Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Love Language of Cats

Cat owner

One of the classic “Dogs make better pets than cats” arguments is that cats show their owners no affection; dogs, on the other hand, are quite demonstrative with their love. It isn’t hard to picture an adoring dog with its human: tongue lolling, gaze following its master’s every move, eagerly obeying every command, exuberantly jumping up to lick a hand or face…You don’t usually see this level of enthusiasm from felines. Does that mean your cat doesn’t love you? Of course not. Although understated, your kitty’s subtle affection is just as valid as a dog’s exuberant warmth. Here are a few of the ways cats show their love for the special humans in their lives:

  1. Staring: Holding your gaze and blinking slowly is a cat’s way of letting you know that she trusts you and feels at peace in your company. A fearful or unhappy feline is more interested in running off and hiding than initiating and holding eye contact. The next time you catch your furry friend staring at you dreamily, you can recognize it as a form of engagement and trust!
  2. Meowing: Did you know that cats only meow to humans? They don’t communicate this way to other cats. Feel free to meow back and have a conversation with your kitty! Meowing and purring speak volumes of your cat’s affection for you.
  3. Following: You walk into the living room to take a seat on the couch when you notice that you have a shadow following close behind. The same little shadow follows you into the kitchen as you get a glass of water, then comes along as you hike up the stairs toward your bedroom. If your cat seems to be stalking you, chances are he enjoys your presence and just doesn’t want you out of his sight.
  4. Grooming and kneading: Sometimes the sandpaper-like tongue of your cat can be a bit abrasive on your hand, and kneading can be a bit painful when the claws come out; nevertheless, those behaviors are gestures of love! Let it happen.
  5. Sitting in your lap: It may not always be at the most convenient of times (when you’re sitting on the couch trying to eat and watch television, for example), but when your cat plops down in your lap, she’s trying to get close to you and feels comfortable enough to do so. Take a moment to cuddle your furry friend!

Not all cats show their affection the same way, but it’s their unique personalities that endear them to us in the first place. How does your kitty demonstrate his or her love? Leave us a comment or a photo on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And to show your love for your feline family member, be sure to visit your trusted cat veterinarian for regular checkups throughout the year.

Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed

Orange tabby cat

“Just watching my cats can make me happy.” – Paula Cole

Everyone knows that there are a number of daily habits necessary for maintaining good health and hygiene. Some of these habits include bathing, brushing and flossing your teeth, keeping hair well combed, and eating enough fruits and vegetables. The same level of attention should be given to your pets! Rather than waiting until an emergency trip to your cat veterinarian is required, make sure you’re doing your part to keep him healthy and happy by incorporating these simple routines into his day.

Dental care – Your cat can’t hold a toothbrush and scrub those pearly whites all by himself! It’s up to you to make good oral health a priority. Cats have varied reactions to their owners brushing their teeth; some relax and seem to enjoy it while others do their best to make it a nearly impossible task. Your best bet is to start this routine at a young age—a kitten that is accustomed to frequent tooth-brushing will likely continue to allow it as the years go by. If it proves to be too difficult a job, leave it in the capable hands of your cat veterinarian.

Combing the coat – The two things our feline friends do best? Cat naps and hair care. When they’re not snoozing peacefully on their favorite perch, they can often be found tending to their luxurious coats. For the most part, cats don’t really need our help in keeping their fur neat and tidy; however, long-haired breeds have their work cut out for them. It’s a good idea to keep a comb or brush handy so you can give your furry friend a hand in keeping that gorgeous fur tangle-free. You could be sparing him from coughing up some unpleasant hairballs!

Physical exercise – Just as we need daily walks, jogs, or gym time to stay fit, your cat requires daily play time to keep him active and in shape! A lethargic, understimulated kitty can easily pack on the pounds, which leads to negative health effects down the road. Provide him with enough toys to keep him busy on his own, but set time aside to engage him with activities that make him chase string or a laser pointer.

Committing to these daily tasks will do wonders in keeping your kitty “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Don’t forget to schedule yearly appointments with an experienced cat veterinarian who can keep tabs on your pet’s health! If it’s time for your feline friend’s annual checkup, feel free to contact us at any time.

Featured Breed: Maine Coon

Maine Coon Cat

You don’t need us to tell you that cats are beautiful and diverse animals, coming in an array of colors, sizes, and personalities. According to the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA), there are as many as 73 recognized domestic cat breeds, the largest of which is the Maine Coon (also known as the American Longhair). Anyone who owns or has owned a cat of this gorgeous breed can tell you that they have some distinct characteristics that make them quite unique. Take a look at a few facts you may not have known about the Maine Coon!

They actually enjoy being in the water! Most cats we know aren’t too fond of getting their paws wet, and when it comes time to give them a bath—good luck. Maine Coons, on the other hand, are not averse to taking a dip. Their thick coats are water-resistant and they swim better than you might expect!

Maine Coons are often thought to have dog-like qualities. There are notable temperament differences between a typical dog and a typical cat; many would argue that dogs are (for the most part) more demonstrative and “needy” for attention. Cats are often seen as aloof and unaffectionate with a low social need. Maine Coons defy this stereotype with their friendly, playful nature and high level of interaction with their owners. You could teach this fantastic feline to play fetch and even walk him on a leash!

They have a voice and aren’t afraid to use it! Some cats are definitely more vocal than others. When boredom sets in or it’s getting a little past regular dinnertime, loud, demanding meowing often ensues. Much to the entertainment of their owners, Maine Coons prefer to express themselves through frequent chirps and “trills,” which are combinations of meows and purrs. These talkative kitties are great company for those who like to keep up a steady stream of conversation!

They are not actually related to raccoons. It’s only a myth that this breed is a cross between a wild cat and a raccoon; more likely, they originally were the product of matings between short-haired domestic cats and longhairs that came to America with the Vikings.

These pretty kitties cost a pretty penny. Interested in having one of these gorgeous and quirky cats for your own? You might want to save up—a Maine Coon costs up to $1000 on average. Adoption might be your cheapest option, so start looking into rescue organizations!

If you are lucky enough to own a Maine Coon and have questions about his or her health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your knowledgeable cat veterinarian. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill love kitties of all breeds and are invested in keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy for years to come.

Summer Vacation Time: Caring for the Cat

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The day of departure for that long-awaited vacation has finally arrived! You busy yourself stuffing an extra tube of sunscreen in your suitcase, making sure all of the windows in the house are shut and locked, and printing out your boarding pass. You’re grabbing the car keys and checking the time when suddenly you hear a questioning “meow” at your feet. What have you planned for your cat while you’re away? Will he stay home with a sitter, or have you arranged to leave him at a boarding facility? If there’s one thing that you should avoid doing at all costs, it’s leaving him home alone with just a bowl of food and water—even if it’s only for a couple of days.

Why can’t my cat be left home alone?

Although cats have a reputation for being largely self-reliant and capable of getting along well on their own, there are quite a few issues that could arise if you were to leave your pet alone in the house for an extended period of time. First and foremost, our feline friends are notorious for disliking sudden and unexpected changes in their daily lives. When he notices your absence, your cat will likely feel stressed and anxious, possibly exhibiting out-of-the-ordinary destructive behaviors. This could also be a result of boredom, as cats enjoy and require adequate stimulation throughout the day. If you aren’t around to play with him, don’t be surprised if you come home to find shredded rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom or clawed up curtains.

What about his feeding schedule? Left with only a bowl of food and stale water, your pet could overeat and get sick; on the other hand, he could be too upset to eat at all. A cat that is accustomed to getting fed at a regular time twice per day will not make a smooth transition to this kind of change.

Make sure your cat is cared for.

Your kitty might be an independent spirit, but he still relies on you for food and love. When you’re not around to fulfill those requirements, make sure that someone else is! It could be a neighbor or a professional pet sitter—as long as he or she is reliable and responsible. Your other option is to leave your four-legged friend at a reputable boarding facility or pet lodge. If you are in need of a recommendation, feel free to consult your trusted cat veterinarian! The experienced and caring team at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill would be happy to help you determine the best course of action as you plan your summer getaway.

Making the Most of Your Cat’s Golden Years

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Tiny ears perked up at attention; round, curious eyes that take in your every movement; fast-as-lightning paws that skid and scurry across the floor; it’s easy to become enamored with kittens and their adorable antics. Sadly, it’s just as easy for the enchantment to fade as kittens grow into adults and eventually seniors. A responsible pet owner understands that adopting a four-legged family member is a lifetime commitment! Your cat relies on you for proper care during every stage of life, including the “golden years” when she’s not quite so spry anymore. Regardless of your senior cat’s slower pace of life, you can still do your part to keep her healthy, happy, and well-loved.

Maintain Your Feline’s Fitness

A fat cat might strike some as a comical sight, but health problems are anything but funny. Doting cat owners often think that giving their kitties plenty of tasty tidbits is the best way of showing them love; don’t go overboard! There’s nothing wrong with giving your pet a treat every now and then (and it can certainly do wonders in gaining his trust and affection), but too much food will pack on the pounds. There’s a difference between “pleasantly plump” and obese—obesity can shorten a cat’s life, limit his mobility, make him lethargic, and cause a number of other health issues. Let him live to a ripe old age by keeping him fit and frisky!

Playtime is Still Important

It doesn’t take much convincing to get a kitten to chase a bit of yarn or a laser pointer. Older cats, however, tend to give the impression that they can’t be bothered with such nonsense. Encourage your senior cat’s playful side as best as you can with stimulating toys (homemade or storebought!) and fun objects to climb or crawl into. Make sure the activities are low-impact and don’t involve risky leaps from great heights, and keep in mind that periods of play shouldn’t be too lengthy or exhausting.

Create a Safe Living Environment

Take a look around your home from the perspective of your aging furry friend—is it easy for him to jump up onto the bed or reach his favorite spot on top of the couch? Do you make sure to keep doors tightly closed so he can’t wander outside and fall victim to larger animals and speeding vehicles? These are things you need to keep in mind when you have an older cat to care for! You may even want to place more litter boxes throughout the house for better ease of access.

Keep Up with Vet Visits

Lastly, it’s essential that you bring your senior cat in for regular check-ups at least twice per year. Here at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we take geriatric care seriously and understand the special requirements of older cats. If you think it’s time to bring your beloved pet to the cat veterinarian that people trust for excellent care, contact us and make an appointment today!

Modern Cat Celebrities

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When asked to think of famous cats, which ones do you recall first? Perhaps fictional characters such as the Cat in the Hat or Puss in Boots come to mind. We’ve compiled a list of real modern day cat celebrities that have effortlessly amassed huge followings of loving fans. Are you familiar with any of these famous felines?

1. Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey Swift

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @taylorswift

Taylor Swift’s cats, named after Detective Olivia Benson from Law & Order and Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy, might just be responsible for the singer’s staggering number of Instagram followers. Their antics and adorable expressions have caused them to quickly gain fans worldwide. These two beautiful kitties are Scottish Folds, which explains their small, downward tilted ears. Taylor Swift describes her fur babies as fun, social cats that make for good travel companions.

2. Tardar Sauce, AKA: “Grumpy Cat”

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @realgrumpycat

Grumpy Cat became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photograph of her unimpressed, disgruntled face was posted on the popular website Reddit. Since then, she has made appearances on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and American Idol, as well as in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine. Grumpy Cat’s photo is often accompanied by hilarious negative captions that appeal to the pessimist in all of us. Her owner states that the grumpy expression is a result of feline dwarfism and an underbite, and that little Tardar Sauce isn’t actually grumpy at all! She is described as a “good-tempered cat,” despite the permanent scowl.

3. Lil Bub

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @iamlilbub

Similar to Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub is an internet star whose adorably peculiar appearance rocketed her to fame. She has several genetic mutations which include extra toes and a short lower jaw that causes her tongue to hang out; she is also toothless! Lil Bub’s owner, Mike Bridavsky, frequently does meet-and-greets with his furry friend at various animal shelters, which receive donations and a portion of the merchandise sales from each event. This four-legged celebrity has been featured on the Today Show, The View, and Good Morning America. She even has her own book, titled, “Lil Bub’s Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet.”

4. Stubbs: Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @stubbsmayorcat

Stubbs the cat was voted the mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska when he was just a kitten; apparently the human candidates for the position just didn’t measure up! Stubbs is now nearly 20 years old and resides in the upper room of a general store. He has done a good job of boosting tourism to the area (not many places can boast that they have a cat in office!) and keeping the streets free of vermin. What does a cat mayor do, you might ask? Stubbs spends his days wandering freely into the restaurants and shops of the town, occasionally enjoying a sip of water from a wineglass spiked with catnip. It sounds like the perfect life for a hardworking kitty politician!

Your furry family member might not be an internet sensation or hold political office, but we think that all cats deserve star treatment! Get in touch with a trusted cat veterinarian here at our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Keep Calm and Go to the Vet

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All cats have unique personalities and habits, but those who own them know that these four-legged companions share some defining characteristics: they maintain strict feeding schedules, they are meticulous in their grooming, daytime napping is taken very seriously, and they typically despise trips to the vet (unless they go to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!). The process of corralling your kitty into his carrier, driving to the office while listening to screeching protests, and waiting in the lobby with an increasingly anxious patient is not a pleasant experience. Is there any way you can make it less unbearable for you and your cat? We have a few suggestions!

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1. Handle with care. An examination at the veterinary clinic involves a good amount of handling as the doctor checks for signs of illness or injury. It’s not a bad idea to get your cat accustomed to this kind of handling by frequently performing some brief checkups of your own at home! That way, your furry friend is not so spooked by the veterinarian’s touch; plus, you are more likely to discover health problems in your pet when you are diligent in assessing his general well-being.Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 9.21.18 AM

2. Get out of the house more often. Consider this: If you never bring your cat anywhere besides his occasional medical appointments, wouldn’t it make sense that he will begin to associate the cat-carrier and car rides with trips to the vet? Get your pet used to the idea of getting in the carrier and traveling, and make sure it’s a positive experience! Provide comfortable bedding, perhaps a favorite toy, and bring treats. Even if it’s just a short ride through the neighborhood every now and then, it still takes the stress and negative emotions out of the transportation process.

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3. Modify your own behavior. An anxious owner is often accompanied by a similarly stressed out pet. Your cat will respond more favorably to soft, reassuring words and gentle stroking than to a loud voice and jerky, fast movements. Your highly experienced cat veterinarian already knows the proper method of soothing and handling your feline friend, so follow his or her lead by speaking in quiet tones and refraining from sudden movements. A calm atmosphere will do wonders for everyone’s nerves!

As mentioned earlier, all cats are unique and have distinct personalities; not all of them will react in the same manner when it’s time for a trip to the veterinarian. Try these tips and let us know if you notice any positive behavioral changes. Once you visit our practice, you are sure to find that the knowledgeable and caring staff at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have years of experience in making anxious felines feel completely at ease! Our patients quickly learn that a checkup with Dr. McCauley or Dr. Knighton is nothing to fear.

20 Fun Feline Facts

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As we all know, cats are beautiful, captivating creatures that are a joy to own and observe. To celebrate their wonderful presence in our lives, we’ve compiled a list of 20 amazing facts about our feline companions! Did you know that…

1. Unlike humans, who have nine­-month pregnancies, a cat’s gestation period is only nine weeks long.

2. Hold the dessert—cats are incapable of tasting sweetness in anything they eat.

3. Are you and your cat on the same brainwave? Get this: cats’ brains are genetically more similar to a human’s brain than a dog’s brain.

4. A cat’s field of vision does not include anything directly below the nose.

5. The “cat flap” door was invented by Sir Isaac Newton, the English mathematician who discovered gravity. We think we would have liked Mr. Newton. feline-facts

6. Cats typically sleep up to 16 hours per day. That’s a lot of shut-­eye!

7. Able to leap tall countertops in a single bound…A cat can jump up to five times its own height!

8. A cat’s nose is as unique as a human fingerprint. So would the police would “noseprint” a cat that got arrested?

9. The Maine Coon is the official state cat of—you guessed it—Maine.

10. Killing a cat in ancient Egypt was punishable by death.

11. Cats don’t just close their eyes when they’re tired; it could also mean they are content.

12. Ragdoll cats are named that for a reason; when lifted up, their muscles relax and they go limp.

13. A cat has 24 more bones than a human.feline-facts

14. Talk about finicky eaters! Cats prefer their food to be at room temperature. Your kitty just might turn up his nose if the meal is too hot or too cold.

15. A cat spends roughly a third of its time awake grooming itself. Is this vanity, good hygiene, or a combination of both?

16. Though here in the U.S. they have the reputation of being bad luck, black cats are seen as good fortune in Australia and the United Kingdom.

17. Step lightly! Cats have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 toes on their hind paws.

18. An indoor cat can live 16 years or longer, while an outdoor cat’s lifespan is only 3­5 years on average.

19. The scientific name for a hairball is “bezoar,” though many of us just refer to it as “blech!”

20. Similar to human beings hugging or shaking hands, cats often greet each other by rubbing noses.

There you have it—twenty reasons for us to marvel at our unique and fascinating four­-legged friends. If you’d like to know more about your cat’s behavior or if you’re having concerns about his or her health, you can always contact your cat veterinarian here at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We’d be happy to help resolve the issue and provide the very best care for your furry family member!

Benefits of Owning a Cat

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All loving cat-owners know that having a cat around is rewarding in itself—many of us can’t imagine life without our fur babies! As Sigmund Freud once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” There are a few good reasons for having a feline in the house besides a warmed lap. Here are five ways in which cats enrich the lives of their humans:

1. They’re good for your heart! Pets in general are good for your heart, but especially cats. Cat owners find that their stress levels drop more so than even dog owners (maybe because felines don’t require as much effort as canines), and experience less anxiety in their lives. Also, we can all confirm that their antics frequently serve as a comic relief. How about the purring? Petting a cat is therapeutic and calming. Interestingly, studies have shown that those who own cats are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than those who do not have cats.

2. They provide a sense of companionship. Who says dogs are more affectionate than cats? Contrary to popular belief, many cats love to interact with their loving owners and often initiate contact. Go ahead and stroke that soft coat and hold him in your lap—both you and your cat will benefit from the time together!

3. A coping mechanism. Through any type of struggle or loss, cats help their owners get through it. One of the best parts about having a pet is the ability to speak without fear of judgment or negative response. Work through complex thoughts and feelings, have a good cry, and rest easy knowing that your feline companion is there to offer purrs and cuddles of comfort.

4. They teach responsibility and empathy. For those who have children, owning a cat shows them how to care for something besides themselves and to consider how their actions affect other individuals. A consistent feeding and litter box-cleaning schedule teaches the importance of self-discipline, sticking with a routine, and putting others’ needs before their own. A lesson in responsibility has never been so rewarding!

5. They help you get social. Owning a cat provides ample opportunity for starting conversation with new acquaintances, which lends itself to great sociability. Good news for single guys: a study has shown that women are more attracted to men who own or have owned cats, as it suggests that they are more sensitive and intelligent. Or maybe they just know that cat people are the best kind of people.

We’re pretty sure you didn’t need a list of reasons to confirm why owning a cat enhances the quality of your life, but we hope you learned something new! As your trusted cat veterinarian, we’re here to ensure that your precious pet has a long, healthy life ahead of her. Be sure to contact us with any questions or appointment requests!

Purr-fect Holiday Tips

Purr-fect Holiday Tips

If you’ve already decked the halls with boughs of holly, you may want to take them down.

During the holiday season, half of the excitement is adorning the inside and outside of the house with colorful, festive decorations: tinsel is generously swathed around mantels, delicate ceramic figurines grace coffee tables, fragile glass ornaments hang precariously from the tree—the end result is a beautiful, cozy home…and a veritable wonderland for your cat. One of the defining characteristics of a cat is her curious, playful nature. Anyone who has observed their feline companion knows how irresistibly tempting a piece of string or even a dot of light can be! Imagine the overwhelming intrigue of an indoor tree laden with ornaments and tiny flashing bulbs. To keep your furry friend safe for the season, we’ve compiled some common holiday household items to think twice about having within kitty’s reach.

Candies and Cookies Galore

‘Tis the season for cooking, baking, and candy-making. A plate of cookies or a bowl full of festively colored candies on the countertop might be tempting for you—consider how alluring it is to your cat! Equipped with a highly attuned sense of smell, the sweetly enticing aroma of chocolate and other sugary treats is nearly impossible for her to resist. Chocolate is toxic for both dogs and cats, so take extra care to keep it inaccessible to your pets.

Thinking of spiking the eggnog? Make sure you keep an eye on where you set down your cup! Alcohol is another substance that can sicken animals. It’s especially dangerous when mixed into sweet, aromatic beverages that appeal to your cat’s sensitive nose.

All Decked Out

Making garlands and hanging shimmering strands of tinsel may make the rooms of your home look lovely, but it’s asking for trouble when you have a little hunter or huntress stalking the premises. To your cat, there’s not much of a difference between a carefully strung garland and that piece of yarn you dangle in front of his eyes during playtime. Popcorn garlands are particularly at risk of getting snagged by reaching paws (An edible toy? Even better!). And of course, let’s not forget Christmas tree ornaments! Sparkling, glittery objects hanging like ripe fruit from the tips of the branches are bound to be targeted by your feline friend.

Besides the obvious outcome—your decorations get pulled down and ruined—some items pose a choking hazard or could cut your pet’s paws with broken and jagged shards. Candles can be dangerous, as well; avoid letting them burn unattended, lest they are knocked over and cause a fire.

The Gift of a Safe, Healthy Cat!

Cat owners may need to be more cautious with their seasonal decorations, but they don’t have to entirely quench their holiday spirit! Use common sense with ornament and food placement, and your home can still look bright, beautiful, and festive. Feel free to contact the cat veterinarians at our clinic if you have further questions or concerns, and we hope you all have a wonderful holiday!