nathant, Author at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

How to Help Cats During the Holidays

12.23.24

The holiday season is here, which means you’re probably gearing up for all the cheery festivities! Whether you’re hosting guests or traveling away from home, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time for anyone — especially people with pets. For cat owners, the holidays can be a little tricky, especially if your cat doesn’t particularly like social gatherings and you plan on hosting a family get together. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together some tips for how to help cats during the holidays to get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Helping Cats During the Holidays

Between food, guests, weather, and all the decorations, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that your kitty might encounter this holiday season. Here are a few tips for cat owners to help your cat get through the holidays with minimum stress:

Work with your cat’s social anxiety — If your cat isn’t a people-person or is pretty skittish, having a lot of guests over might stress them out. To help put your cat at ease, ensure they have their own quiet space away from people where they can hide and stay out of the way. Closing off the upstairs level of your home or even shutting them in your bedroom are great ways to give your cat their own temporary space to feel safe until the party is over.
Research what food is okay for cats — Your kitty might sniff out the food you’re preparing for the celebration, but be careful what they actually eat! Turkey skin, bones, and gravy might make your cat sick. If they’re curious, feed them a small bite of plain turkey meat and see how they react. If they’re okay in a few hours, another bite or two is probably okay, but make sure it’s bone-free.
Keep your cats away from toxic plants — Many holiday plants look great in your home, but they’re unfortunately toxic to kitties! Do your research on plants that are toxic to cats; to start with, cats should avoid interacting with poinsettias, lilies, and evergreen trees.
Be mindful of weather — Most cats don’t like the wet or the cold, but for the curious cat who does, snow isn’t a great idea. Your cat will be okay to poke around in the snow for a minute or two, but anything more than that and they could get sick. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your cat. Plus, if your cat’s fur gets too wet, it might not hold the heat as it’s supposed to. You don’t want your kitty to get hypothermia!

If Your Cat Seems Sick, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Even if you follow these tips on how to help cats during the holidays, remember that mistakes happen! We try our best to protect our kitties from the hazards that accompany the holidays, but we can’t always predict everything that might go wrong. If your cat eats something they shouldn’t or looks sick from the cold, contact your closest emergency vet immediately. For everything else, give the kitty experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call! Schedule an appointment with us today at 856-662-2662.

Tips on How to Give a Cat Medication

11.13.24

If you have a cat, then you’re well-aware that cats are prone to doing what they want when they want, which means it can be difficult to hold them still or groom them. Unfortunately, this includes when we need to give them their medicine. Cats can be picky eaters who also won’t sit still, but what do you do when a cat needs to take a pill? Afterall, it’s for their own good! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few tips on how to give a cat medication so that your cat can be healthy and happy, and you can escape the experience unscathed.

4 Tips and Tricks For Giving a Cat Medication!

We know administering medication to your cat can feel like a daunting task for both you and your kitty, but fear not! It’s definitely possible, and can even be easy with these tips, tricks, and tools.

Similar to dogs, some kitties will take medication easily if you hide it in their food. Especially that wet food they love so much. If you’re giving them a solid pill, you can even cut it into smaller pieces so it’s easier to consume. For cats that always finish their meal, this is a great option to try.
If your cat is usually calm and doesn’t mind being held, you can also try to directly place the pill in their mouth. Gently hold their mouth closed and tilt the head back so they will swallow the pill. If you are administering medicine through a syringe, this will also be the method you’ll want to use.
When holding your cat, it’s best to make sure they are comfortable, either in your lap or on a surface. For some cats, it may be beneficial or necessary to wrap them in a blanket with just their head sticking out while you give them their meds. This will neutralize those sharp claws to keep you safe from scratches!
Lastly, you can also try a helpful tool called a pill plunger! They sell them at most pet stores, as well as online. It’s a neat little device that allows you to directly put the pill into your cat’s mouth without endangering your fingers on those sharp teeth.

Still Need Help? Speak with the Vet!

At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we specialize in feline health, but giving cats their medication can be difficult even for our vets. Every cat is unique, so the same methods won’t always work for every cat! If you’re still struggling to give your cat the medication they need, give us a call at 856-662-2662. We are happy to walk you through the process, or give a demonstration at your cat’s appointment. Your cat’s health is our priority, and we want you to feel comfortable administering their at-home medication. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office! For more information about cat health, visit our blog!

Are Black Cats Bad Luck? Superstition Debunked

11.13.24

If you’re getting into superstitions this spooky season, you may be wondering, are black cats bad luck or is it just a myth? Of course, you probably know the answer! This is just an old superstition meant to scare! Black cats are no more lucky or unlucky than any other kitties. So how did this superstition surrounding black cats come about? Where did it start? And what does it mean for our feline friends? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can answer your questions on why black cats are considered bad omens.

Why Are Black Cats Considered Bad Omens?

The superstition around black cats didn’t just pop up out of nowhere! There are a few sources for why we consider black cats to be bad luck:

It’s popularly believed that the superstition about black cats first came to light in the Middle Ages. An old European folk tale tells the story of a man and his son who saw a limping black cat and decided to throw rocks at it. The cat ran for cover inside the home of a woman believed to be a witch, and when she appeared limping the next day similar to the injured black cat, the common people thought the witch must be the cat in disguise. Spooky!
In America, this superstition can be traced to a dark point in US history: the Salem witch trials. Black cats who belonged to women accused of witchcraft were seen as devilish and evil. Witches could even transform into black cats to slink in the shadows and cast evil spells on people while disguised.
Just like bats, black cats have long been associated with everyone’s favorite spooky villains: vampires!
To drive the superstition home, many other black animals were also seen as harbingers of doom. Ravens and crows have a reputation for being unlucky and malicious, probably due to their high intelligence and recognition of human faces, and this later transferred to black cats as well.

Bad Luck for Black Cats – Adopt a Black Cat Today!

While these superstitions might make for some spooky holiday fun for us, it’s not always good for black cats. This reputation as unlucky has unfortunately made black cats the least likely to be adopted among all cats. This Halloween, you might consider changing the luck for a black cat by adopting it into your forever home. Ask the professionals at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for more information on upcoming adoption events and how you might adopt a black kitty this Halloween. Call us at 856-662-2662 or visit our website!

Minimizing Cat Separation Anxiety

11.13.24

Summer is wrapping up and whether you’re starting to go back to school or the office, or you have a busier schedule coming up, you may be worrying about how your kitty will react when you’re not home with them as much. Leaving your cat alone can be a stressful experience and minimizing cat separation anxiety will make all the difference to your cat’s mental health! Experiencing separation anxiety is obviously not pleasant for your cat, but if your cat is making themself physically sick from separation anxiety, it’s time to call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to talk about some serious solutions. However, if your cat just needs some extra love and soothing, then a few simple steps can be taken to minimize the stress and keep your cat happy!

5 Tips For Minimizing Cat Separation Anxiety

Despite cats having a reputation for being independent pets, cat owners know that most cats can be clingy, too. If your clingy kitty has separation anxiety when you’re not around, try these tips to reduce their stress:

Make sure your cat has a view of the outside! Looking outside will prevent boredom, provide easy stimulation for your cat, and provide the sense they’re not all by themselves
Keep some sound on in the background while you’re gone. Low radio or TV will make your cat feel less alone.
Leave toys out that your kitty can play with on their own. Puzzle toys are great for independent play and can entertain your cat while you’re out
Catnip toys are a great tool for both entertaining your kitty and keeping them mellow. Or just give them a few catnip treats before you leave the house.
Have a professional kitty-sitter check in on your cat. Especially if you’re going away overnight, having someone check in on your cat daily will ensure your cat is safe, happy, and healthy.

Cat Still Anxious? Call Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If these tips don’t work or your cat’s anxiety is making them sick, more serious solutions or medication may be an option. The experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are here to help! For more information on cat separation anxiety or to schedule an appointment at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, give us a call at 856-662-2662.

Taking Care of Older Cats

11.13.24

As a cat owner, we know one reason a cat makes a great pet is their relatively long life spans! When we adopt a kitty, they might be part of our family for fifteen or even twenty years. However, as your kitty ages, you may notice some behavioral changes. Just like some humans, older cats might sleep more, play less, get needier or more distant than before, or change their eating habits. This is completely natural! When it comes to taking care of older cats, it’s important to keep track of all their behavioral changes and keep an open line of communication with the vet to ensure your kitty is as healthy as possible.

How to Take Care of Older Cats

A cat is typically considered a senior cat once they reach 10 or 11 years old, and at 15 years old, they are geriatric. Taking care of aging cats isn’t always easy as their needs change. Here are a few tips on how to make life a little easier for your senior or geriatric cat:

Provide easy access to necessities. This means food, water, and their litter box. If your home is multi-level, you may consider putting access to these on every floor to make your cat’s life easier. Older cats may have arthritis or other health problems that make moving up and down floors very often too difficult.
Provide them with a night light! While many younger kitties love low light, some older kitties begin to lose their eyesight a bit and have a hard time seeing in the dark. Keep a nightlight in areas they access frequently after the sun goes down.
Keep their living space at a good temperature. Cats love to lounge in a warm spot. If they don’t have access to natural sunspots in their living space, consider other methods of warming their favorite spots, like a small space heater.
Help your cat out when they’re struggling. We all need a little help sometimes, even cats. Give them a boost to their favorite windowsill or carry them downstairs if they’re having a hard time. Your care and attention is great for their mental health.
Schedule regular vet appointments. As with humans, maintaining good health as cats get older can be more difficult than when they were young. Preventative care or treating issues as quickly as possible will help your cat stay happy and healthy as they age.

Let the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Treat Your Older Cat

At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are cat experts who know the ins and outs of taking care of older cats. We treat many medical issues in geriatric cats like arthritis, diabetes, chronic illness, and more. Aging doesn’t have to be painful for your feline friend. Give them the support and love they need by giving us a call at 856-662-2662.

Exercising a Cat – Tips to Keep Your Cat in Shape!

11.13.24

We could all use a little more exercise in our lives, and your cat is no exception! You may be wondering if exercising a cat is even possible! Cats do love to play but can often get bored quickly and flop right down after two minutes of playtime! Here’s a few tips on how to exercise your furry friend from the experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill.

4 Tips for Exercising a Cat

Playtime is exercise time, but what do you do when your cat gets bored quickly or just isn’t interested? Here are a few tips on how to exercise a cat:

Change up the environment – Cats love varied enrichment! Your cat might just be bored playing in the same area every day. Adding fresh, new obstacles and toys every once in a while can really liven things up. Switching out your old cat tree for a new scratching post or cat-tunnel may be just the boost your cat needs to feel interested again.
Try short sessions a few times per day – Your cat may have a short attention span (don’t we all?), so 10-15 minutes of playtime is all your cat may be interested in. That’s okay! Try playing a few times per day if you have a few minutes here and there. Repeated playtime isn’t just great for your cat’s physical health, but for their mental health, too!
Remember: Toys = Prey – Your cat is a natural predator! They will want to bite, chew, scratch, and chase. If you want your cat to exercise, encouraging this behavior is a great idea! Be prepared for them to chew up or destroy their toys just as you might expect with a dog. It’s natural and not only will it help them stay active, but you’ll notice they’re happier as well!
Try puzzle toys – Feathers and laser pointers are great, but a bored cat (or a lazy one) might just feel they’ve outsmarted that toy already. Puzzle toys will keep a mindful cat’s interest for longer.

Concerned for Your Cat’s Health? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If you’re having trouble getting your cat to exercise, or you’re concerned about their health, eating habits, or weight, it’s time to talk to the vet! Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for more information on how to exercise a cat, our medical services, or to schedule an appointment at 856-662-2662.

Finding the Right Veterinarian for Your Cat

06.26.24

Finding a doctor for ourselves can feel difficult; after all, we want the top-level care we deserve! When it comes to your best furry friend, you should treat the search process just the same. So, how can you tell when you’ve found a reputable place to entrust with your cat’s care? At The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we can tell you a few ways to recognize when you’ve found the right veterinarian for your cat.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Veterinarian For Your Cat

A knowledgeable doctor who provides excellent treatment: The main thing you want in a cat veterinarian is skill and genuine care for your animal. Dr. John McCauley has been a feline specialist for over two decades and remains just as passionate about keeping kitties healthy and happy as he was at the start.
Friendly and responsive staff: The people at the front desk are the face of any office. If your interactions with staff are consistently unpleasant, there’s a good chance you won’t want to return — regardless of how great everything else is! You’ll find that everyone employed at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is friendly, compassionate, and genuine. We do not respond with rudeness or impatience when our clients have questions, and we are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your experience here is as positive and low-stress as possible.
Rave reviews: Whether you’re on the lookout for a spectacular restaurant, a reputable hair salon, or a trustworthy veterinarian, it’s very likely that you are scanning through people’s reviews of the place before you decide to venture over. This is a good practice! When a location is receiving 4 or 5 stars across the board, you’ll surely feel a lot better about giving them your business. You can check out our many positive testimonials here!

Your #1 Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

You don’t have to wonder if you’re bringing your cat to a quality veterinary office when you come to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill; it’s evident from the moment you walk through our doors that we truly care about each and every furry patient. Our biggest concern is making sure your feline family member stays healthy and strong!

If you’re seeking the most exceptional local veterinarian for your cat, the highly experienced professionals at our office can be trusted to provide the very best care, every time. Contact us today by calling (856) 662-2662, or come pay us a visit; we are located at 35 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We look forward to meeting you!

Do Cats Need Yearly Vet Visits?

04.26.24

If you’re a first-time cat owner or thinking about adopting, you may be wondering, ‘do cats need yearly vet visits?’ Many new cat-owners are under the impression that cats don’t need as much attention as dogs, including from the vet. However, just like all pets, and humans for that matter, seeing the doctor is essential sometimes, even when not visibly sick. Vets need to see your cat for regular checkups to check your kitty’s heart health, weight, dental health, make sure they have all their vaccines, and a variety of other services! All that being said, do cats need yearly vet visits? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has all the answers you need!

Every Cat’s Medical Needs Are Different

Truthfully, there’s not a playbook as to how often you should take your cat to the vet, but age and situation have a lot to do with it:

Newborn to young kitty – For about the first two years of your cat’s life, your cat is growing and changing rapidly. This age is also when your cat should receive most of their preliminary vaccines and shots. Discuss with your vet at your first vet appointment how to make a solid health plan for your kitty. They might recommend several times a year for the first couple years, depending on a variety of factors.
Adult cat – Your cat will reach adulthood usually after a year, but might keep growing for some time after that! While your cat is still growing and changing, twice a year is usually the standard. Once your cat has stopped growing so much, once a year is usually sufficient to keep up with checkups and shots.
Elderly cats – Once your cat gets up in age, their health plan will need to change again. Cats ages 7-10 will need to start seeing the vet two to three times per year again to ensure they’re staying healthy. If they are older than ten, your vet might even recommend more regular visits.
Situational health issues – If your cat throws up pretty often or your vet has diagnosed health issues at a prior visit, you may want to consult with your vet on if they might recommend a more frequent plan. Additionally, if you notice changes in your cat’s health or eating, sleeping, and social habits, schedule an appointment with your vet ASAP.

Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Today

We hope this has answered your questions regarding do cats need yearly vet visits! It’s important to remember all cats are different and require different health needs. You can schedule a vet appointment with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make a health plan for your kitty. For more information, or to schedule your appointment, call us at 856-662-2662. We’re here for you!

Can I Live with Cats If I’m Allergic?

03.20.24

If you’ve always wanted a cat but are allergic, you may be asking yourself, “can I live with cats if I’m allergic?” The answer is yes! Cat allergies can be very manageable if you know how to treat them. The symptoms are often minor, like a runny nose or watery eyes and are easily treated, especially for those who want to live with a furry friend. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together tips on how to manage cat allergies.

How to Treat Cat Allergies

Whether you have a minor or major allergy to cats, treating it is possible! If you’ve been wondering “can I live with a cat if I’m allergic,” or are even just visiting somewhere with a cat, the following tips and tricks from the cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you treat cat allergies:

First things first: If you live with a cat, keep the cat out of your personal bedroom or spaces as much as possible. Having your own cat-free space can do wonders for your allergies.
Vacuum regularly to keep spaces clear of cat hair.
For nasal symptoms, consider nasal spray or antihistamines. This is often enough to stop a stuffy nose in its tracks. This is also a great option if you plan to interact with the cat only temporarily, like a short visit to Grandma’s.
Always wash your hands after playing with or petting the kitty.

Some cat breeds are better for those with allergies than others, such as Siamese and Bengal cats. You can check out our post on that here.

Still Deciding If You Should Adopt a Cat? Call Us!

If you’re still wondering “can I live with cats if I’m allergic?”, then we can help! We know this isn’t a decision to take lightly! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is happy to give you more information and answer any questions you have about living with cats and allergies. If you’re still unsure about how to manage cat allergies or if living with a cat is the right choice for you, give us a call at 856-662-2662. We specialize in cat health and happiness.

What Plants are Toxic to Cats?

02.15.24

Spring is just on the horizon, which means you’re shifting out of winter mode and readying to embrace what the new season will bring! For many people this means hitting the nursery and getting some plants! If you’re a cat owner and want to add some greenery to your home, you may be wondering what plants are toxic to cats. The good news is there are a lot of household plants that aren’t harmful to kitties at all! However, here are a few of the most common household plants that will make your cat sick:

Lilies
Aloe
Daffodils
Hyacinths
Azalea
Cycas like Sago Palm

You Can Have Both! Tips on How to Properly Keep Plants and Cats

Although there are a variety of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs alike, if you’ve got a green thumb, don’t fret; there are many ways to keep plants in a household with your pets, even curious cats. Here are a few tips from the cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill:

Hanging plants are a great way to keep your plants out of reach of animals and even children! Just make sure they’re not by any ledges your cat could climb on to reach them, as we’ve all experienced how cats like to jump up high and explore.
Slowly introduce your cats to your plants and see how they react. You can let them sniff them, and if they’re largely uninterested, plant to your heart’s content. Continue to monitor and train your cats to avoid your greenery as you introduce them to your plants.
Planting in larger or heavier pots is typically the best planting option. That way a curious cat won’t tip them over.
Most cats dislike certain smells or odors. Spray cat repellent scents near your plants to deter your cats. Most pet stores will offer anti-cat odor sprays.
Similarly, you can put sticky tape or wire around your potted plants. Your cat won’t like stepping on the material and will avoid coming close to your plant.
Remember that cats have FOMO! They just want to do what you’re doing, too. Get your cat their own plants to play with – cat grass is like catnip and your cat will love it!
Keep up with plant maintenance – if leaves become long, your cat might mistake them for a toy.

What Plants are Toxic to Cats: Learn More with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

It’s best to always verify online what plants are toxic to cats. If your cat eats your plants, look for signs of lethargy, dehydration, throwing up, and stomach ache. If your cat is sick, call your vet and take them to the closest animal ER. For more information on what plants are toxic or nontoxic to cats, contact your friends at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! To learn more about how plants and cats can coexist, visit our website or call us at 856-662-2662. You can also check out our blog for more great tips, tricks, and info about cats!