Blog - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Featured Breed: The Siamese Cat

06.06.18

siamese cat

For a lot of people (particularly Disney fans), the first thing that comes to mind when they see a Siamese cat is the scene from Lady and the Tramp in which the twin cats, Si and Am, wreak havoc in the house. Don’t let those two mischievous characters sway your opinion of this beautiful breed! Those who own or have owned Siamese cats know that they are sociable, affectionate, and fantastic companions. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have had some patients of this particular breed at our office, and we can attest that they are stunning beauties with a lot of personality! Read on to learn a few things you might not have known about Siamese cats.

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

There are actually two types of this breed: the show cats, and the traditional Siamese cats. How do they differ? The show variety have triangular or “wedge”-shaped heads with very large ears. They also have longer, more lithe bodies than traditional Siamese cats, which tend to be more compact with rounder, less angular heads. Both varieties, however, are known for their gorgeous and expressive clear blue eyes.

Thailand is their country of origin. For those who know their history, Thailand was originally known as Siam–hence the meaning behind “Siamese” cats. Long ago, these eye-catching kitties were favored by royalty and could often be found in temples and palaces. The very first “dignitary” of the breed arrived in the United States in the year 1878.

They like to make their voices heard. Siamese cats have the well-earned reputation of being very vocal! If you have one of your own, you’re probably nodding your head in agreement at this statement. These chatty cats will “talk” at any occasion, whether it’s at mealtimes or when they’re looking for some attention from their preoccupied human. And they will want your undivided attention! Siamese cats are quite social and sometimes described as needy or clingy.

Beauties with brains: Highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks, Siamese cats are surprisingly trainable and can even be taught to walk on a leash. Because of their sharp minds, these fast-learning felines relish mental stimulation and physical challenges. Provide them with interactive toys and make room in your schedule for daily playtime to keep your cat fit–and to prevent him from becoming bored or destructive.

A Cat Veterinarian For All Breeds

There’s no denying that the Siamese is a beautiful and fascinating breed. We’re here to make sure that cats of all breeds are kept in the best of health, so if your four-legged friend could use our medical services, give the friendly professionals at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at (856) 662-2662! You can also take a look at where we are located and come on in to see the office and make an appointment.

Help Your Cats Keep Their Cool in Summer

04.25.18

keep cat cool in summer

It’s (hopefully) safe to say that at long last, warm weather is here to stay. ’Tis the season for barbecues, dips in the pool, and long naps in the sun. Our feline friends are certainly fans of that last one! Anyone who owns a cat knows that sunrays streaming through a window is like a kitty magnet—sooner or later you’ll find a furry form curled up in that warm patch of light. As much as we love to see our pets soaking up the therapeutic summer sun, we need to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t overheat! Here are a few ways we at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill suggest you prevent the harmful effects of too much fun in the sun.

When you’re trying to keep your cat warm in the winter, you naturally ensure their bedding is appropriate for the colder months. In summer, however, it’s time to exchange those fleece-line, blanket-swathed beds for a cooler spot to lounge! This can be as simple as an empty cardboard box or a plastic bin—cats are choosy with many things, but they tend to sit anywhere they fit!
Tending to that thick fur coat is another way to prevent your cat from becoming uncomfortably hot in the summer weather, especially if you own a long-haired breed such as a Maine Coon or Persian. (Hairless varieties like the Sphynx cat do not have this problem!) A good brushing or even a trim may be in order. If you’d like help with this task, we encourage you to bring your furry friend to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for professional grooming!
Keep your home well-ventilated by opening up windows and doors—make sure the screens are in place! If you’re away from the house for a while, have the air conditioning set up to switch on at various times of the day so your pets aren’t left in sauna-like conditions. Another way to keep the house cool without wasting energy is to draw the curtains during the heat of the day. Your kitty can enjoy resting in sunny spots during cooler times, such as morning and late afternoon!
Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers of a hot day. Have cool water available at all times in multiple locations throughout the house. Keep tabs on the bowls and refill them when you see the water running low or looking murky; as we well know, some cats are very picky with what they’ll eat and drink! Fresh, clean water will be much more appealing to your kitty.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here to Help Beat the Heat

We want your favorite felines to enjoy the summer sun, so follow the above tips to keep potential health issues at bay! If you notice that your cat is exhibiting signs of overheating such as panting, lethargy, confusion, or constant hiding in the coolest parts of the house, don’t hesitate to contact us at (865) 662-2662 or visit our office. We are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

04.02.18

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

Those who say they’re not “cat people” usually offer the same old list of reasons for this claim: “I don’t like dealing with the litter box.” “I don’t want my furniture all scratched up.” “Cats aren’t affectionate enough.” Let’s take a closer look at that last one–it’s not fair to generalize all cats as aloof or unloving because personalities differ widely among breeds and individuals. In fact, some kitties display the opposite behavior and are excessively needy for attention! Instead of having to cajole or lure him in with treats, you may have a cat that faithfully follows you like a shadow and meows mournfully when you leave. Although this clingy behavior isn’t always indicative of a health issue, it’s best to know what it could mean if your cat is not normally so…demonstrative. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have found that unusually needy cats are often this way for a few reasons:

Anxiety – Sometimes cats feel insecure or vulnerable and express it by sticking close to their owner’s side. This is particularly common in rescue cats and kitties that were separated from their mothers at too young an age. Reassure your anxious pet and affirm their trust by speaking in calm tones and stroking them gently when they press close to you.
Newness – Whether they are a new addition to the household or you’ve recently moved into a new home, cats don’t easily adapt to change. Perhaps your four-legged family member is a little shaken up by her unfamiliar surroundings and is leaning on you (quite literally) for some extra support!
Hunger – The reason behind all of that extra attention might be that you’re simply not feeding your kitty enough. Since they can’t come right out and say it, they have to resort to sticking to you like glue and meowing persistently for more chow. As long as your cat is fit and at a healthy weight, you should be good to increase the portions–get in touch with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for nutritional planning if you need a second opinion.
Illness – Lastly, it could very well be that your cat is feeling under the weather or is dealing with some sort of injury. Give him a once-over to see if there are any outward signs of illness, and take him to the vet if necessary.

Consult the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

So is it just a quirky part of your cat’s personality, or should it be a cause for concern? If you’re worried that your clingy kitty might have some underlying health issues that are making her act out, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment. We would be happy to meet with your favorite feline and get to the root of the issue. Call the office at (856) 662-2662 or come by in person at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Keeping Kitty’s Spring Allergies at Bay

03.01.18

It seems like our groundhog friend was wrong about the extended winter this year, and we’re not complaining! As the icy season nears its end and we enjoy warmer, sunnier days, a new issue arises: spring allergies. At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are well familiar with the tell-tale signs of this yearly feline affliction. Sneezing, runny eyes and nose, frequent scratching of itchy skin…it’s really not too different from our seasonal allergies! There are measures we can take to reduce our cats’ reactions to the increased pollen in the air; here are a few of our suggestions:

Try a bath. We say “try” because it’s common knowledge that cats are not the biggest fans of bath time. If you aren’t met with violent resistance, use a pet shampoo to wash the pollen, bacteria, and other irritants from your kitty’s fur coat and skin. Another option is to use a topical treatment prescribed by your cat veterinarian to stop the itching (and possible infection) in its tracks.

Keep the ears clean. Those adorable pointy ears are not only excellent at catching the slightest noise, they are the perfect traps for dust and pollen. Help your cat out by using a wad of cotton or gauze to get rid of any debris that may have accumulated in your furry friend’s ear canal. You might even need to flush them with an ear-cleaning solution (just run it by the veterinarian first).

Use eye drops. Noticing your cat rubbing at her eyes with her paws? Is she looking a little teary-eyed? Rinsing your cat’s eyes with a simple irrigating solution once or twice a day will work wonders in removing allergens and preventing that irritating itch. Just be sure to use a simple cleansing eye solution only–no Visine needed!

Double-check the diet. Could it be a food allergy? There’s only one way to find out. A food elimination diet might be necessary to determine if your cat’s symptoms are due to spring allergies or just the wrong chow.

Visit the vet. When all else fails, leave it to the professionals. That’s what we’re here for!

Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Don’t wait until your cat is already suffering from spring’s ruthless pollen attack. Follow these tips, and be sure to give us a call at (856) 662-2662 or visit our practice at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We are eager to answer any questions you have about your cat’s health and how you can keep him in tip-top shape for years to come. Get in touch today!

A New Cat In the Family

02.01.18

Adopting a feline family member is an exciting time. There are toys to stock up on, beds and cat trees to set up, and lots and lots of funny, heartwarming moments to look forward to with your new pet. There are, however, a number of things you should do to prepare your home and family for the arrival of the new kitty (or kitties)! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can suggest three ways to make the transition smooth and stress-free for everyone.

Prep your other pets. Have some furry residents already living with you? It’s vital that you introduce the newcomer to the other animals in your household to ensure that everyone gets along first. Unfortunately, sometimes the new and old pets are simply incompatible—this needs to be determined before the adoption is finalized. In other cases, everyone in the house can live in harmony! It usually just takes a little time, patience, and diligent supervision in case conflicts arise.

Teach your kids how to be good pet owners. Bringing a cat into a household with children warrants a whole new set of concerns. Before your new pet even arrives, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules that will help keep both the kitty and the kids safe. For instance, decide if there are any areas of the house that will be off-limits to the four-legged family member. Perhaps you prefer the bedrooms to remain pet-free zones—tell your children ahead of time so that the cat knows from the start where he can and cannot roam.

Most importantly: Show your kids how to handle pets correctly. A yanked tail or overly tight squeeze could not only injure your new cat, it will likely lead to swift defensive action from the victim. Those little claws and fangs can cause a good deal of damage! Depending on the age of your children, it might be best to establish a “no holding the cat without adult supervision” policy. That way the cat is kept safe and your little ones learn how to treat animals with gentleness and respect.

Divvy up responsibilities. Plan ahead of time who will be in charge of feeding, who will be on litter box duty, who will take care of basic grooming, etc. Owning a new pet is fun for the whole family, but everyone should take part in caring for it properly! It’s a great way to teach kids accountability while they bond with their furry friend.

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!