cats

Why Is My Cat Sleeping So Much?

Cats sleep a lot. Sometimes that is totally normal. Other times, it is a clue that something is off. As a veterinary assistant, I like to break this question into two buckets: healthy cat sleep versus lethargy . They can look similar at first glance, but the meaning (and what you should do next)...

Are Cats Colorblind?

As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question a lot: Are cats colorblind? Not exactly. Cats can see color, but their world is more muted than ours, with vision built for low light and movement. So if you have ever wondered why your cat ignores that bright red toy but goes wild for a feather that...

Do Cats Sweat? How Cats Cool Down

Cats absolutely can sweat, but not in the way we do. If you have ever felt your cat’s paw prints on a warm surface or noticed slightly damp paw pads (yes, those “toe beans”) during stress, you have seen their version of sweating. Most of the time, though, cats rely on grooming, breathing, and...

More Than Just Cute: Cat Whiskers

As a veterinary assistant, I hear it all the time: “My cat’s whiskers are so adorable.” And they are. But whiskers are not just decoration. They are highly specialized sensory tools that help cats navigate the world safely, judge openings and nearby objects with impressive precision, and even...

Spaying or Neutering Your Cat

If you are sharing life with a cat, one of the biggest early health decisions you will make is whether to spay or neuter. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how much smoother life can be for both cats and families when this is done at the right time with good aftercare....

How Many Kittens Can a Cat Have in One Litter?

If you have a pregnant cat at home, the big question usually comes fast: how many kittens are we about to have? I have helped care for many mama cats in clinic and rescue settings, and the answer is both comforting and a little unpredictable. Most cats have a normal range, but nature has wide...

When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes?

One of the sweetest (and most nerve-wracking) parts of raising newborn kittens is waiting for that first sleepy blink. If you are caring for a litter at home, knowing what is typical can help you relax and spot problems early. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell new kitten caregivers: early...

Night Vision: How Cats See in the Dark

If you have ever watched your cat glide through a dim hallway like they own the place, you are not imagining things. Cats really do see better than we do in low light, but it is not “supernatural night vision.” It is a beautifully engineered set of eye and brain adaptations that squeeze every...

Do Cats Get Their Period?

If you have ever noticed your female cat acting extra affectionate, vocal, or restless and wondered, “Is she on her period?” you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions I hear as a veterinary assistant. The short, science-based answer is this: cats do not get a period the way...

The Feline Pregnancy Timeline: How Long Are Cats Pregnant?

If you have a pregnant cat at home, you are probably asking one big question: how long are cats pregnant? Most cats (queens) carry kittens for about 63 to 65 days , which is right around 9 weeks . Many veterinary sources cite a typical window of about 63 to 67 days . A wider normal range can be 58...

Why Is My Cat Losing Hair?

If you have noticed thinning fur, bald patches, or extra shedding around your home, you are not alone. Hair loss in cats is called alopecia , and it can happen for many reasons, from itchy skin issues to stress or underlying disease. The key is to look at the pattern and your cat’s other...

Understanding the Feline Heat Cycle

If you have an unspayed female cat (a queen), you may be surprised by how often she seems “in heat.” From the outside it can look like nonstop yowling, restlessness, and intense affection. But there is real biology behind it, and once you understand the feline heat cycle, it becomes much easier...

Is My Cat Pregnant? 5 Clear Signs to Look For

If your female cat has been around an unneutered male, it is completely normal to wonder, “Is my cat pregnant?” As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common questions I hear, especially because cats can become pregnant quickly and sometimes without an obvious mating...

How to Give a Cat a Pill Without Getting Mauled

Giving a cat a pill can feel like a full-contact sport. As a veterinary assistant, I promise you are not “bad at this.” Cats are wired to avoid anything that tastes weird or feels forced. The goal is simple: get the medication in safely while keeping your cat calm and your hands intact . Below...

Ear Mites in Cats: How to Spot Them and Treat Them at Home

If your cat is suddenly scratching like crazy, shaking their head, or acting tender when you touch their ears, ear mites are high on the list of possibilities. The good news is that ear mites are very common and very treatable. The tricky part is that the irritation can look like other ear...

Understanding FIV in Cats

If your cat has been diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), it is completely normal to feel worried. I want you to take a slow breath with me: many FIV-positive cats live long, comfortable, loving lives. The key is understanding what FIV is, what it is not, and how to protect your...

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...