Blog - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Don’t Let the Cat Catch Cold

11.29.17

It should come as no surprise to seasoned cat-owners that our feline companions have a strong aversion to the cold. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill know the lengths some cats will go to in order to keep the chill out of their bones. (On that note, this is a reminder to bang on the hood of the car before starting it up, just in case a cat is napping on the warm engine!) It’s important that we help our beloved pets stay comfortable and safe from winter’s frigid temperatures. After all, cats can get sick with a cold too! Here are three things you can do to make sure your favorite four-legged family member stays warm, comfy, and healthy as the weather gets colder—without having to bump up the thermostat all day.

Create Sunny Spots

It’s a free, all-natural solution to chilly indoor temperatures! Open the blinds and let those warm rays in. Kitty can soak up the heat by napping in sunny areas on the floor and furniture throughout the day, and it will brighten up the house!

Nothing Beats A Heated Bed

This is a great option for those who really love to spoil their furry friends. With heated cat beds, you typically just have to plug it in, adjust the temperature gauge, and let your pet snuggle luxuriously in the toasty cushions. These beds can be bought at the pet store or online.

Stay Active

Of course, there’s always physical activity to get the blood pumping and the body warmed up! Toss some jingly toys or break out the laser pointer to get your playful hunter or huntress zooming around the room. Not only will this chase away the shivers, it’ll keep your cat fit!

Under the Weather? Visit the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If kitty has the sniffles despite your best efforts to keep him warm, it’s time to call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Symptoms of illness to look out for include sneezing, coughing, eye and or nose discharge, and possibly a loss of appetite. At our office, we have years of experience caring for felines both old and young, and our clients can attest that we genuinely love and enjoy each one of our patients:

“Dr. McCauley is the best veterinarian I’ve ever taken a cat to! The entire staff is kind, knowledgeable, and caring. They understand cats and treat them with such compassion that it feels like they love my cat as much as I do! I will never go anywhere but here! The prices are so reasonable but I’d pay anything to this practice as they are really unbelievable. Makes me believe there are still wonderful doctors in the world, and they are here!” – Allyson L.

Contact the office if you need to schedule an appointment, and stay warm!

The Misunderstood Black Cat

10.27.17

We are nearing the end of October and Halloween is practically upon us! In preparation for the holiday, many yards and homes are eerily decorated with artfully posed skeletons, oversized spiders, grinning Jack-o’-lanterns, and the classic “spooky” black cat. Whether in movies or decor, these foreboding felines are usually depicted with glowing yellow eyes and arched backs, fanged mouths open mid-hiss. Of course, their sinister or unlucky reputation is nothing more than superstitious folklore; yet black cats remain the least likely to get adopted in animal shelters.

Here at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we see kitties of all colors and patterns and we find them equally charming (though we have mentioned the reputed good-natured personalities of orange tabby cats!). Here are a few things you may not have known about black cats and how views of them have changed over time.

From Sacred to Satanic?

Long associated with witchcraft and devilry, black cats were (and often still are) targeted by people with violent intentions. In Ancient Egypt, however, these kitties were considered sacred and thought to bring prosperity to a home—to harm one was to risk being a target of violent consequences yourself! Those who hailed from England also had a more positive attitude toward the ebony-coated felines. Take one on board a sailing vessel and the ship would not only be mouse-free, it would bring its passengers to their destination safe and sound.

While Europeans may believe it is good luck to have a black cat cross your path, there are others who would argue the exact opposite. The belief that these particular felines were connected to evil beings started in the Middle Ages, which is why so many of them were cruelly hunted down and killed by many superstitious folk. Some firmly believed that they were witches in animal form! To this day, black cats are associated with witchcraft and are even sought after for use in Halloween rituals. Some animal shelters refuse to adopt out black cats this time of year to prevent the wrong people from getting their hands on them. We much prefer that these sleek, beautiful felines find good homes with loving owners—that’s why it’s important to dispel the false notions that they are evil or bad luck.

Black Cats Need Love Too

Anyone who has been to our office knows that we are indiscriminate in our love for feline friends. Kitties of all coat colors deserve the same level of affection and care, regardless of the superstitions attached to them. If you have a black cat at home, we encourage you to share photos on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And remember to keep your four-legged companion healthy by keeping up with those biannual visits with the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Soothing Your Anxious Cat

09.01.17

As a pet owner, you never want to see your furry companion frightened or unhappy. Cats bring us joy and comfort in our everyday lives, so we naturally want to provide the same for them. If you’ve noticed recurring symptoms of high stress in your cat, try to take note of any patterns in behavior–there may be an underlying cause! The experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill list a few ways you can tell your furry family member is on edge and reveal how to mitigate potential stressors.

Signs of An Anxious Cat

He is more vocal than usual: Some kitties have spunkier personalities and enjoy letting their voices be heard; however, if you’re finding that your feline friend is meowing more frequently and in a more distressed manner than he typically vocalizes, it may be an indication that something is amiss.
You’re seeing neither hide nor hair of them: When you start to wonder if you only imagined ever owning a cat, it’s time to hunt around the house and find where your pet is hiding. Occasionally wanting some space is totally normal for cats, but excessive isolation is a problem.
She has been “missing” the litterbox: Not only is this issue smelly and frustrating to clean up, it’s concerning. Your cat isn’t being lazy or forgetful of her training, there’s something stressing her out–and since she can’t talk, only her behavior can reflect that.
Increased aggression or irritability: When kitty is feeling nervous, the claws tend to come out. He may even try to bite, and this is when it’s time to take a trip to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian to figure out what might be wrong with your pet.

How to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety

Improve the living environment: Your cat may not have enough physical and mental stimulation to keep her occupied in the house, and boredom can certainly lead to anxiety. Add some exciting elements to your home to change things up and let her have an outlet for that energy. We recommend cat trees, interactive toys, food puzzles, laser pointers, and other fun items. It will also help keep your cat fit!
Nix the noise: Our feline friends have sensitive ears, which means they don’t particularly enjoy when you have the music or television volume at full blast, or when your conversations with others are loud and boisterous. Does this mean your house should become as silent as a monastery? Not necessarily. Simply try to be more mindful of the level of noise you or your devices are emitting.
Consult the medical experts: This is an obvious solution–if your pet is exhibiting the above signs of anxiety, it may be time to put kitty in the carrier and make a visit to our office for professional help.

Your Reliable Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s our top priority to make sure your favorite feline is healthy and happy! That’s why we offer consultations for behavioral issues. The experienced and caring doctors at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are fully capable of identifying and addressing your beloved pet’s anxiety problems. Contact the office today!

The Lovable Orange Tabby

07.21.17

Whether they’re accurate or not, reputations and stereotypes have a way of making people look at things differently. Collies are seen as protective, family-oriented dogs, thanks to Lassie; eagles are patriotic; black cats are associated with Halloween and are notorious for being “bad luck” (completely unfair and untrue). But have you heard the rumors surrounding orange cats? The orange tabby is not a specific breed of its own, but many who have had the pleasure of owning them insist that they are the most affectionate, sweet-natured cats out there. We at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill interact with such a variety of breeds and temperaments that we can’t pick favorites, but it’s worth taking a closer look at this trend!

Lots to Love

The first notable trend with orange tabbies? Most of them are male–females make up only about 20 percent of these lovable felines! Regardless of the gender, these cats are renowned for being social, affectionate, and vocal. Owners report that their orange companions love to snuggle and are playful, friendly characters. If there is one obvious trend that no one can deny, it’s that these “purrfect” specimens are beautiful to behold! The vibrant orange color of their coats and the striped, swirled, and spotted tabby patterns make them very pretty kitties indeed. It’s no wonder that they are such a popular and beloved addition to the family!

Do you or your friends own orange tabbies? We’d love to hear about your experience with them! Let us know if you have found them to be as personable and quirky as their reputation suggests.

All Breeds Welcome at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cats of all sizes, patterns, colors, and personalities are encouraged to come by for a visit here at the office! Your pet should go to the cat veterinarian twice per year to ensure a long, happy, healthy life. We offer an array of medical services for your furry family member, including:

Nutritional planning
Grooming
Management of chronic illnesses
Geriatric care for older cats
Dental care
Dermatological care
Treatment for gastrointestinal issues

If your kitty is healthy and thriving or feeling under the weather, bring him or her to see us at your earliest convenience. Contact our practice to schedule an appointment, or just come on by! We are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Our friendly staff will make you and your cat feel welcome and can answer any questions or concerns you might have. We look forward to seeing you at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Why Does My Cat Get Crazy At Night?

06.16.17

Here’s a fun feline fact that cat owners are well aware of: Cats like to sleep–a lot. On average, our feline friends sleep about 16 hours per day. Some of these snoozes are just “cat naps,” or periods of light rest during which kitty is still fairly alert enough to quickly wake up and respond to outside stimuli. Then there are the deep slumbers that almost make it seem like your cat is in a comfortable coma. With all of this shuteye during the day, this begs the question: Are cats nocturnal? Clients visiting the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have asked us this quite a few times, and we’re happy to enlighten everyone on the subject!

Word of the Day: Crepuscular

For the most part, domestic cats are not necessarily nocturnal–they are crepuscular, which means that dawn and dusk are their most active hours. Those of us who have feline housemates can attest that the same kitties we see zonked out on the couch all day are suddenly bouncing off the walls when we’re tucked in for the night! While it can certainly be amusing to hear your cat scampering from room to room as you lie in bed, some people find it a bit detrimental to their own sleeping schedule. We suggest taking some time during the day to play with your cat to allow them to expend some energy sooner rather than later in the night.

Visit Your Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

Whether your kitty gets the nighttime crazies or is more of a daytime frolicker, it’s important that he’s getting adequate exercise to keep him fit and happy. Another essential part of keeping your furry friend in good health is bringing him to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian for a yearly checkup! Our clients have nothing but good things to say about their experiences with our friendly team:

“My experience started off great even before my visit. Shannon at the front desk worked so hard to fit my cat in as soon as possible. I appreciated all her efforts. Our actual visit was excellent. The doctor and tech were SO good with my Gracie that I couldn’t believe how well behaved she was. The doctor was thorough and took time to explain things to me. I can’t imagine taking her anywhere else now! So thankful for this awesome staff!” – Katie M.

Contact the office to set up an appointment, and don’t hesitate to call us at (856) 662-2662 if you have any pressing questions or concerns. Our clinic is located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We hope to see you and your feline family member soon!

Adopt Double for Less Trouble!

05.11.17

Our cats keep us endlessly amused with their adorable, zany behavior. Games of chase with strings, laser pointers, and jingly toys are great fun not only for the cat owner, but for the frisky feline himself. All of that activity gives him good exercise and ample mental stimulation. However, you can’t always be in the house to keep kitty entertained. Whether it’s the daily grind of going to work, trips to the grocery store, or other day-to-day errands, these frequent absences quite often leave pets bored, lonely, and inactive. And while it’s not necessary to get a sitter for the few hours you’re away from home, no one wants to leave their pet all alone for long–that’s why we at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill strongly urge those looking to add a new four-legged family member to adopt two cats instead of just one!

Safety in Numbers

Although our feline friends tend to have the reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, they really aren’t total recluses–they need social interaction just like we do! When left all by themselves in the house, some cats might try to liven things up by getting into things they shouldn’t or becoming destructive. “No one’s around to play? Well, these curtains look like they could be fun…” They also run the risk of consuming things that aren’t meant to be consumed (in which case you should immediately take them to your Cherry Hill cat veterinarian).

When there’s a buddy around, the companionship of an extra kitty will keep your cat happy and occupied. They can even keep each other in better health! Cats that reside with a fellow feline typically live longer, are ill less often, and are kept in good shape from all of the playtime and exercise. There’s also the obvious benefit of getting to watch the hilarity that ensues during their rough and tumble antics!

The Cat Veterinarian Cherry Hill Residents Trust

However many kitties you end up adopting, we highly recommend bringing your cats to the veterinarian twice per year to keep the dynamic duo healthy and happy for years to come. The doctors at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill provide full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats, which means you don’t have to worry about other large or noisy pets spooking your feline friends in the waiting room. You can also rest assured that your beloved companions are in the very best hands–we care about them as much as you do! Book an appointment for your furry family members by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we can’t wait to meet them!

Featured Breed: The Ragdoll

04.25.17

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Ragdoll Cat

Anyone who has been to our practice can tell you that this Cherry Hill cat veterinarian isn’t biased when it comes to which breeds are most preferable–we love them all! We have found, however, that many of our patients express a special fondness for Ragdoll cats, and it’s not hard to see why. These felines are crowd favorites due to their strikingly beautiful appearance, docile nature, and their impressive ability to learn a few simple commands and tricks, such as fetch. Read on for a brief rundown on the history and characteristics of the charming Ragdoll breed!

California Breedin’

Ragdolls entered the scene during the 1960s when Ann Baker, a breeder in California, crossed a stray domestic white longhaired female cat with other free-roaming cats in her care. The results of this experimental breeding were kittens with ideal temperaments and attractive physical attributes. Baker continued to cross the offspring with individuals that possessed these desirable traits; thus, the Ragdoll breed was born.

Winning Personalities

The first question that may come to mind with this breed is, “What’s with the name?” These unique, lovable kitties are called “ragdolls” for a reason–when picked up and cuddled, they have a tendency to collapse into their owner’s arms. Ragdolls love to be held and will actively seek closeness with their humans whenever possible by staying near to your side and even greeting you at the door!

With such a strong need for attention, you might think that these cats would be exceptionally vocal. Not necessarily…Ragdolls will politely meow for food or a snuggle but are not known for being loud or persistent noisemakers. They are also unique in that they prefer not to ascend to great heights in the house. Their climbing habits typically only get them as far as the couch or bed rather than on high counters or tabletops. These well-mannered felines do enjoy a good scratching session, however, so provide some fun scratching posts to keep your cat happy and entertained.

Bring Your Ragdoll to the Best Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

Are you a proud owner of a Ragdoll cat? If so, you don’t need us to tell you what wonderful and affectionate friends they make! Be sure to keep your beloved kitty in his or her best health so you can continue to enjoy that special companionship for years and years to come. Our office is renowned for being the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust for the best feline care. We can’t wait to meet your furry family member; get in touch today to set up an appointment!

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Ragdoll kittens

Spring for a Vet Visit This Season!

03.13.17

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Spring

Many house cats have been cooped up indoors for the entirety of winter. (Except for a select few brave snow-loving cats who have been let out to experience the fluffy white drifts!) As spring approaches, you may be considering letting your kitty outside to enjoy the fresh air and get some much-needed exercise. With the incoming warm weather comes a few potential safety concerns for your furry friend that you’ll want to keep in mind. Follow these spring cat health tips for a smooth transition to the new season!

Don’t Leave Your Cat in the Cold!

The weather this time of year can sometimes be a bit deceptive. One day we’re enjoying temperatures in the high seventies, the next day we need to bundle up and brave a blustery morning of flurries. These surprise snowfalls might be a minor inconvenience for you but they are much more of a serious threat to your feline’s well-being if you’ve been letting him roam freely outdoors. Be aware of the weather forecasts before you open the door to let your friend survey his small neighborhood kingdom–especially if you own a hairless breed of cat! Some kitties are far less tolerant of the cold than others.

Sunny with a Chance of…Dehydration?

Conversely, there will be beautiful days where the sun is shining full force and it will seem like summer just couldn’t wait its turn. Both you and your cat will likely be more than eager to leave the confines of the house and enjoy the reprieve from the chill, but don’t forget to leave some food and water out for your little explorer! The heat has a way of drying you out when you’re getting some exercise in the form of running or walking. The same danger applies to your pet! Prevent dehydration by making fresh water available both indoors and outdoors, and remember to change it daily to ward off the presence of bacteria, algae, or parasites.

Yes, Cats Can Have Allergies!

Are you familiar with the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that often accompanies the bright, pollen-packed blooms of spring? There’s a chance that your cat is experiencing the same thing, especially if you’re letting her outside! If you notice your four-legged companion exhibiting such spring allergy symptoms, don’t hesitate to bring her to the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents recommend. We are more than capable of treating the dermatological and respiratory issues that plague pets this time of year.

Schedule a Spring Appointment With a Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s no secret that bringing your cat to the veterinarian can be a monumental task; however, for the long-term health and happiness of your beloved pet, we highly recommend that you don’t put it off! We specialize in gentle, effective treatment of our feline patients because we truly care about them as much as you do. This spring, get a head start on keeping your kitty healthy by contacting the office and making an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you and your furry family member!

Show Your Cat Some Love!

02.09.17

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

February is a month typically associated with two things: acts of love and lousy weather. We’d like to take some time to discuss both and how they relate to your feline family members! With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better time to show your cat some extra attention–especially as temperatures drop to teeth-chattering levels. As your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian, we’ve got some suggestions on how you can make your cat feel the love this month.

Make more time for play. If you let your kitty enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer months of the year, chances are she’s feeling a bit restless staying indoors 24/7. Keep your friend physically active and mentally stimulated with interactive food puzzles, laser pointers, and fun toys. These activities will keep her in good shape and high spirits!

Spread the warmth. No one likes shivering in a cold room, including your furry friend, so keep the chill out of the house. This is especially important for old or arthritic cats that can’t tolerate cold temperatures as well as they might have in their younger years. If your pet typically lounges on the floor, be sure to keep him comfortable with a cozy blanket or an elevated bed. For added protection from icy drafts, install weatherstripping on the doors and windows.

Don’t be stingy at mealtimes. You never want to overfeed your pet, but winter is the time many animals burn extra calories to preserve body heat. Your cat is dependent upon you for proper nutrition–make sure she is getting enough to eat, and be consistent with her feeding schedule. Unsure of how much food you should be doling out? Schedule a consultation with the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents rely on for all of their feline questions and concerns.

Show you care–DON’T share. If you’ll be giving or receiving flowers and chocolates this holiday, make sure they are out of kitty’s reach. As we mentioned in our previous blog about cat safety during holidays, some food and decorations can be quite dangerous for pets! Candy and pretty floral arrangements might be a romantic gesture for humans, but it’s best to keep them away from your four-legged friends; furthermore, dispose of all wrappers, strings, and bows right away. If you really want to give your feline a special gift on Valentine’s Day, we recommend offering her a catnip toy or a tasty treat from your local pet store.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for showing love and kindness to the special people in our lives; why not extend the same courtesy to your beloved pets? You can always call the Cherry Hill cat veterinarians with any inquiries, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need our medical services. We hope everyone has a fabulous February with loved ones!

If Cats Made New Year’s Resolutions

01.10.17

Cat Clinic Cherry Hill

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to set some new goals! Many of us have resolved to eat healthier, get more exercise, read more books, spend less money–all of which are worthwhile ambitions. Have you ever wondered what kind of resolutions a cat might make for the new year? Maybe it’s something only a Cherry Hill cat veterinarian would think about, but we had a little fun and came up with a few items that would likely be on your feline friend’s to-do list for 2017…

Catch the red dot. Ok, so I didn’t see any success in this regard for the past three years, but 2017 will be different–that tiny, lightning-fast speck will elude me no longer! This will be the year that I get my paws on the fiend once and for all. They don’t call fast reflexes “cat-like” for nothing!

Keep the counters free of clutter. Last year saw a satisfying number of milk, juice, and water glasses tumbling to their doom from the kitchen counter, but I know I can do better. As long as I’m around when someone sets down a beverage, no cup will be left standing.

Take the wake-up call up a notch. The humans seem to have grown used to my morning routine of meowing for them to get up and serve breakfast, so it’s time to get creative. My days as a tenor are behind me; I will now sing my demands in mezzo-soprano. For added shock value, it might be worthwhile to unsheath the claws a bit through the bedspread…

Take more naps. Getting 16 hours of sleep per day just wasn’t cutting it last year. The humans may be able to run on a mere eight hours (sometimes less!), but I resolve to take better care of myself! From now on I’ll be getting at least 18 hours of shut-eye per day.

Spend more time on the computer. Whether it’s sitting open on someone’s lap or quietly plugged into the wall, that rectangular heat source will be seeing a lot more of me in 2017. I’ll stay warm and toasty on the keyboard while simultaneously preventing my human from using it–I shouldn’t have to compete for attention!

Do these sound about right? We have another goal to add to the list: Visit the vet! Your kitty might not be in full agreement with that one, but it’s essential to keep her in good health with bi-annual trips to the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust. We encourage you to make an appointment with us today to ensure another healthy, happy year ahead with your favorite feline!