Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

How to Keep Cats from Jumping on Counters

Cats and Counters – Keep off!

Whether you’re a new cat owner or a cat-owning veteran, keeping your cats from jumping on counters is a huge challenge. It’s in a cat’s nature to be up high, to play, and to treat your house as a jungle gym. However, we don’t always want our cats jumping up on our furniture, especially counters and tables where we eat or keep food. If you’re wondering how to keep cats from jumping on counters, look no further! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has a few tips and tricks to prevent your cats from having free range of counters, tables, and other places you don’t want them jumping.

Tips and Tricks on How to Keep Cats from Jumping on Counters

Your cat may think they own the place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set some boundaries on places they’re allowed to go. Here are a few ways on how to keep cats from jumping on counters:

  1. First, give your cat another outlet for their desire to climb and be up high. Cats love cat trees! If you provide a cat tree or other high-up place (such as a designated shelf), your cat may become so fond of it that they don’t bother with your counters. Make the cat tree comfortable and attractive – leave a soft bed, toys, and treats there for your cat to find.
  2. As a backup or if your cat doesn’t take to a cat tree right away, try making your counter an unattractive place for your kitty. Remove food, small objects, and anything else that may be attracting your cat’s curiosity.
  3. You can also try putting (mildly) sticky tape up on your counter. When they try to jump up, they won’t like the feeling of the tape on their paws and eventually your cat likely won’t want to jump up anymore.
  4. Another product cats don’t like the feeling or sound of is aluminum foil. If sticky tape doesn’t work, try tin foil.
  5. When your cat jumps on a place that you deem acceptable, it’s important to let your cat know they’re doing a great job so they can tell the difference between good places to jump and bad. Treats, pets, and positive tone-inflection in your voice will help your cat learn what places are good for jumping.

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and Your Kitty

If you’re still having behavioral issues with your kitty, it might help to talk to a vet. They can offer ideas or refer you to a cat trainer who can help. For more information on how to keep cats from jumping on counters, or to schedule an appointment with us, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.

Can I Cut My Cat’s Nails?

My Cat’s Nails are Getting Long – Is It Okay to Cut Them?

If you’re a first-time cat-owner, you may begin to notice pretty early-on that your cat’s nails are starting to get long. You might be wondering “is it okay to cut my cat’s nails?” The answer is yes! Not only is it okay, cutting your cat’s nails is something you should definitely do to keep your kitty happiest and to avoid them scratching both you and your furniture. Your vet is happy to trim your cat’s nails for you, but it might cost extra and typically needs to be done more often than you might bring your cat in for their checkup. Plus, clipping your kitty’s nails is an easy task that you can do at home!

How Do I Trim My Cat’s Nails?

Trimming your cat’s nails does take some practice, on both your part and your kitty’s. But we’ve put together a helpful guide to make it easier.

  1. Choose a good set of clippers. There are a few types of kitty nail clippers you can get at the store, but it’s also acceptable to use human nail clippers! Just make sure any clippers you use aren’t dull or rusty.
  2. For best results, introduce your cat to the concept of nail trimming when they’re young. The more familiar they are with the clippers and the idea of you clipping their nails, the more willing and calm they will be when it’s time to clip. You can get your cat used to the clippers using treats.
  3. You will need to use your fingers to massage the nail out of the paw. The claws are retractable, so your kitty’s nails will be hiding until you push and hold them far enough out to cut.
  4. Cutting your cat’s nails is similar to cutting your nails… you just squeeze the clippers over the long part and clip!
  5. However, it is important that you do not cut down to the quick. The quick is the pink part inside the nail. This is the sensitive area where the cat’s nerves are. Just cut the white part of the nail. Remember: it’s better to be safe and cut less if you’re afraid of cutting the quick.

Need More Help? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cutting your cat’s nails is a grooming activity you can do at home, but when in doubt, call the vet. At The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are more than happy to guide you on the best way to cut your cat’s nails. For more information on the proper way to cut your cat’s nails or to schedule a vet appointment with us, call at 856-662-2662.

Why Does My Cat Keep Scratching Everything?

cat scratching

Why Your Cat is Scratching Your Furniture

All cat owners have been there: you just bought your cat the newest, coolest, and most scratchable cat tree there is to offer. And yet, your cat continues to sink her claws into the couch. You’ve given your kitty every kind of toy and scratching tool to make this stop, yet you’re still wondering “why does my cat keep scratching everything”? It’s an age-old problem. So why do cats keep scratching everything? There are a few reasons your cat keeps scratching:

  • The most obvious reason your cat keeps scratching is because they’re trying to remove the outer layer of their claws. Maybe they’re too sharp and the outer layer is likely dead.
  • Your cat is expending energy. Your cat doesn’t necessarily know the difference between toy and furniture. It’s all a jungle gym to your cat, a place to play and hunt. And boy does your office chair sure look like a fun tree to climb.
  • Marking their territory. Cats can often scratch something to mark their territory. Their scratches don’t just leave a visible mark; they also leave a scent behind.

How To Stop Your Cats from Scratching Everything

So now you have the answer to “why does my cat keep scratching everything.” Next: how do you stop it? It is possible to train your cat to scratch things she’s supposed to scratch.

  • Cats will often choose things to scratch dependent on placement. If possible, try not to hide the scratching posts and cat trees in the corner of the room. Your cat might be choosing your couch because it’s the center of attention. Cats are also likely to choose objects right in an entrance to a room, especially if they’re marking their territory. That’s why your cat often scratches the doorjamb, even when the door is open.
  • To begin, try detering your cat from scratching things you don’t want her to scratch by putting gentle sticky tape or sandpaper on them. Your cat won’t like the texture. You can also put an unfavorable odor on the objects with cotton balls. You can buy these at most pet stores.
  • To help your cat get used to scratching something acceptable, put it at the same height they usually scratch and place it near an object they tend to scratch. So if your cat is scratching the back of the couch, put your scratching posts near the back of the couch and ensure it’s at a about the same height your cat typically scratches. Once your cat is used to the new scratching post or tree, you can start to move it away little by little, but it’s often best to keep it in a close spot. You don’t want your cat to return to old habits.

Cat Still Scratching?

If your cat continues to scratch, there might be a deeper health or behavior issue with your kitty. It’s best to talk to your vet. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat keeps scratching. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to schedule an appointment or to speak with a vet on why your cat might continue to scratch.

Why Does My Cat Keep Throwing Up?

My Cat Keeps Throwing Up – Is This Normal?

If you’re a cat owner, you know all too well that cat vomit can be an unfortunately common part of loving your furry baby. You know the signs – the groans, the choking noises, and then… the vomit. You’re running off for the carpet spray and your cat is walking away, content like nothing even happened. However, what does it mean when your cat keeps throwing up? Is it normal? How much is too much and why does it keep happening? There are many reasons your cat keeps throwing up and, thankfully, most of them aren’t serious.

Reasons Your Cat Keeps Throwing Up

Most common house cats throw up one to three times per month. Here are a few reasons why your cat might keep throwing up:

  • Hairballs. The most common reason your cat keeps throwing up is from grooming. Cats are meticulous groomers. Unfortunately, their stomachs aren’t fond of digesting all that cat hair. If your cat’s vomit is clumpy and hairy, don’t fret. Hairballs may be gross, but they aren’t reason for concern.
  • Eating too quickly. Like humans, if cats eat too much too quickly, they may become sick. Especially in multi-cat homes where they feel territorial over their food, cats often will eat too quickly. If your cat throws up after eating, but appears fine the next minute, this is probably the reason. Try giving your cat smaller portions of food spread throughout the day or separating your cats’ food bowls if you have multiples cats.
  • Your cat ate something cats should not be eating. Cats are curious creatures and will try to eat things they shouldn’t. Toilet paper, human food, toys, grass… the list is endless. If your cat is a curious eater, it’s a good idea to cat-proof inedibles as much as possible.
  • Allergies. If your cat appears to be throwing up after eating, another possibility is they’re allergic to something in their food. This is not at all uncommon. They may also be having trouble adjusting to the food, if it’s new. When trying out a new food, ease them into it by weaning them off the old and onto the new by mixing the two foods together at first.

When Is It Time to See the Vet?

The above reasons are all common occurrences in household cats. If your cat throws up and appears unbothered shortly after, monitor the situation, but don’t be alarmed. If it happens multiple times per week, a call to the vet might be in order. However, if your cat vomits multiple times over multiple days, becomes distant and isn’t eating, or you notice blood in your cat’s vomit, call the vet immediately. These are signs of more serious sickness or that your cat might have eaten something dangerous or poisonous. If you’re not sure and are worried about why your cat keeps throwing up, call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. We are always happy to help and want your cat to be healthy. In the meantime, give your kitty lots of love and invest in some good carpet cleaner!

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up at Night

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Why Does My Cat Keep Waking Me Up?

We’ve all been there. You’ve finally gotten to sleep and are in the middle of a great dream, when all of a sudden, a loud meow wakes you up. Or a cat sitting on your head. Or scratching at the door. Whichever method your cat uses to wake you up at 3AM, you’re probably pretty fed up. If you’re wondering “why does my cat keep waking me up,” there are a few possibilities. The first is the age-old explanation: cats are nocturnal creatures and in their natural state, they hunt at night. However, domesticated cats typically cater their schedules to their humans’. Usually if cats wake you up at night, it’s because they want or need something.

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up

Whether your cat wants food, attention, or playtime, it’s important to recognize what your cat needs so you can fix it and finally get back to sleep! Here are a few things to try to get your kitty on the same schedule as you or at least let you sleep.

  • Your cat may be hungry – if your kitty is meowing at you in the middle of the night, they could be hungry. Depending on your cat’s feeding schedule, consider an automatic feeder. This is particularly helpful if your cat can pace themselves throughout the day. If your cat is an overeater or eats all their food at once, try giving them a little treat just before you go to bed. This should hold them over until morning.
  • Your cat has too much energy – if your cat is restlessly walking on you or scratching at your door, there’s a good chance they want to play. Playing with your cat an hour before bed can help calm them through the night. Doing this every night will create a habit in your cat and an expectation that after playtime is over, it’s time to sleep.
  • “Give me attention!” – If your cat lays on your head at night, it’s possible they just want attention. Especially for owners that are away from home all day, your cat misses you and needs attention just like a person might. Spend some scheduled and habitual quality cuddle time (or playtime) with your kitty to prevent them from waking you up.
  • If you’re a restless or light sleeper, it may be best to not let your cat sleep with you. Create a space for your cat outside of your room where they can eat, play, and use the litter box. Your cat will recognize that whatever it needs is not in your bedroom.

Still Being Woken Up by Your Cat?

If you’ve tried all this and are still being woken by your cat in the middle of the night, it may be time to consult a vet or a trainer. For more information on how to get your cat to stop waking you up in the middle of the night, or to schedule a vet appointment, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. Or you can check out our blog for more helpful cat tips!

Working from Home with Your Cat

Working from Home isn’t Working – My Cat is Distracting Me!

In wake of recent events, many people have found themselves working from home. To some, this is relief and a perk. To cat owners, however, working from home can be a challenge. Although cats are often stereotyped as self-serving and independent pets, we as cat owners know they can be just as needy as any dog or child. Meowing during conference calls, plopping down on your keyboard and work materials, and knocking over your water – they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you know they are your number one priority. It’s enough to distract anybody from their work, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The cat experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a few solutions to help you work from home as efficiently as you do in the office, even with your kitty by your side.

We Can Work This Out – Tips for Working from Home with Your Kitty

When you work from home, your attention isn’t always on your kitty. When your cat begins to cause a ruckus, it just means they want to feel included. Here are some tips to distract, placate, and include your cat during your work-from-home routine:

  • Give your cat her own space. First things first: to ensure your cat doesn’t walk all over your keyboard or lay on your freshly inked notes, it’s important to give your cat her own space. This may be setting her bed next to yours or laying out “decoy” work materials for your cat to lay on. An old keyboard you no longer use or an irrelevant notebook placed next to you act as great spots to distract your cat.
  • If your cat isn’t buying it, create her own space in your vicinity, but out of reach. Sometimes our kitties want to be close to us, but the only option is in our lap. Make sure you are out of petting range to take away the temptation of crawling over your stuff.
  • Your cat needs to play! When you get home from work, you probably typically give your cat attention. When you’re working from home, your cat doesn’t know the difference. Play with your kitty on your lunch break, and better yet, set up playtime options that don’t involve you. Puzzle toys are great for keeping your kitty entertained without your help.

Get to Work!

Having your beloved kitty near you while you work should be a comfort, not a headache. If you have more questions about how to keep your cat occupied while you work from home or would like to schedule an appointment for your kitty, contact the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at (856)- 662-2662. Happy working!

My Cat Wants to Go Outside – Should I Let It?

The weather is starting to warm up and the sun is shining. Your cat stares out the window all day and when you come home for the evening, tries to slip outside. Sometimes you can’t help wondering if maybe you should just let it out to explore. Unfortunately, it’s best you keep the door closed on your furry friend.

Why Shouldn’t I Let My Cat Go Outside?

The debate on indoor vs outdoor cats has long reigned. Overall, the predominant conclusion about letting your cat visit the great outdoors is a strong negative. Here are a few reasons why:

  • The most obvious reason is your cat might wander off. Our biggest fear about letting our cats outside is that they may go too far and we’ll lose them, or worse, they get hit by a car. Keep your cat close and safe by keeping them inside.
  • The second most-concerning reason to keep your cat inside is that they’re prone to pick up disease when outside. Just a few of the diseases they might bring back include Feline AIDS (FIV), Feline Leukemia (FeLV), and respiratory infections.
  • Don’t forget bugs. Cats can bring back fleas, ticks, and ringworm just like dogs can.
  • Predators. Your cat is a natural born hunter. They might hunt birds, bugs, mice, small frogs, and more. This has a large impact on local wildlife habitats. While your cat is hunting, your cat may also be hunted. Coyotes, hawks, and other medium-to-large predators are always on the lookout for cats and small dogs.

Lower Life Expectancy for Outdoor Cats

Danger from cars, disease, parasites, and predators are just a few factors that contribute to shorter life expectancies for outdoor cats. If you choose to let your cat outside, it’s best to do so minimally and to keep them on a harness and leash. They also will need to visit the vet regularly. Schedule regular appointments with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make sure your cat is still as healthy as possible after it has spent some time outside. Still not sure whether to let your cat outside? Call 856-662-2662 to talk to Dr. McCauley to learn more.

Why Cats Make the Perfect Pets

The never-ending argument of cats versus dogs is a tale as old as time. While we don’t think we’ll ever settle the debate between “cat people” and “dog people,” we can give you a few great reasons why cats make the perfect pets!

why cats make the perfect pets

Cats Make Great Companions

Whether you need someone to talk to when you’re home alone or you want a welcoming hello when you walk through the door, cats make awesome companions. They may not be as overtly affectionate as dogs, but cats are always happy to hang out in the room with you, meow for attention, and still express love in their own special way.  

They Provide Routine and Responsibility

Whether you have small children who need to learn about responsibility or you simply want more structure in your life, the consistent schedule of feeding your cat and cleaning its litter can help provide the responsibility and structure that many kids (and adults!) need.  Cats are a great middle ground when it comes to responsibility. They need a bit more attention than something small like a goldfish, but they aren’t quite as demanding or time consuming as a dog.

Stressed? Pet your cat!

Cats are known to have a calming effect – even more than dogs! Whether it’s their silly obsession with chasing a laser pointer or the soft purr of a relaxed kitty, there’s something about cats that zaps all your stress away.

Cats are a Great Icebreaker!

Who doesn’t love looking at cute pet pictures? Cats can often be found doing the cutest (and silliest) things, which can be great to break the ice when meeting new people. Plus, what can be better than bonding with a fellow cat-lover!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the dozens of reasons that owning a cat is a great idea! What are your favorite things about having a cat? Leave a comment and let us know! Are you ready to get a cat of your own? Contact us with any questions or concerns.

How to Spot Holiday Stress in your Pets

It’s no secret that the holidays are a stressful time. Visiting family, cooking up a storm, and making sure to get the perfect present for everyone on your list is enough to make even the most organized person start to feel the pressure. But how does the holiday season impact your furry friends? And, more importantly, what can you do to help with holiday pet stress during this busy time?

holiday pet stress

Signs Your Cat is Anxious

Changes in Behavior

Some cats LOVE to be around their person, others prefer to be by themselves, but any drastic changes in your cat’s behavior, such as extreme isolation or uncharacteristic clinginess, could indicate that their stress levels are a bit high.

They Have a LOT to Say

If you have a chatty cat, it may be difficult to determine if your cat is more vocal than usual, but changes in the quantity, volume, or tone of your cat’s meow may be due to increased anxiety. They’re stressed and they want you to know it!

“Accidents” Happen

If your cat suddenly “forgets” how to use the litterbox, it’s time to take a hard look at what could be causing your pet so much stress. They can’t tell you what’s wrong, so they have to behave in a way that shows you how they are feeling. It may be smelly and annoying to have to clean up after your pet when they miss the litterbox, but it’s important to understand how they are feeling so you can do your best to improve the situation sooner rather than later. 

Increased Irritability

If your cat starts acting out, biting, and scratching – even when unprovoked – it’s time to take a trip to the vet to figure out what’s wrong. Small behavioral changes could indicate environmental stress but if your cat adopts a whole new personality, it could be a sign that something much more serious is going on. 

How to Help Reduce Holiday Pet Stress

Keep your Kitty Busy

Just like overstimulation can lead to anxiety, understimulation can lead to boredom and acting out. Making sure your cat has plenty of ways to keep busy like cat trees, interactive toys, and of course quality time to play with you, is key to keeping them stimulated and reduce anxiety. 

Quiet Down

Cats have sensitive ears, making the hustle and bustle of the holiday season especially loud and stressful for them. Keeping devices at a moderate volume and giving your cat an area to go to escape the noise are two simple ways to reduce overwhelm and help your cat calm down. 

Talk to a Professional

If your cat is still showing serious signs of stress despite your intervention, there may be something else going on. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for additional advice, tips, or insight into your cat’s behavior. Remember, your pets are your family too and it’s important to take care of them during the holiday season. 

When it comes to pet stress, know you can always come to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for advice and insight into your cat’s behavior. Whether it’s a recent change in attitude or an ongoing behavioral issue, we’ll do whatever we can to assess the situation and help you come up with a solution that works for your pet and your family. Contact the office today to schedule an appointment!

Keeping Your Cat Safe this Holiday Season

Your cat is just as important to you as the rest of your family, so it’s obvious you want them to enjoy the holiday festivities with you. However, it’s important to remember that cats need a little bit more supervision than your actual relatives. When keeping certain holiday traditions alive this year, keep these tips in mind to ensure you keep your feline friends alive too!

Candles & Fireplaces

Nothing says “Holidays” quite like seasonal candles and a crackling fire – and your cats agree! Unfortunately, they can’t always control their love for a warm fire and risk getting too close for their own safety. Singed whiskers, knocked over candles, and other curious cat adventures can lead to injury and even a loose fire in your home! Always keep candles where your cat cannot reach them and keep a shield/guard in between any open fire and your cat. 

Human Food

Dogs may have the reputation of begging but cats are no strangers to asking for human food. While it’s tempting to give your cats a little extra food during the holidays, be sure you are being conservative and not giving your cat toxic foods like onion, chocolate, and avocado. While your cat may be smart enough to avoid these foods on their own, they may be tempted to try foods with these ingredients and get sick later on. Slivers of lean meat and certain vegetables are safe snacks, but be sure to avoid fatty foods, dairy products, and sugary treats. 

Holiday Chaos

Your cat may be ok with the occasional visitor during the normal weeks, but nothing quite compares to the chaos of houseguests, holiday parties, and general noise of the holiday season. If your cat is showing signs of stress, closing them in a safe, comfortable room where they can hide from the chaos and noise is the best way to calm them down and reduce their stress. 

Traveling

If you’ll be away for the holidays, you may be tempted to bring your cat with you, but the stress (for both of you!) is usually not worth it. While boarding facilities are an option while you are away, cats typically prefer to stay in their own environment. Your best bet is to find a pet sitter (even better if it’s someone your cat knows) who can come to the house 1-2x a day to put out fresh food, scoop the litter, and give your cat the love that they deserve. 

Whether you’re headed home for the holidays or hosting the fam at your place, it’s important to remember your furry friends. If you need help getting your pet ready for travel, finding a boarding facility, or just general wellness, be sure to visit the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We’re more than happy to help with all of your cat questions!