. But sneezing that is frequent, keeps coming back, or persists beyond...

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

If you have a cat, you have probably seen it: your cat makes a beeline for a houseplant or nibbles on a patch of grass, and then, a little while later, vomits. It can look alarming, but in many cases this is a normal feline behavior. That said, “normal” does not always mean “no big deal.”...

Why Cats Need Taurine

Cats are wonderfully unique little carnivores. And one of the biggest differences between cats and many other animals is this: cats cannot synthesize enough taurine to meet their needs . Taurine is an amino-acid-like nutrient that supports the heart, eyes, reproduction, digestion, and overall...

Can Cats Have Yogurt or Cheese?

It is such a sweet moment when your cat hops up, sniffs your bowl, and looks at you like, “Are we sharing?” If your breakfast includes yogurt or a little cheese, you might wonder whether dairy is a safe treat for cats. Here is the practical, vet-informed answer: some cats can handle tiny tastes...

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question a lot because bananas feel like such a “safe” people food. The reassuring answer is yes, most cats can eat a small amount of banana as an occasional treat. The important part is that bananas are not nutritionally necessary for cats, and too much...

Is Tuna Bad for Cats?

If your cat comes running the second you crack open a can of tuna, you are not imagining things. Tuna has a strong smell, a rich taste, and a texture many cats find irresistible. In some veterinary settings, veterinarians use a little tuna water as a “high value” topper to tempt picky eaters....

Homemade Cat Food Safety

Homemade cat food can be a wonderful way to control ingredients, support hydration, and tailor meals for allergies or sensitive stomachs. But here is the honest truth from someone who has spent time in veterinary settings: cats are not small dogs. They have very specific nutrient requirements, and...

Dangerous Treats for Cats: Chocolate, Grapes, and Onions

If you have a cat, you already know how curious they are. And while cats are often pickier than dogs, it only takes one lick of frosting, one bite of a snack, or a few laps of “people food” juices to become a problem. Sometimes it is just a “call your vet now” moment. Other times, it can...

Human Foods Cats Can and Cannot Eat

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get this question weekly: “Can my cat have a bite of this?” Cats are curious little kitchen supervisors, and many truly do want what you are eating. The tricky part is that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are built to run on...

Are Eggs Good for Cats? Cooked vs. Raw

As a veterinary assistant, I get this question all the time: Can cats eat eggs? If so, should they be cooked or raw? The good news is that eggs can be a nutritious, budget-friendly add-on for many cats when they are prepared safely and fed in the right amount. But there is an important distinction...

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

If you have both a dog and a cat, you have probably seen it happen: your cat strolls over and takes a few crunchy bites from the dog’s bowl. Most of the time, a small “taste test” is not an emergency. But as a veterinary assistant, I want you to know something important: dog food is not...

Tail Talk: Your Cat’s Tail Language

Your cat’s tail is like a little mood flag. It is not the only “word” in their body language, but it is one of the clearest. As a veterinary assistant, I have learned that when families understand tail signals, they get fewer scratches, less stress, and a more confident, connected cat. One...

The Slow Blink

If you've ever looked at your cat and wondered, “Do you know how much I love you?”, here's some good news. Cats have a simple, beautiful way of showing trust and affection that doesn't require treats, toys, or perfect timing. It's called the slow blink , and it's often compared to a cat version...

Can Cats Drink Milk?

If you grew up with cartoons, you probably picture a happy cat lapping up a saucer of milk. It is one of the most stubborn pet myths out there. But here is the truth I share all the time as a veterinary assistant: most adult cats are better off avoiding milk. Milk is not “poison” for cats, but...

Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

If your cat licks your hand, arm, or even your face, it can feel like a tiny, sandpapery mystery. As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question all the time: “Is my cat kissing me, grooming me, or trying to tell me something?” The answer is often yes to all three. Licking is a normal feline...

Why Does My Cat Follow Me Into the Bathroom?

If you have ever tried to close the bathroom door and heard immediate scratching, meowing, or the dramatic body flop right outside, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that this is a common concern I hear about . And most of the time, it is completely normal. Your cat is...

Why Your Cat Head-Butts You

If your cat walks up and gently bumps their forehead into your hand, leg, or face, it can feel like you have been chosen. More accurately, many cats do this most often with people they trust. This adorable behavior is often called head-butting or bunting , and in most cases it is a friendly, normal...