This page explains how we research our guides and tools, and what they are and aren’t.
Where our information comes from
Every guide is written by the CatsMed Team from the references vets themselves use:
- the Cornell University Feline Health Center
- the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM)
- International Cat Care (iCatCare) and WSAVA guidelines
- the Merck Veterinary Manual
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, for plants, foods and household toxins
- peer-reviewed studies, for things like the Feline Grimace Scale and breathing rates
Each page lists at least three sources at the bottom, so you can check them yourself.
What we check before a page goes live
- Every medical statement matches its sources. If sources disagree, we say so, or we give the more cautious advice.
- Emergency signs come first. Anything that can be an emergency is called out near the top of the page, with poison hotline numbers where they apply.
- No doses. We explain what a medicine is for and what side effects to watch for. Your vet sets the dose.
- Prices are estimates. Cost figures are typical US ranges, not quotes, and each cost page says so.
What our guides aren’t
CatsMed guides aren’t reviewed by a veterinarian, and they can’t diagnose your cat. They help you understand what you’re seeing and decide how quickly to act. If your cat is unwell, call your vet. If it may be an emergency, see our emergency guide.
Keeping content current
Every page shows the date it was last checked. We update pages when guidance from these sources changes, and we fix mistakes as soon as we hear about them. See our corrections policy.