cats

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...

Why Cats Chirp at Birds Through the Window

If you have ever watched your cat sit at the window, intently focused on a bird outside, you may have heard it: that rapid little “chitter-chitter” or “chirp” that can sound almost like a tiny squeaky toy. As a veterinary assistant, I hear this question a lot, and the good news is that for...

Why Your Cat Gently Nips While Petting

If you have ever been cuddling your cat and suddenly felt a little nip, you are not alone. Many cats give what people call “love bites” during petting. Sometimes it is playful. Sometimes it is a polite (or not so polite) way of saying, “That’s enough.” The good news is that gentle nipping...

The Mystery of Purring

Purring is one of those beautiful cat mysteries that feels simple on the surface. Your cat curls up, starts to vibrate, and suddenly the whole room feels calmer. But here is the twist: cats also purr when they are nervous, in pain, or even near the end of life. As a veterinary assistant, I see this...

Why Cats Love Boxes

If you have ever brought home a package and watched your cat ignore the expensive toy to climb straight into the box, you are not imagining things. Many cats are strongly drawn to tight, enclosed spaces. The famous feline motto, “If it fits, I sits,” has real behavior and biology behind it. As...

Nighttime Cat Zoomies

If your cat turns into a furry little tornado right when you are ready to sleep, you are not imagining it. Those sudden bursts of sprinting, sliding, and parkour off the couch are commonly called zoomies , and they are usually normal cat behavior. The good news: there is real biology behind it, and...

Cat Anxiety Symptoms: When to See a Veterinarian

Anxious cats are often mislabeled as “moody” or “stubborn,” but anxiety is a real medical and behavioral issue that can show up in quiet, easy-to-miss ways. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen cats improve dramatically once their stress triggers are identified and a health problem is...

Cat in Heat: Fertile Days & Pregnancy Prevention

If your female cat suddenly becomes extra vocal, affectionate, and restless, you are probably seeing her first heat cycle. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common reasons families panic and think something is “wrong.” The truth is: she is doing what her hormones...

Why Do Cats Knead?

If you have ever looked over to see your cat rhythmically pressing their paws into a blanket, your lap, or your favorite sweater, you have witnessed kneading . A lot of people call it “making biscuits,” and honestly, it is one of the most endearing cat behaviors. But kneading is not just cute....

Best Gentle Cat Breeds for Retirees

There is something deeply comforting about sharing your home with a mellow, affectionate cat, especially in retirement when you finally have the time to truly enjoy the little moments. The best “retiree-friendly” cats tend to have three things in common: a gentle temperament, predictable energy...