cats

Cat In Heat: Signs, Timeline & Care

If you have an unspayed female cat (a queen), the first heat cycle can feel sudden and honestly a little dramatic. One day she is her normal self, and the next she is calling, rolling, and acting like she is desperate to get outside. The good news is: most of these behaviors are normal for a cat in...

How Long Is a Cat in Heat? (And What to Do)

If your sweet, quiet kitty suddenly turns into a vocal, restless escape artist, you might be dealing with a heat cycle. As a veterinary assistant, I see this a lot, and I promise you are not alone. The good news is that feline “heat” (estrus) is normal, temporary, and manageable once you...

Cat Heat Cycle Stages Explained

If you have an unspayed female cat, you may suddenly notice loud nighttime yowling, extra affection, rolling on the floor, and a tail held to the side. That is usually not “bad behavior.” It is estrus , also called being in heat . As a veterinary assistant, I see how stressful this can feel for...

Recognizing the Silent Signs of Pain in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Many veterinary professionals believe this comes from an instinct to avoid appearing vulnerable, and that pattern can still show up in our living rooms today. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen many cats quietly cope for weeks or months before anyone...

How To Know If Your Cat Has a Food Allergy

If your cat is itchy , has chronic ear issues, or seems to have an upset stomach on and off, it is natural to wonder, “Is this a food allergy?” As a veterinary assistant in a small animal clinic, I can tell you this is one of the most common questions I hear, and also one of the easiest to...

Hair Loss in Cats: Causes and Treatment

Noticing bald spots or extra shedding on your cat can feel scary, especially when it seems to happen overnight. The good news is that many causes of feline hair loss are treatable once you identify what is driving it. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that the best outcomes usually come...

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats

If your cat is suddenly scratching like crazy, over-grooming, or developing scabs along the back, fleas are often the first suspect. But for some cats, it is not just fleas. It is an allergic reaction to flea saliva called flea allergy dermatitis , or FAD. For some cats, even a single flea bite can...

Cat Dandruff: What to Do

If you have noticed white flakes on your cat’s back, along their spine, or around the base of the tail, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see “cat dandruff” come up all the time, especially in winter or in cats who are a little less enthusiastic about...

Quick Homemade Cat Treats

If you have ever flipped over a bag of cat treats and thought, What is all of this? , you are not alone. Some store-bought treats are loaded with starches, vague “meat meals,” added flavors, and extra calories that add up quickly. The good news is you can make simple, cat-safe treats at home in...

Food Allergies in Cats

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this all the time: “My cat is itchy, licking constantly, or having tummy trouble. Could it be the food?” Sometimes, yes. But food allergies in cats can look a lot like fleas , environmental allergies, infections, or even stress. The good...

Diagnose and Treat Fleas on Cats at Home

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you one thing with confidence: fleas are sneaky. Many cats have fleas long before you ever spot one. The good news is that you can often suspect (and sometimes fairly confidently confirm) fleas at home, as long as you know what to look for...

How To Discipline a Cat

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear a version of this all the time: “My cat knows better, but she keeps doing it.” The tricky part is that cats do not learn like dogs do. What looks like “spite” is usually normal cat behavior mixed with stress, boredom, or an environment...

Ear Mites in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care

Few things are more frustrating than watching your cat scratch nonstop. If you have noticed intense ear itching, dark debris, or head shaking, ear mites may be the culprit. The good news is that ear mites are very treatable, but they require the right approach and a little patience to fully clear....

Causes of Cat Itching and How to Stop It

When a cat cannot stop scratching, licking, or overgrooming, it is easy to assume it is just “dry skin.” In reality, itching can come from many causes, from fleas to food sensitivities to infections. The good news is that most cases improve significantly once you identify the trigger and...

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds: Best Cats for Allergy Sufferers

Cat allergies can feel like an unfair trade: you love cats, but your nose and eyes disagree. The good news is that some cats may be easier for allergy sufferers to live with, especially when you pair the right match with an allergy-smart home setup. In my work in lifestyle medicine, I remind...

Why Do Cats Knead? Meaning and Behavior Explained

Few cat behaviors are as sweet and a little puzzling as kneading. One minute your cat is curled up, and the next they are rhythmically pressing their paws into a blanket, your lap, or even another pet. Many people call it “making biscuits,” and while it is often a sign of comfort, it can also...

Why Does My Cat Lick Me? Affection or Something Else?

Few things feel as oddly sweet and slightly sandpapery as a cat licking your hand or face. Many people assume it is a kiss, and sometimes it is. But licking can also signal stress, a learned habit, a request for attention, or even a health concern. Let’s break down the most common reasons cats...

Cat Eye Discharge: Causes, Colors Explained, and Treatment

Seeing gunk in your cat’s eyes can feel alarming, especially if it shows up suddenly or looks thick and colored. The good news is that mild eye discharge is common in cats and often manageable at home. The important part is knowing what is normal, what different colors can mean, and when it is...

Cat Pregnancy: Signs, Timeline, and Care Guide

Starting your morning right sets the tone for the entire day. I tell my patients the same idea applies to pet care: small, consistent habits add up. If you think your cat may be pregnant, a little knowledge and a calm plan can make the next several weeks safer and less stressful for both of you....

How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell Permanently

Cat urine smell can feel impossible to remove because it is not just an unpleasant odor. It is chemistry. As urine dries, it concentrates and leaves behind uric acid and urate residues (often crystallized) that can cling to carpet fibers, padding, wood, and even concrete. Add in bacteria and...