Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

How to Have a Healthy Cat


You know the tips and tricks to stay healthy as a human. Brush and floss your teeth, bathe regularly, comb your hair, and keep a healthy diet – but do you know how to make sure you have a healthy cat?


Don’t wait until it’s too late and you have to make an emergency trip to the cat veterinarian. Study up and learn how to incorporate simple routines into your furry friend’s day to make sure they are as healthy and happy as they deserve to be!

Dental Care

Your cat can’t brush their own teeth, and they may not respond too well to you trying to brush their teeth for them, but you have to do something to prioritize the oral health of your kitty. The best thing you can do is try to brush their teeth at an early age so that they are used to the idea and don’t make things difficult for you as they get older. Still having trouble? Leave it up to your capable cat veterinarian.

Get Physical

Just like people, cats usually don’t get enough exercise. Encouraging daily play time can help keep your kitty in tip top shape to avoid gaining weight and other health problems down the road. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play on their own during the day, but also set aside time to play with them, it’s a great way to bond with your pet and keep them healthy!

Daily Grooming

Just like you brush your hair every day (we hope) your kitty’s coat needs the same daily TLC. Though they do a pretty good job on their own, sitting down to give your cat a nice comb through can cut down on the number of hairballs you both have to deal with.
These daily tasks combined with regular appointments with an experienced cat veterinarian are the key to keeping your kitty bright eyed and bushy tailed for a long and happy life with you. Is it time for your cat’s annual appointment? Contact Us to schedule.

New Year’s Resolutions – Keeping Yourself (And Your Cat) Healthy

The New Year is a popular time to make resolutions and start a new journey to a healthier you. Unfortunately, most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions in the first two weeks. That’s why this year, we came up with 3 great ways you can team up with your cat to pursue a happier, healthier New Year.

Waking up Earlier

We could all use more time in the day, and for some, all that means is waking up a bit earlier each morning. By moving up the time you feed your cat in the morning, you’ll have extra motivation to wake up earlier and start your day – plus a hungry cat isn’t likely to let you sleep in too much.

Losing Weight

When you’re trying to slim down after a sumptuous holiday season, sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most! When you (or your cat) need to drop a few pounds, cut back on the treats and between-meals snacks and do something else instead! Playing with your cuddly cat can be just as rewarding as a bag of chips (and may have a more positive impact on your waistline).

Getting More Exercise

A great goal for the New Year is to be more active, though that’s often easier said than done! Up your activity this year by taking walks – your cat can come, too! Not only is this a great way to bond with your kitty; walking your cat is a great way to sneak in some extra exercise and enjoy the great outdoors!

What kinds of resolutions have you made this year? Do you think adding your cat as an accountability partner will help you stick to them longer? Let us know!

To formulate a comprehensive weight-loss plan for your cat, there’s no better resource than your local Cherry Hill cat veterinarian. We look forward to making your cat’s health our number-one priority! Come pay us a visit or get in touch today!

 

Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Cat

The stockings are hung, the garlands are strung, glimmering tinsel is dangling from each branch of the tree in the living room—it’s almost too much for any cat to resist. It stands to reason that they deserve some kind of reward for resisting temptation (or at least trying to) all through the holiday season. After all, everyone loves getting presents on Christmas morning…even our pets! If you want to make it a very “meowy” Christmas for your favorite feline, we at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a few great gift suggestions that they’re sure to enjoy.

  • A new scratching post: If the current scratching post has become a bit of an eyesore after too much wear and tear, it may be time to upgrade it (before the couch starts getting some unwanted attention from your little Santa Claws).
  • A heated bed: Anyone who has ever had a furry friend curl up on their laptop can attest that cats are drawn to warmth wherever they can find it. As temperatures drop and sunny spots in the house get fewer and fewer, your cat will appreciate a warm place where they can curl up and nap.
  • Catnip toys – You can buy these at basically any pet store, or you can make them yourself. Check out how to tackle this simple and fun project here! This article gives you six ideas for the craft.
  • And for those looking to save some money: Stay thrifty with balled up wrapping paper from the rest of the family’s gifts! One of the best things about owning a cat is that they are very easily entertained and can make a toy out of nearly any object, whether it’s a piece of string or a moving spot of light.

Give Them the Gift of Good Health

As much as your feline family member would prefer a catnip-filled mouse toy over a trip to the vet, the best thing you can give him or her is a yearly medical checkup at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Here’s what one happy patient said about his experience bringing his beloved cat to our office:

“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!”

If it’s time to bring your kitty in for a checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment! Give the office a call at (856) 662-2662 or visit us at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Unusual Cat Myths for Halloween

halloween the cat clinic at cherry hill

Gather round the fire for these fun feline tales! During this spooky and superstitious time of year, most stories involving cats depict them as evil omens or the eerie companions of witches. Rather than dwell on the typical bad-luck black cat stereotype, The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has gathered up a few legends that paint our four-legged friends in a less villainous light.

Cat Stories from Around the World

Buddhist belief: A sect of Buddhism once practiced in former kingdoms of Siam and Burma believed that when you die (if you were holy enough), your soul is placed in a cat for safekeeping. Later, when the cat passes away, that soul ascends to paradise. This sect of Buddhism reveres cats as a result and often has depictions of them sleeping at the feet of statues of Buddha. In Thailand (once Siam), they still observe a ritual of presenting a live (Siamese) cat adorned in gold jewelry to each new Thai king during his coronation. It is thought that the spirit of the old king can witness the new king’s coronation through the cat’s eyes.

English belief: It was once believed that cats were able to predict the weather—by observing your resident feline’s behavior, you could get some clues on the daily forecast! Clawing at carpets or curtains signaled windy weather ahead. A rigorous grooming of the ears meant rain was on the way—as did staring out the window or sleeping with all four paws tucked under his or her body. The Welsh believed that when a cat’s pupils expanded, a storm was approaching.

Scandinavian belief: Referring to Norwegian Forest Cats in particular, people believed these felines were the favorite animals of Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility. Giving a black cat to newlyweds was considered good luck, and farmers who hoped for bountiful harvests would leave dishes of milk outside for the fortuitous felines. We can’t be sure that actually helped their harvest, but there’s no doubt it solved any mouse infestations in the farmers’ barns!

Bring Your Favorite Feline to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

No matter your cat’s backstory or supernatural abilities, it’s important to bring him to a reputable cat veterinarian for yearly health checks. Wondering if the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is the best place for your pet? We come highly recommended by our clients:

“We are so glad to have found Dr. McCauley and everyone at the Cat Clinic. Our four kitties are much less stressed during and after their visits. All of our questions and concerns are answered with patience and good humor, and we learn what we need to do to keep our kitties healthy for many years yet to come. We are from Philly and are happy to cross the bridge to Cherry Hill it is worth it. Thanks guys.” – Nellie J.

Give us a call at (856) 662-2662 if you’d like to set up an appointment for your cat! Or, check out where we are located and visit us at the office. We’d be happy to meet you and your furry family member!

Fall Decor Concerns for Cats

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

There is so much to love about fall—and so many ways to decorate the house accordingly. Break out the scented candles, the dried corn stalks for the front porch, and the mini pumpkins for every table in the house! Keep in mind, however, that many of these decorations are tempting toys (or tasty-looking tidbits) for your favorite feline. So how should you take your pet into consideration when transforming your home into a festive autumn wonderland? The experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can share some tips.

Knickknacks, Snacks, and Garlands Galore

  • Be cautious with candles – Who doesn’t love the soft glow and spicy scent of a seasonal candle? When you’re a cat owner, you know that a lit candle is not something you can leave unattended for long. Kitties have a habit of knocking things over when exploring tables and countertops (especially when your cat is active at night), and the last thing you want is a house fire from the pumpkin-spiced candle being pushed onto the carpet.
  • Choose flowers with care – Chrysanthemums, though the quintessential fall flower, are actually toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, digestive problems, agitation, and breathing difficulties. Wondering which plants are safe to keep in the house? Consult this helpful list of plants toxic to cats from the ASPCA.
  • Keep candies out of reach – A colorful bowl of M&Ms or candy corn is a sweet touch for your home’s autumnal atmosphere, but it’s no secret that cats and chocolate do not mix. And while sugar in general isn’t fatal for felines, it still isn’t healthy for them to consume. You want your cat to stay fit! To keep the candy bowl inaccessible to kitties, a heavy or sealable lid should do the trick.
  • Beware of small parts – That garland of miniature wooden pumpkins might be an adorable addition to your mantel, but it probably won’t be long until a furry paw swipes it to the ground. Examine your decorations and ask yourself, “If the cat got ahold of this, could it possibly be a choking hazard?” It might be best to reserve garlands only for rooms where pets aren’t permitted…or play it safe and skip them altogether.

Those are just a few ways you can protect your cat while still adding some fall pizzazz to your home. Happy decorating!

Choose The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

An easy way to prevent illnesses and ailments—whether they’re caused by decoration disasters or not—is to bring your cat to the vet annually for wellness checkups or other medical services. We encourage you to get in touch today to set up an appointment for your feline family member! We can be reached at (856) 662-2662. You can also come pay us a visit to check out our office in person; we are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. See you soon!

Knowing the Signs of a Great Cat Veterinarian

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill cat veterinarian

Need a sign? Look no further.

It’s easy to know when an office or place of business is not for you. The prices are totally unreasonable; the service is poor or ineffective; the employees are just plain unfriendly. So how can you tell when you’ve found a place that’s worth returning to–especially when the health of your beloved pet is on the line? We at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can tell you a few ways to recognize when you’ve found a great cat veterinarian:

1. The Doctor is Knowledgeable and Provides Excellent Treatment

First things first, the main reason you’re going to the vet’s office isn’t for your health: it’s for your cat’s health! The main thing you want in a cat veterinarian 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. The Staff is Friendly and Responsive

Let’s face it, the people at the front desk are the face of the office. If your interactions with staff are consistently unpleasant, there’s a good chance you won’t want to return–regardless of how great everything else is! You’ll find that everyone employed at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is friendly, compassionate, and genuine. 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. The Office Gets Rave Reviews

Whether you’re on the lookout for a spectacular restaurant, a reputable hair salon, or a trustworthy veterinarian, it’s very likely that you are scanning through people’s reviews of the place before you decide to venture over. This is a good practice! When a location is receiving 4 or 5 stars across the board, you feel a lot better about giving them your business. For example, here is one of the many kind testimonials a client wrote about The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill:

“I’ve found that it’s easy to be amazing when everything is going perfectly; it’s how problems are handled that show true character. Over the years, I’ve had both a diabetic cat and one with cancer. In each case, the cat was treated with tenderness and prescribed care explained well. Emergency appointments were squeezed in after what was surely an already long day of work. The good people here were compassionate and allowed as much time as needed. I cannot recommend the Cat Clinic highly enough.”

Your Number-One Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

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!

How to Extend the Life of Your Cat

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill cat long life

If only there were a magic elixir that would allow our beloved feline companions to live forever! According to the ASPCA, the average lifespan of an indoor cat is between 13 and 17 years, but many live to reach their early 20s. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is all about extending and enhancing the lives of our feline friends! We recommend following these tips to help your cat lead a longer, healthier life.

Exercise them
It’s the same deal for cats as it is for humans–regular exercise is essential for good health! Getting the heart pounding and blood pumping by chasing a laser pointer, jumping for a toy, climbing a cat tree…it’s all beneficial for increased cardiovascular fitness and mental stimulation. After all, a fit cat is a happy cat.

Encourage water consumption
Cats tend to go long periods of time without feeling the need to hydrate. Be sneaky: try adding some water to dry food so your cat gets some extra H2O without even knowing it, or include canned food to his diet for some extra water content.

Spay or neuter your cat
According to a 2013 survey, spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) actually correlates to pets living longer, healthier lives. Worried about the cost? Consider this: it’s more expensive to have a full litter of kittens to care for, and an unneutered male cat is far more likely to venture off and get into scrapes with local strays–the cost of treatment for injuries sustained from cat-fights isn’t a sunny prospect either!

Make regular vet visits
This includes oral care, proper grooming (especially for long-hair cats), and keeping pets up-to-date on vaccinations. Just like we humans need yearly physicals, our cats need yearly checkups! In fact, we recommend bringing your cat to the vet twice per year to keep her in optimum health. It’s a surefire way of making sure your furry friend stays bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

The Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian That Cares

Dr. John McCauley, the highly knowledgeable and experienced veterinarian at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, provides full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats. What does that mean for you and your kitty? Neither of you have to feel anxious about other large or noisy animals making a scene in the waiting room. You can also trust that your beloved feline is in good hands–cats are our passion! Make an appointment today by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we are excited to help give your cat the gift of good health and a long, satisfying life with his loving owner!

Featured Breed: The Siamese Cat

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

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.

  1. 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!
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.