Blog - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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!

Prevent Cats from Jumping on Counters

01.19.24

One of the biggest challenges any cat owner will face is the constant struggle of keeping your kitty off the counter. It’s in a cat’s nature to be up high, to play, and to treat your house as their own personal playground. 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 prevent cats from jumping on counters, look no further! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has a few tips and tricks to stop your cats from leaping up on your counters, tables, and other places you don’t want them jumping.

4 Tips on How to Prevent Cats from Jumping on Counters

So your cat thinks he’s king of the castle. We’ve been there. That doesn’t mean you can’t set a few boundaries to help make your life a little easier! Here are a few ways on how to keep cats from jumping on counters:

First, if you don’t have one, get your kitty a cat tree! Cats simply love to be up high. If you provide a cat tree or another high-up place (such as a window hammock or wall-shelf), your cat might prefer it over your counters. Make the cat tree comfortable and attractive – leave a soft bed, toys, and treats there for your cat to find. Bonus if it includes scratching posts to help your cat stop scratching your furniture, too!
Next, try making your counter an unattractive place for your kitty. Cats love to get up high and knock things over – this is just how they play! Remove food, small objects, and anything else that may be enticing to your cat.
Another solution you can try is putting mildly sticky tape up on your counter. Cats don’t like the feeling of the tape on their paws. After this happens a few times, eventually your cat probably won’t want to jump up anymore. If sticky tape doesn’t work, try tin foil. They don’t like how the aluminum texture feels.
Finally, when your cat jumps on a place that you do deem acceptable, like their cat tree, 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. Cats love positive reinforcement! Treats, pets, and positive tone-inflection in your voice will help your cat learn what places are good for jumping.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here for All Your Cat Needs

If you’re still having behavioral issues with your kitty, don’t despair! Training your kitty isn’t a lost cause! 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 prevent cats from jumping on counters, or to schedule an appointment with us, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.

Cat Veterinarian in New Jersey

12.26.23

Your cat isn’t just your pet – they’re your friend and your family! When it comes to protecting the health of your family, you want nothing but the best. This year, if you’re looking for an experienced cat veterinarian in New Jersey, then look no further than the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We are a specialized veterinarian’s office with expertise in cat healthcare!

The Best Cat Veterinarian in New Jersey

There are many great vets in New Jersey, but most of them care for a variety of animals. But not all animals are the same! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill specializes in cat healthcare. Here are 4 reasons you should choose the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to care for your furry friend:

Experienced vet: Dr. John McCauley has specialized in feline healthcare for over two decades. It was always his dream to open a specialized clinic like the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, and he continues to provide the best treatment, both medical and surgical, for every kitty that comes through the door.
Support staff: Our team is compassionate, friendly, and genuine. We understand that talking about your kitty’s health isn’t always easy. Your comfort and education about your cat’s situation and health are our top-priority. We always take care and time to make sure you and your cat are as comfortable as possible, and we are often willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you both have the best experience at our office as possible.
Feline specialization: The vets and vet techs at our office are experts in cat treatment and care. We provide both care for your cat and education for you on your cat’s health. We understand that your number one priority when entering our office is your cat’s health, which is why it’s also ours!
Continued education: If you have further questions or curiosities about cat care and health, our blog provides an educational space for you to learn more. We update monthly with new topics!

Choose the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill as Your Go-To Vet Office

When you choose the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, you’re not just choosing the best care possible for your kitty, but also peace of mind that we have your cat’s best interests at heart. Our biggest concern is making sure your feline family member stays healthy and strong, and we promise to take the time to educate you on their health and treatment plan! The highly experienced professionals at our office can be trusted to provide the very best in specialized feline care, which is why we are the go-to cat veterinarian office in NJ. Set up an appointment for your furry friend today by calling our office (856) 662-2662.

Stop Cats from Getting Cold This Winter

11.30.23

Holiday season is just about here and the weather is starting to turn brisk and chilly. If you’re a cat parent, you may be wondering how to keep your cat warm when the weather gets cold and wet. Anyone who has cats knows that a warm kitty is a happy kitty, so how do you stop cats from getting cold when their favorite sunspots have started to fade with the season? Don’t worry! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some easy suggestions to make sure your kitty stays nice and toasty this holiday season.

Prevent Your Cats from Getting Cold

Just because the weather is cold, doesn’t mean your cat has to be! Check out these tips and tricks to keep your cat warm and happy:

First things first, check your cat’s usual favorite spots for cool air or breezes. For instance, if your cat likes windowsills, it’s good to make sure the seal is nice and tight, so drafts don’t slip in.
You may consider moving their beds off the floors. Heat rises, so the higher your cat’s bed, the warmer they are. You might put them near heating vents or sunny spots.
Cats love a good rug! If you have tile or hardwood floors, try putting down a small carpet for them. Your kitty’s feet get cold on the floor just like you, but they’re probably not as fond of slippers or socks as you are, so it’s best to give them a warm place to sit or stand.
Kitties love heating pads! Pet friendly heating pads exist, so check your local pet store. Your kitty will love cuddling up with a warm heating pad.
Last but not least, be wary of candles, fires, and open flame. While these are great for keeping humans warm, kitties are curious creatures who might get just a bit too close. You don’t want sparks to fly on your cat, or for their long fur to accidentally brush against a flame. Your cat’s safety is top priority.

Need More Cat Advice? Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Can Help!

If you’ve still got questions on how to stop cats from getting cold during the winter months, give the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at 856-662-2662 or check out our blog! We’re experts on cats and can help you determine what’s safe and what isn’t. And remember the best advice of all – cuddling with your cat is always a great way to keep you both warm!

Do Cats Make Good Gifts?

10.17.23

If your family has been considering getting a cat, gift-giving holidays always spark that little bit of excitement about if a cat is a good gift to give. Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or your household is currently pet-free, this question can leave you with a lot of doubts. You’re thinking about space, money, and if your kids are ready. It’s a lot to consider. If you’re trying to decide if you should get a pet this holiday season, you’re probably wondering “do cats make good gifts?” The answer is yes! However, there are a few things to consider before making your final decision, and the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help.

Is a Cat a Good Gift For Your Family?

It can be exciting to think of getting or giving a cat as a gift, but here are the facts to consider before deciding if a cat will be a good gift for your family this holiday season:

As far as pets go, cats are a little lower maintenance than dogs. Cats do need you to play with them, feed them, and pay attention to them, however their litter box gives you a little more flexibility when it comes to leaving the house. If you’ve got a busy lifestyle, cats are a great pet.
However, cats, like dogs, need love and affection. Some cats may be a little antisocial, but the truth is, most cats enjoy cuddling and hanging out with you in some aspect. But just like dogs, it depends on the cat! All animals have their own personalities, so it’s a good idea to meet the animal before adopting.
If this gift is for your children, it’s important to remember some kids may be allergic to cats! So be sure you know what your family’s tolerance for cats is when it comes to allergies.
If you’re trying to give a sense of responsibility to your kids, then a cat is a big helper! Cleaning the litter box is a task that needs to be done pretty regularly, so your child can take ownership of helping care for your furry friend.
Just like any pet, cats do require food, toys, treats, and regular trips to the vet. Although the initial excitement of receiving a cat on a holiday can tend to overshadow finances, it’s important to know if there’s room in your budget to keep your cat happy and healthy!

Cats Do Make Great Gifts – Learn More with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

There’s a lot to consider before getting your family a pet, and cats do make great gifts, but if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s okay! It’s important not to rush into your decision. If you’d like to talk one-on-one with a vet about what it takes to adopt a cat, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We’re happy to walk you through all the responsibilities of cat-ownership, as well as what it takes to keep them happy and healthy. Just give us a call at 856-662-2662! And don’t forget! We often host or participate in adoption events for whenever you’re ready to add a new friend to your family this holiday season. You can also learn more about cat ownership by visiting our blog!

Holiday Advice for Cat Owners

09.22.23

The big holiday months are just around the corner, which means you’re probably gearing up for all the festivities! From cooking and decorating to hosting guests, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time for anyone, let alone 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 holiday advice for cat owners that will help get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Best Advice for Cat Owners at the Holidays

Between decorations, weather, guests, and food, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that your kitty might encounter this holiday season. Here is some holiday advice for cat owners to help your cat adjust:

Know 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 before buying a plant to put in your home, but to start with, cats should avoid interacting with poinsettias, lilies, and evergreen trees.
Manage your cat’s social anxiety — If your cat isn’t a people-person, having a lot of guests over may stress them out. To help your cat remain calm, 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 until the party is over.
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 your cat 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 this holiday advice for cat owners, we all make mistakes! We try our best to protect our kitties from the hazards that accompany the holidays, but sometimes mistakes happen. 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.

Cat-Friendly Fall Decorating Tips

08.25.23

With the changing of the weather comes the fall season! There are so many occasions to celebrate during autumn, which always means fun decorations. However, for those with pets, we want to make sure they’re safe and we aren’t accidentally putting them in danger. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some cat-friendly fall decorating tips that will help you keep your best friend happy and healthy during the autumnal months!

4 Tips for Cat-Friendly Fall Decorating

Fall decorations can be fun and spooky, but one scare we don’t want is our cat getting sick or hurt. Here are some tips on keeping your cat safe this autumn:

Keep candy and sweets out of reach– Everyone loves fall treats! Whether it’s candy or baked goods, autumn flavors can’t be beat. However, chocolate and candy isn’t great for your cat to eat. Keep them out of reach in a cabinet or in a bowl that you can cover with a snap-on lid so your cats don’t eat something they shouldn’t.
Be very careful about candles and open flame – Fall candle scents are unmatched, whether it’s pumpkin spice or cozy autumn leaves. However, when you’re a cat owner, you know that a lit candle is not something you can leave unattended for long. Kitties have a habit of knocking things over when exploring tables and countertops, and the last thing you want is a house fire from the pumpkin-spiced candle being pushed onto the carpet. If you do light candles, always keep them within your line of sight and blow them out when you’re walking away.
Know which flowers are toxic to cats – Chrysanthemums, though the quintessential fall flower, are actually toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, digestive problems, agitation, and breathing difficulties. Wondering which plants are safe to keep in the house? Check out our blog post about living with both cats and plants here!
Be careful with small decorations – A lot of people really get into decorating their house for Halloween and autumn, however, make sure you keep small decorations out of reach of cats. Cats are known to knock things over and even try to chomp on small knick knacks. Such things are better kept in rooms unavailable to kitties or outside to prevent your cat from choking or otherwise hurting itself.

Choose The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If these cat-friendly fall decorating tips still have left you unsure, then it’s best to consult a vet! At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we’re always happy to answer any questions you have about cat health and behavior. Plus, an easy way to prevent illnesses and ailments—whether they’re caused by decoration disasters or not—is to bring your cat to the vet annually for wellness checkups or other medical services. We encourage you to get in touch today to set up an appointment for your feline family member! We can be reached at (856) 662-2662, so give us a call!

Can House Cats Go Outside?

07.23.23

Summer is flying by, which means beautiful autumn weather is just about here! The humidity is dying down and you’re ready to brave sitting outside once again. But you’re not the only one longing for some fresh air. What about your cat? Sometimes you can’t help wondering if maybe you should just let it out to explore. Can house cats go outside? Unfortunately, it’s best you keep the door closed on your furry friend.

Why House Cats Shouldn’t Go Outside

The debate on indoor vs outdoor cats isn’t a new one. We see cats outdoors all the time! However, the predominant conclusion about letting your house cat visit the great outdoors is a pretty resounding negative. Here are a few reasons why:

The most obvious reason is your cat might wander too far. Our biggest fear about letting our cats outside is that they might go where they shouldn’t and we’ll lose them, or worse, they get hit by a car. Keep your cat 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. Even though our cats are vaxxed against some of these, there is always a risk.
Don’t forget bugs. Cats can bring back fleas, ticks, and ringworm just like dogs can. And unfortunately, kitties aren’t as happy to bathe as a dog might be.
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 that is unfortunately for the worse and can really affect your local ecosystem.
Lastly, 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. Protect your cat by keeping it inside!

Indoor Cats Live Longer Lives

Your furry friend can have a longer life with you when it stays indoors. Danger from cars, disease, parasites, and predators are just a few factors that contribute to much 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 for checkups and vaccinations. 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 and talk to us to learn more!

Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

06.25.23

If you have a kitty, then you’re probably fully aware that it doesn’t matter how many toys you’ve given your cat; they still want to scratch up your furniture. It’s okay. It’s happened to the best of us. You’ve provided your cat with the most enticing scratching post or tree you can imagine, but they don’t seem interested. If you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching furniture then you’ve come to the right place! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat is scratching and how to help them stop!

How To Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

First, you’re probably wondering why our cat wants to scratch and why they won’t use their brand new cat tree! Well, 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. You can help them out by cutting their nails. Check out our post on that here! Great, but what if your cat is still headed toward the furniture? Here’s a few tips to help them stop scratching:

First, you can usually prevent your cat from scratching things you don’t want them to scratch by putting gentle sticky tape, foil, 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.
Cats will often choose to scratch things as a way of marking their territory. 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. A little rearranging of your room’s layout might be just the thing to get your kitty to stop scratching.
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 corner of your armchair, put your scratching posts near the chair and ensure it’s at a similar height where they usually scratch. 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? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

If your cat continues to scratch, there might be a deeper behavioral or even health 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.

Help Cats Stay Cool When It’s Hot

05.23.23

If you have cats, you know they love to laze about on windowsills and in sunspots. Cats love to be warm and cozy! However, like most household pets, if they’re overheating during the summer, it can be dangerous for their health! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has compiled some important tips on how to help cats stay cool when it’s hot outside!

Tips to Help Cats Stay Cool During Summer

If you have air conditioning, keeping your cat cool shouldn’t be a problem! But for those who have limited or no AC, here are some hot tips for helping your kitty stay cool during hot summer months:

The biggest thing is to make sure your cat has fresh water so they can stay hydrated. If your cat is panting, that’s typically not a great sign! Give them some cool water and call a vet if you think your cat is overheating
Try a cooling mat – most pet stores have a wide variety of options when it comes to cooling mats, and cats love laying on them. However, if you’re on a budget, putting ice packs or even frozen packs of vegetables in your cat’s sleep-spot can make a huge difference! Just make sure to wrap them in a towel before you place them in your cat’s bed or favorite cuddling spot.
Try ice treats! Recipes for kitty-friendly ice treats like this one are a healthy and cool snack your cat will love!
Playtime – Yes, your cat can be cool even when running around! Ice cubes are a great toy that your cat can chase across the floor to keep cool, or you can put their favorite toy in the freezer for an hour or so before letting them play with it.
If your cat does go outside, make sure they have a shady spot to avoid the sun and you should watch for overheating and dry-skin, which can indicate sunburn

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here for You!

If you notice your cat is overheating this summer, don’t wait; call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can provide you with all the information you need to keep your cat safe and happy during the hottest months of the summer. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about summer cat safety, call us at 856-662-2662. We are a full vet clinic that caters exclusively to cats and their health.