Blog - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Why Do Cats Thump Their Tails?

12.02.22

Reading animal behavior can sometimes be frustrating and confusing. If only our animals could speak! Cats, especially, can feel difficult to read. Dogs often offer a smile when they’re pleased, and everyone knows that when they wag their tails, they’re happy to see you! But what about cats? If you’re searching “why do cats thump their tails?” then you’re not alone! What exactly does it mean when a cat wags or thumps its tail? Is it a warning sign they’re mad or a gesture of affection? The cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are here to help!

4 Reasons Cats Thump or Wag Their Tails

The way a cat moves its tail is one of the most expressive signs a cat can give to you. But learning to read the different movements can be tricky! Luckily, we’re here to help you assess why do cats thump their tail?

A big thump of the tail on the ground can mean your cat isn’t really in the mood for whatever you’re doing. Whether that’s cuddles, playing, or petting it, your cat thumping its tail on the ground a few times is its way of saying “stop please!” It’s best to just give your cat some space.
If your cat’s tail is pointing upward and they seem to be waving it around in the air, then good news! Your cat is in a great mood! They’re likely saying hello or feeing playful. This is a great time to play with your cat and give it some enrichment. They’ll likely respond rather positively.
When your cat is laying down, if its tail is swishing on the ground instead of thumping like in the first example we gave, then your cat is probably content. Feel free to pet and cuddle your cat.
Lastly, if your cat’s tail is twitching and vibrating in the air, then your cat is excited! Maybe you just opened a can of tuna and your kitty knows exactly what that means… a delicious meal! A vibrating tail is usually a very good sign, but careful! Your cat may be feeling super playful and ready to pounce…

For More Cat Behavior Tips Check out the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Understanding cat behavior and training your cat can be difficult, but neither is impossible! At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are cat experts who specialize in all things cat behavior and health. For more information on cat behavior, training, and other tips, you can check out our blog! And if you need a great cat veterinarian for a number of medical services, give us a call at 856-662-2662.

Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop?

10.27.22

Cats are notorious for cleaning up after themselves after they go to the bathroom. Whether you have an indoor or an outdoor cat, you’ve probably witnessed them burying their poop at some point – either in the litter box or in the yard. So exactly why do cats bury their poop? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has answers for curious minds.

4 Reasons Cats Might Bury Their Poop

There actually isn’t just one reason a cat might want to hide the results of their trip to the bathroom. Here are 4 possible reasons cats might bury their poop:

Cats are territorial. Just like dogs, cats like to mark their territory. In the wild, cats might leave their poop to mark their territory, but when it comes to domesticated cats, burying their waste is a sign to anyone higher on the food chain that they aren’t a threat. Burying their poop is a way to show other creatures that your cat is submissive to them.
To hide it from predators. In the wild (or for your outside cat), cats might bury their poop to hide it from predators so they aren’t in danger. This is especially true for cats with babies. They don’t want predators to know they have easy prey in their young litter of kitties.
It’s in their genes. Even if you have a domesticated and indoor cat, these survival instincts aren’t likely to go away. It’s in kitty evolution and genetics to bury their poop, so if you see them digging in the litter box, you can chalk it up to instinct.
General cleanliness. It’s no secret that cats are famously obsessed with cleanliness. Burying their poop is one way they keep everything tidy and smelling good to their sensitive noses.

Bathroom Problems? Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If your cat is having trouble going to the bathroom or their typical bathroom behavior has fallen out of routine, this could be a sign your cat isn’t feeling well. Cats are very particular about disposing of their waste, so if there is a change in their habits, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Our cat experts and vets can help you understand exactly why cats bury their poop, or why they aren’t. Give us a call at 856-662-2662. For more info on cat behavior and health, check out our blog!

How to Keep Your Cat Clean

09.29.22

Cats are often considered one of the cleanest pets in general, and they do a pretty great job at cleaning themselves. However, there are a few things you can do to help your furry friend maintain good hygiene and keep your living space a little cleaner. The cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a few tips for anyone who might be wondering how to keep your cat clean!

Clean Cat, Happy Cat

If you have a cat, you may have noticed they spend a lot of time cleaning themselves. That’s because cats really don’t like being dirty! You can keep your feeling happy and carefree by helping them stay as clean as possible:

Brush your cat! Yes, just like dogs, many cats love being brushed. Brush out loose and matted fur daily to keep your cat’s coat as clean as possible.
Trim their nails. Keeping up on your cat’s nail trimming will help your cat stay healthy and happy. Plus, it will prevent scratches to your body and your furniture. You can check out our post on cutting your cat’s nails here, or ask your vet to show you how!
Keep up on litter box maintenance. Fresh, clean litter will help your cat maintain good hygiene and minimize bad smells. If your cat isn’t using the litter box, talk to your vet; it’s often a sign your cat may not be feeling well.
Bathe if necessary. Most cats won’t want you to bathe them, but if it’s ever necessary (or you have a rare kitty who loves water) be sure to only use shampoo intended for cats. Towel dry them off after, as most cats won’t be super thrilled to walk around with wet fur.

Need More Hygiene Tips? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If you’ve been wondering how to keep your cat clean, you’re not alone! Cat hygiene isn’t always as easy as just giving them a quick bath. But staying on top of your cat’s cleanliness is a top priority! This will help keep them healthy and happy, and if your cat is having a hard time maintaining their own cleanliness, it can be an indicator of a deeper issue. Talk with the vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill about why cat hygiene is important and how you can maintain it. Call our office at 856-662-2662 to set up an appointment! For more tips on cat health and grooming, follow our blog!

Caring For Older Cats, Ages 11 and Up

08.02.22

As cat owners, we are often blessed to have our cats for over ten, fifteen, and sometimes even twenty years! Cats can be our best furry friends and members of our families for decades. But as your kitty grows older, you may notice some behavioral changes. Older cats might sleep more, play less, get needier or more distant than before, or change their eating habits. This is completely natural! When it comes to caring for older cats, it’s important to note all their behavioral changes and have an open line of communication with the vet to ensure your kitty is as healthy as possible.

Tips For Caring for Older Cats

Once your cat reaches about 10 or 11 years of age they’re considered a senior cat, and at 15 years old, they are geriatric. Here are a few tips on how to make life a little easier for you senior or geriatric cat:

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

Let the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Treat Your Older Cat

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

Adopt a Cat This Summer

08.02.22

If you’re looking to adopt a pet, cats are great companions and often lifelong friends. They can be one of the best additions to your family when it comes to pets. If you’re a first time cat-owner though, you may still have some misgivings or even some misconceptions about cats, so the cat experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have compiled a helpful list of reasons you should adopt a cat this summer.

Reasons to Adopt a Cat This Summer

When it comes to pets, cats make great additions to your family for many reasons:

If you are looking for a low maintenance pet who provides a little more freedom for summer plas, then a cat is for you! Traditionally, cats are a lower level of commitment than dogs. Although cats will vy for your attention like dogs might, cats require slightly less hourly maintenance. Unlike dogs, cats take themselves to the bathroom, just like you! For the most part, they’re also fine being alone for a day so you can hit the beach or the baseball game.
Despite all the stereotypes, cats are actually quite affectionate animals! Similar to most animals and even people, they have their own personalities. Most cats enjoy playtime, cuddles, and just hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a snuggly companion to keep you company this summer, a cat is the pet for you!
For kitties, playtime can also be more independent. While many dogs rely on humans for their playtime, cats are often extremely independent when it comes to playing. They do enjoy playing with you, of course, but most can easily entertain themselves given the right toys!
Good bug and rodent deterrents! Cats are natural hunters, and they love to catch mice, rats, and bugs of all kinds. You won’t have a rodent problem with a cat around.
Cats are scientifically proven to be good for your mental health. Cats make great at-home support animals. They’re intelligent and know when you’re feeling down. A furry friend is a great way to boost mood and morale when you’re feeling low.

Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Info on Adoption

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill always has information on cat adoption and often hosts or participates in adoption events, especially in summer! For more information on cat adoption, or to learn if a cat is the right pet for you, call the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662 today!

Are Cats Good Pets for Kids?

05.29.22

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

05.02.22

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:

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.
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.
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

03.31.22

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

02.24.22

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:

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.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis: FVR is a disease that’s contagious to cats! It affects the respiratory system and can cause many respiratory infections.
Feline calcivirus: Similar to FVR, feline calcivirus can be the cause of many respiratory diseases in cats.
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

01.28.22

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!