Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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!

How to Bond with Your Cat

How to Bond with Your Cat

There’s nothing quite like the bond between you and your cat. Whether you’re trying to form a connection with your newly adopted friend or strengthen the existing relationship with your furry companion of many years, there are a few tried and true methods of doing so. As with any pet, trust is key—if your cat trusts you, you’re already on your way to a beautiful relationship.

A common misconception that many people believe is that cats are incapable of having affection for their owners; every cat is unique, however, and although some might be more reserved than others, this certainly doesn’t mean that all felines are cold and unloving! If you are trying to form a bond with a cat that you recently brought home, take time to observe your new arrival. Is he playful? Does he try to engage with you or others? Is he shy and fearful? No matter his personality, it’s important to make him feel comfortable in his new surroundings. It is helpful to provide a special space or haven for your kitty to escape to when privacy is preferred; perhaps equip an area of the house with food, toys, and bedding.

As mentioned earlier, all cats are different, but it’s probably safe to say that no cat enjoys a chaotic, loud, unstable environment. When approaching your pet, try not to make quick sudden movements or jarring noises. This kind of activity is often frightening and does not contribute to earning your cat’s trust; rather, you’re more likely to be viewed as a threat to be avoided. Offer your hand slowly and gently when trying to stroke the soft coat of your feline. Talk in a low, soothing tone. Sit on the floor and allow your cat to come to you on her own terms. If you are patient and persistent, you may be rewarded with some contented purring!

Lastly, food is always an excellent incentive. Use regular cat food or special treats to teach your cat that social interaction is a positive experience. Make sure the feeding schedule is consistent, and try to pet or talk to your cat while she eats. As she comes to understand that you are a provider of both affection and tasty treats, she is far more inclined to approach you.

When it comes down to it, your cat wants to be sure that he or she is safe and well cared for. Treating your pet with love and respect is the best way to promote a strong bond, though you may need to wait a period of time for your cat to feel comfortable enough to show it! If you suspect that your feline may have anxiety issues that go beyond the normal “new surroundings jitters,” get in touch with your local cat veterinarian. The highly experienced and skilled doctors at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are more than capable of identifying and addressing feline behavioral issues. Contact the office today!

A Fit Cat is a Happy Cat!

Fit and Healthy Cat

For some, the appearance of a fat cat is irresistibly cute—but let’s consider the health of your pet first and foremost! When that extra pudge begins to threaten his or her overall well-being, it’s time to investigate the source of the problem. It’s a simple equation, really: overfeeding + lack of exercise = obesity for many cats. Happily, there are proactive steps you can take as a cat owner to restore your pet’s fitness. Take a look at four ways you can help curb your kitty’s weight:

  1. Correct Your Cat’s Diet

This one is definitely a no-brainer, but the answers as to “how” may not be so easily ascertained. Your best bet is to take your cat to a local veterinarian (like Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!) and allow the professionals to determine your feline’s caloric requirements, which type of food best suits his or her needs, and what a suitable serving might look like for your cat’s diet. Ask about foods with normal amounts of fermentable fiber and fat to help keep your cat’s skin and coat in tip-top shape during the weight loss process.

  1. Get Your Cat in Shape

We don’t know of any cat gyms in the area, but that shouldn’t stop you from helping your companion become more active! Exercise has the power to burn calories, reduce appetite, transform body composition, and increase metabolic rate. It might seem unorthodox, but walking your cat is actually a great way to help increase both physical activity and mental stimulation. For indoor play, we suggest using interactive toys like plastic fishing poles and laser pointers.

  1. Adjust Your Own Behavior

If your cat is overweight because of overfeeding or a sedentary lifestyle, then it may be time to adjust your habits as a pet-owner. Giving your kitty too many treats or not providing enough opportunities for exercise could be the reasons behind your cat’s less-than-ideal physique.

  1. Limit or Monitor Your Cat’s Hunting

During their daily explorations, outdoor cats may be hunting and ingesting meals that you aren’t even aware of. In order to get serious about your cat’s weight, it may be necessary to keep your cat in the house for a while to avoid those unplanned dietary additions!

To formulate a comprehensive weight-loss plan for your cat, there’s no better resource than your local Cherry Hill cat veterinarian. We look forward to making your cat’s health our number-one priority! Come pay us a visit or get in touch today!

Should I Let My Cat Outside?

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Perhaps you’ve observed your furry companion gazing almost wistfully at the great outdoors from behind the window and wondered, “What’s the harm in letting the poor little guy roam outside?” Many cat owners wonder if it’s cruel or unnatural to keep their feline friends cooped up indoors every day. Some feel that it is more humane to allow their pet to wander freely outside and return home at their leisure. As ideal as it sounds, there are actually quite a few consequences to this course of action!

First, let’s consider your pet’s safety: parasites, disease, cars, and other animals all pose significant threats to an outdoor cat—not to mention cruel people who abuse or kill wandering animals for “sport.” Outside of the security of your home, your cat is exposed to a variety of dangers and nuisances such as fleas, ticks, upper respiratory infections, feline distemper, and other health issues. No one wants to think about their beloved animal in discomfort or pain, but it’s important to be aware of these hazards.

Besides the health risks posed to your cat, there is also the issue of potential damage to the local environment. Has your furry friend ever brought you a “gift” in the form of a mangled mouse or battered bird? While it’s certainly beneficial to have this kind of pest control inside of the home, it is harmful and unnecessary outside of the house. According to American Humane Association, outdoor cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, “yet birds are believed to be only 20 percent of the wildlife [they] kill.” This is especially concerning when the populations of native species begin to dwindle. Animal lovers should care about the well-being of both pets and wildlife!

So, should you let your cat wander freely, or should you bar all of the exits? Is there a middle ground? Let’s look at a few ways to keep frisky felines happy and stimulated inside of the home:

  • New toys! Satisfy your little hunter’s instincts by providing him or her with an interactive toy to chase (laser pointers, for example).

  • New friend! Have you thought about finding a compatible cat or dog to keep your current kitty company?

  • Posts, perches, and hiding places! Cats need designated surfaces on which to flex those claws, so be sure to provide them with some good scratching posts. Perches and fun, low-cost hiding places (such as cardboard boxes) are purr-fect for nice views and peaceful havens.

If you still feel that your companion deserves a little fresh air and time in nature, there is always the option of using a leash! Adult supervision, as well as the proper vaccinations from a cat veterinarian, will allow your feline to enjoy the great outdoors without the negative side effects. If your cat needs to be vaccinated, or if you have any questions regarding your furry friend, get in touch with the professionals at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! Call (856) 662-2662 today.

How Can I Make My Cat And Dog Get Along?

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Photo Credit: nguyen hoangnam

Ah, the battle of the most beloved house pets. We hear about their incompatible relationship all the time! Despite the hostility associated with this pair, we insist on throwing them together. According to recent studies at American Veterinary Medical Association, 44% of American pet owners have multiple-pet households, and the most common combinations include dogs and cats. Believe it or not, there are many healthy and friendly cat-dog relationships — some are even loving! Unfortunately, though, some cats and dogs can get defensive and aggressive with one another. So as a dog and cat lover, you may be wondering: how can I make my cat and dog get along?

Fighting Like Cats And Dogs

You can’t always predict how your pets will react to one another. The first few weeks is a crucial time, as the dog and cat are learning how to communicate with one another. A common problem between the two animals is dogs chasing cats. It may be playful on the dog’s part, but a fearful cat isn’t going to laugh it off. If it’s a fierce chase or biting is involved, that’s going to make matters worse. If neither of your pets are very aggressive, you’re going to have a better chance at getting them to tolerate each other. Either way, minimizing the aggression as much as possible is extremely important, for your animals’ safety and your own peace of mind.

What Can I Do?

You set the rules. As a pet owner, you must teach your dog self-control. Do not allow the dog to chase the cat. It might be hard to differentiate between play mode and attack mode, but if your cat is sensing danger, you’ll know. Make sure your cat has enough safety areas to climb and perch to escape from your dog and nap undisturbed. If possible, it would be helpful to match personalities and temperaments. An active, fun-loving dog would be better suited to an active, fun-loving cat, and so on. If your cat or dog is very timid and fearful, don’t get an overly domineering pet, or there’s bound to be chaos. Ideally, your new cat should be socialized to dogs, and vice versa.

At the end of the day, it depends on the similar or clashing dispositions of your pets. There’s nothing you can do to make them get along completely. They may never reach best friend status, but you can definitely train them to behave. Hopefully, they’ll grow to love and depend on each other, and when that happens, make sure you snap as many pictures as possible of them cuddling on the couch!

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to assist you and your feline pal with the highest-quality medical services. Contact us by calling (856) 662-2662 and set up an appointment today! Our caring doctors are eager to meet you and your pet.