Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Are Cats Good Pets for Kids?

are cats good pets for kids

When you have kids, it’s only a matter of time before they ask if they can have a pet. 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, if your kids are ready. It’s a lot to consider. If you’re trying to decide if you should let your kids have a pet, you’re probably wondering “are cats good pets for kids?” The is 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 the Right Pet for Your Kids?

There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding cats, but here are the facts to consider before deciding if cats are the best fit for your family:

  • 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.
  • 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’re a busy bee, cats are a great pet.
  • Similarly, cleaning the litter box is a task that needs to be done regularly and can teach responsibility, which is a great lesson for kids to learn.
  • 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.
  • Just like any pet, they require food, toys, treats, and regular trips to the vet. It’s important to know if there’s room in your budget to keep your cat happy and healthy!

Cats are Good Pets for Kids — Learn More Today!

There’s a lot to consider before getting your kids a pet, and cats are great pets for kids, but if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s okay! Don’t 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. You can also learn more about cat ownership by visiting our blog!

The Best Cat Vet in NJ for Your Best Friend

best cat vet in nj

There are a lot of vet offices out there, and it’s clear that most veterinarians care for animals. But how can you tell when you’ve found a place that’s worth returning to – especially when the health of your furry friend and pet is what’s at stake? You want nothing but the best care for your cat, so if you’re looking for the best cat vet in NJ, then look no further than the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We specialize in cat health and medical procedures!

Get the Best Care Available for Your Kitty

When it comes to your cat, you don’t want to risk anything but the best! Here’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is top-of-the-line in cat healthcare:

  1. Our doctors and techs are knowledgeable and provide excellent treatment. The main reason you’re going to the vet’s office isn’t for your health: it’s for your cat’s health! The highest priority when choosing a vet for your cat is skill and genuine care for your pet. Dr. John McCauley has been a feline specialist for over two decades and is just as passionate about keeping kitties healthy and happy as he was at the start.
  2. Our staff is friendly and responsive. Everyone employed at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is friendly, compassionate, and genuine. We know talking about your kitty’s health can be anxiety-inducing and stressful. That’s why we do not respond with rudeness or impatience when our clients have questions, and we are often willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your experience here is as positive and low-stress as possible.
  3. Our office gets great reviews. You don’t need to just take our word for it that we’re the best! Our testimonial page can be found on our website! Here are some kind words from one of our clients, Holly:

“Thank you kindly for the care you showed Gomez. I know he was in the best hands. It’s a pleasure to deal with both Dr. McCauley and Diane who are not only competent professionally, but are also compassionate. What a wonderful bunch of people.”

Choose The Best Cat Vet in NJ for Your Best Friend

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! 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, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We look forward to meeting you!

When Your Cat Has Allergies, Try These Tips

cat has allergies

Springtime is finally here! With it comes warmer weather, days full of sunshine, and, unfortunately, spring allergies. Your seasonal allergies are probably just starting to flare up, and that may have you realizing something else: your cat has a runny nose, itchy skin, and sneezing fits just like you! If this is the case, your cat has allergies! Good news, though. This is totally normal. Seasonal allergies in cats are pretty common. Pollen in the air affects kitties very similar to how it affects humans. But just like humans, there are a few things you can do to keep the allergy symptoms at bay.

Try These Solutions If Your Cat Has Allergies

Like with humans, the symptoms that come from spring allergies can be irritating for kitties. However, there are a few solutions you can try that might help your cat get through allergy season a little smoother:

  • Use eye drops – Yes, just like with humans, eye drops can really help cats! If their eyes are swollen and red, or they keep rubbing at them, your kitty is probably feeling the symptoms of spring allergies in their eyes. Using cat-safe eye drops can help relieve some itchiness and irritation. Check your local pet store for eye drops or ask your vet for recommendations!
  • Clean their ears –  Just like our ears, dust, dirt, and pollen can build up inside your kitty’s ears. If your cat keeps scratching at their ears, go ahead and use a clean cotton swab to remove buildup. 
  • Bath time – If your cat is scratching more than usual at their skin and fur, it’s a good bet they’re feeling another symptom of spring allergies. Pending how your cat feels about baths and water, you can use kitty shampoo to give them a bath.
  • Visit the vet – If none of these solutions are helping, or you’re just not sure what to do, you can always call us! 

Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Allergy Help

Whether it’s just allergies or something more serious, it’s always good to check in with the vet when you notice changes in your kitty’s health and behavior. At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are kitty experts who can help you identify allergies and help your cat feel better. We also offer a variety of other health services for cats year ‘round. So give us a call at (856) 662-2662, or visit our blog for more information on cat health and wellness!

The Vaccines Cats Need to Stay Healthy

vaccines cats need

If you’ve just gotten a new kitty or you’re thinking about adopting in the upcoming future, you may be wondering what kind of healthcare kittens require. Besides annual checkups and regular hygiene upkeep, your cats should definitely have their vaccines! The shots and vaccines your cats require can seem complicated, but The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a comprehensive list of the vaccines cats need to stay healthy!

4 Vaccines Cats Need

Although there are several vaccines available for cats, there are four main vaccines cats need, especially as kitties:

  1. Rabies: Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans! Like dogs, cats can get rabies from other wild animals. To protect your cat from rabies, your cat should have the vaccine.
  2. Feline viral rhinotracheitis: FVR is a disease that’s contagious to cats! It affects the respiratory system and can cause many respiratory infections. 
  3. Feline calcivirus: Similar to FVR, feline calcivirus can be the cause of many respiratory diseases in cats.
  4. Panleukopenia: Feline parvovirus can effectively infect and kill cells within your cat’s bone marrow and intestines. This virus mainly infects kitties!

Other shots you may be interested in for your cat are the feline leukemia shot and the Bordetella shots. When it comes to your kitty’s shots, the good news is that many of these vaccines have been combined into one common “distemper” shot, so your cat won’t have to receive as many infections!

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Can Vaccinate Your Cat!

Vaccines have been proven to help prevent many of these diseases in cats and are extremely effective in reducing fatalities! These are just a few necessary vaccines to keep your cat healthy, but for more information on cat healthcare, contact your neighborhood cat vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We specialize in cat healthcare and can help you assess exactly what shots and other healthcare needs your cat requires! For more information on vaccines and cat health, call our office at 856-662-2662. For emergency situations, please call the closest emergency cat healthcare facility.

How to Give a Cat a Pill

how to give a cat a pill

Cats are pretty infamous for doing what they want when they want, which means it can be difficult to hold them still or groom them. Unfortunately, this includes when they need to take pills. 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 pill so that your cat can be healthy and happy and you can escape the experience unscathed.

Tips and Tricks on How to Give a Cat a Pill!

We know administering medication to your cat can feel like a daunting task for both you and your cat, but don’t worry! 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 your pill is solid, 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.
  • When holding your cat, make sure they are comfortable, either in your lap or on a surface. For some cats, it may be beneficial to wrap them in a blanket with just their head sticking out. This will neutralize those sharp claws to keep you safe!
  • Lastly, did you know there’s something called a pill plunger? They sell them at most pet stores, as well as online. It’s a neat tool that allows you to directly put the pill into your cat’s mouth without endangering your fingers on those sharp teeth. 

When in Doubt, Talk to the Vet

At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we specialize in cat health, but giving cats their medication can be difficult even for our vets. Every cat is different, 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 tips and tricks to caring for your cat, you can also check out our blog!

Moving with Cats: Tips and Tricks

moving with cats

Moving is one of the biggest life changes a person can make and can be extremely stressful and disruptive. For our cats, this can feel overwhelming and scary. New smells, a new home, a lot of travel time – all these sudden changes can be anxiety-inducing for our cats. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to make our move easier on our cats! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some tips and tricks to make moving with cats a smooth transition that can keep them as calm and comfortable as possible!

How to Prepare for and Keep Cats Comfortable with Moving

Moving with cats can feel like a huge ordeal for both you and your cat. Try these tips from the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make the transition as smooth as possible.

  • Introduce your cats to the carrier – If your cat isn’t already familiar with a cat carrier, it’s a good idea to introduce them to one prior to the move. This will prevent more anxiety and uncertainty when your moving day finally comes. 
  • Update your cat’s contact info prior to moving – To prepare for the move, update your kitty’s tags with your new address and phone number, if necessary. 
  • Keep your cat in their carrier on the trip – Your cat should hopefully be used to their carrier by now, and this will offer some semblance of familiarity while moving. If your trip is on the longer side, your cat might spend most of it sleeping.
  • Start slow – Once you’re in your new living space, it’s best to introduce your cat to one room at a time. Put items they’re familiar with into one room, like their litter box, toys, food, bed, scratching post, and other things with their scent. Let your cat begin to explore slowly, one room at a time. 
  • Ask your vet for more options – If your cat experiences increased anxiety while moving or after the move, ask your vet for more options on treating anxiety, including medication. 

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and You

If you’re moving to Cherry Hill, The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a great option for a new vet’s office for your kitty! We specialize in cat health and offer a variety of healthcare options. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to set up your first appointment. Moving with cats can have a lasting impact on their attitude and mental health; we can help ease that transition! Schedule your appointment today. We can’t wait to meet your kitty!

How to Train a Cat to Sit in 5 Steps

train a cat to sit

The old saying goes “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but what about a cat? It’s a common misconception that cats aren’t trainable or that they’re too independent to listen to their owners. Cats are extremely smart and clever, and many are eager to play and learn! Training a cat to do tricks is not only possible, but in some cases, pretty easy. Of course, it’s best to start with something cats already do naturally: sitting! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few tips on how to train a cat to sit.

Train a Cat to Sit in 5 Easy Steps

Cats, like dogs, are typically pretty motivated by the promise of treats. So get a few treats ready and in just 5 easy steps, you should be able to train a cat to sit in no time!

  1. When your cat sits, at the same time, say “sit.” If your cat is responsive to its name, you can say your cat’s name first, then give the sit command. 
  2. Give your cat a treat when it sits and has heard you say the command, even if your cat did not intentionally sit because you said “sit.” This is great positive reinforcement that your cat will begin to associate with the act of sitting as well as with the command “sit”.
  3. Praise your cat with words and pets as well as treats! The more positive reinforcement the better.
  4. If your cat begins to grasp how to sit on command, it’s great to introduce a hand motion, too, like holding your hand (with a treat) above its head. Your cat will look up at your hand and naturally be inclined to sit on its butt. 
  5. Train 2-3 times per day for several minutes. Repetition will help your cat learn what to do!

For More Tips on Training, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Cats are smart animals who love to play, so training them can be fun for both you and your cat! If you’ve mastered how to train a cat to sit, then you can start moving on to other fun tricks, like high-five, shake, and even rolling over. The steps offered above work great for any tricks you want to teach your cat, but for more awesome training tips, or if you have questions about behavioral training, contact the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! You can call us at 856-662-2662 or check out our blog for more tips and tricks about living with cats!

Holiday Tips for Cat Owners

holiday tips for cat owners

Spending the Winter Holidays with Your Cat?

Holiday season is just about here, which means the festive atmosphere around your house is starting to amp up! From decorating to cooking, 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 tips for cat owners that will help get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Keep These Holiday Tips for Cat-Owners in Mind

Between decorations, weather, guests, and food, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that make their way onto your cat’s radar for the holiday season. Here are some holiday tips for cat-owners to help your cat adjust:

  • 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.
  • Food — 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.
  • 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.
  • Snow — 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 is Sick, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

We all do 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. 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 Myths Busted and Debunked

cat myths

Fact vs Fiction: Cat Edition

When it comes to strong opinions about pets, most people have them about cats. Cats are mean, black cats are unlucky, cats have nine lives – what’s fact and what’s fiction? Cat myths are pretty common, so if you’re trying to decide if you should adopt a cat for the first time, how do you know what’s true and what’s false? Well the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help debunk the top 5 misconceptions about cats!

5 Cat Myths Busted

Cats have been the subject of many myths and tales all around the world for centuries. Check out these common myths about cats:

  1. Cats have nine lives. Nobody really knows where this myth came from (perhaps Shakespeare?), but one thing is for certain: like humans, cats only have one life. So why the nine lives myth? Well, cats are extremely talented at getting themselves out of dangerous situations. They’re known to survive high falls, squeeze through tight spots, and they’re really good at hiding! 
  2. Cats are mean and don’t like people. If you’ve ever had a cat, you know this myth was probably made by someone who hasn’t had a kitty in their lives. It’s true that many cats have an independent nature, but cats will also form strong attachments to humans and other household pets. Many cats love to cuddle and play, and it isn’t totally uncommon to have a cat that will want to be around their human counterpart more often than not!
  3. Cats can see in complete darkness. While cats are great at adjusting to lower light, just like humans, they can’t see in complete darkness. The irises in a cat’s eye are capable of opening wider than humans’, which allows more light to enter! This allows them to see in lower light easier than humans, but if it’s completely dark, cats will still be unable to see. Get your kitty a small night light to help them at night!
  4. Cats only purr when they’re happy. If you’ve ever pet a cat, you’ll know that cats do purr when they’re happy! However, they may also purr when frightened, hurt, upset, or hungry. 
  5. Black cats are unlucky. One of the most common myths about cats is that black cats are unlucky. Of course, this is an old wives’ tale! In Japan, it’s actually considered good luck if a black cat crosses your path! However, in most parts of the world, black cats are considered to be bad omens. This unfortunately means that they’re overlooked and under-adopted. Check out the origin of this myth here and make sure to show some love to black kitties!

Ask Your Vet about Cat Myths!

Got more questions about cats? What’s true and what’s not? The vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are happy to let you know if what you’ve heard about cats is true or false, and to help with any of your other cat questions, needs, or concerns! Give us a call today at 856-662-2662.

How Often Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?

how often should I take my cat to the vet?

Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?

Whether you’re a new cat owner or you have a cat that’s getting on in age, you may start to wonder ‘how often should I take my cat to the vet?’ It’s good that you’re asking, because it’s a common misconception that because cats are more low maintenance than dogs, then they don’t need to visit the vet as much. Just like all pets, and humans for that matter, seeing the doctor is essential sometimes, even when not visibly sick. Checkups allow the vet to check your kitty’s hearth health, weight, dental health, make sure they have all their vaccines, and a variety of other services! All that being said, how often should you take your cat to the vet? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has all the answers you need!

Vet Trips Vary by Age and Situation

There’s not a be-all end-all answer as to how often you should take your cat to the vet, but age and situation have a lot to do with it:

  • Young kitty – For about the first two years of your cat’s life, your cat is growing and changing rapidly. Discuss with your vet at your first vet appointment to make a health plan for your kitty. They might recommend several times a year for the first couple years.
  • 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 good.
  • 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. If they are older than ten, your vet may recommend more regular visits.
  • Vaccines – Your cat will also need to stay up-to-date with their vaccines. These are usually good for three years, but your vet will be able to tell you if your kitty’s shots are up-to-date.
  • Hairball or something more serious – If your cat throws up pretty often, you may want to consult with your vet on if it’s a serious issue to keep your eye on.
  • General health issues – If your cat has health issues as noticed by your vet, they may 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

If you’re still wondering ‘how often should I take my cat to the vet?’, then don’t fret. 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!