cats
Browse articles in cats on Designer Mixes

Family-Friendly UTI in Cats: Symptoms, Care and Litter Box Help
When a cat gets a urinary tract infection (UTI) or any urinary problem, the whole family feels it. You might notice your sweet cat suddenly peeing outside the litter box, crying in the box, or licking their private area more than usual. It is stressful, confusing, and honestly a little scary. As a...
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Is It Normal for Cats to Sneeze?
Cats sneeze for a lot of the same reasons we do. Sometimes it is totally normal. Other times, it is your cat’s way of saying, “Hey, something is irritating my nose,” or “I’m not feeling so great.” As a veterinary assistant, I like to reassure pet parents while also helping you spot the...
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Natural Flea Treatment for Kittens
Fleas on a kitten can feel like an emergency, because in a way, it is. Kittens are small, their skin is delicate, and fleas can cause anemia in very young or tiny kittens faster than many people expect. The good news is there are safe, evidence-based ways to get relief using gentle,...
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How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Cat
Hi friend, Shari here. Fleas on cats are frustrating, quick to spread, and surprisingly sneaky. The good news is you can get control of a flea problem without guessing, as long as you treat the cat , the home , and any other pets at the same time. That three-part approach is what breaks the life...
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Cats and Hairballs
Hairballs can look dramatic, but most of the time they are a very normal side effect of a cat being an excellent groomer. Still, frequent hairballs can signal an underlying problem, and a rare but serious emergency can look similar to “just a hairball.” In this handbook, I will walk you through...
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Socializing Kittens
The first weeks of a kitten’s life shape how they feel about people, other pets, and the everyday sounds of a home. Socialization is not about forcing “bravery.” It is about building calm, positive associations, one tiny step at a time. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see...
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How Long Will My Cat Be in Heat?
If you are hearing loud yowling at night, noticing extra affection, or watching your cat assume a “butt up” posture (hindquarters raised, also called lordosis), you are probably dealing with a heat cycle. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things right away: heats are normal for...
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Cystitis in Cats Symptoms and Solutions
If your cat is visiting the litter box over and over, crying out, or having accidents, it can be scary. One common cause is cystitis , which simply means inflammation of the bladder. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly worried pet parents feel better once they understand what to look...
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Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
Seeing diarrhea in your cat is stressful, and I get it. In clinic, one of the first things we look at is whether this is a mild, short-lived upset or a sign of something that needs urgent care. The good news is that most cases have a clear cause once you know what to watch for and what questions to...
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Kidney Disease In Cats Stages
Kidney disease in cats can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you start hearing terms like IRIS stages , creatinine , and subcutaneous fluids . The good news is that many cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) live comfortably for years with the right plan and regular monitoring. In this...
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How to Get Fleas Off a Cat
Fleas are tiny, fast, and surprisingly tough. The good news is you can get them off your cat safely, but it works best when you treat the cat , the home , and any other pets at the same time. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell families: fleas are less about being “dirty” and more about...
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How to Get a Cat to Stop Spraying
Cat spraying can feel personal, but it is rarely “spite.” Cats do not typically eliminate out of revenge. In most cases, spraying is normal communication that shows up when a cat feels stressed, territorial, or physically uncomfortable. The good news is that with the right steps, most spraying...
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Cats and Fleas
As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you fleas are one of the most common reasons cat families call in a panic. And I get it. Fleas feel like a small problem until they are suddenly everywhere. The good news is that with the right plan, most flea issues can be solved and prevented long-term. This...
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Fun First Aid for Cats Explained
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have a soft spot for cat parents who want to be prepared without panicking. “Fun first aid” for cats is really about building calm, confident habits before you ever have an emergency. Think of it like a fire drill, but with treats, gentle...
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Cat in Heat Symptoms and Care Tips
If your normally calm cat suddenly becomes extra vocal, clingy, or starts “presenting” her back end, you are probably seeing a heat cycle. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I talk with worried cat parents about this all the time. The good news is: heat is normal, temporary, and...
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Cat Weepy Eye Secrets Revealed
If you have a cat who always seems to have a watery or crusty eye, you are not imagining it. Weepy eyes are a very common concern I hear from pet parents, and the causes range from simple irritation to infections or eye conditions that need prompt treatment. The good news is that many mild cases...
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Why Do Cats Snuggle With You?
If you have ever had a cat curl up on your chest, tuck themselves behind your knees, or press their forehead against your face, you have seen one of the sweetest parts of living with a feline. Snuggling can look like pure affection, and often it is. But as a veterinary assistant, I can tell you...
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Why Is My Cat Pulling Her Hair Out?
If it looks like your cat is pulling her hair out, what you are usually seeing is overgrooming . Cats have tiny barbs on their tongues that act like a brush, so repeated licking can break hairs and create bald patches surprisingly fast. Some cats also chew or pluck, especially around the belly,...
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Turkish Van Cat Personality, Help & Care
The Turkish Van is the kind of cat people talk about for years after meeting one. Athletic, smart, and affectionate on their own terms, they are also known for a frequent curiosity about water. If you are drawn to an interactive, busy companion who wants to be part of your daily life, the Van can...
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How to Treat Cat Ear Mites
Ear mites are one of those “small problem, big misery” situations. They are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on skin debris, and they can make a cat itchy, cranky, and downright miserable fast. The good news is that with the right treatment plan (and a little patience), most...
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