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Bald and Beautiful: Sphynx Cat Facts

12.15.16

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The hairless variety of any animal can be quite an unusual sight, but those who own the unique-looking Sphynx cat can tell you that what they lack in fur they more than make up for in personality! These kitties are among the most affectionate and playful feline breeds out there, proving the mood-boosting benefits of owning a cat. They love attention, which they typically don’t have a problem getting from the vast number of people who are intrigued by their striking appearance. This cat’s beauty is more than just skin-deep! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to share some hair-raising facts about Sphynxes…

They aren’t completely hairless. Sphynxes may not have the thick fur coat of other cat breeds, but they are not totally bald! If you’ve ever actually handled this breed, you know that it’s a bit similar to holding a wrinkly suede pillow. A soft, barely visible layer of fine hair covers this kitty from head to tail. Additionally, colors and patterns on their skin are often apparent and can give you an idea of what they might look like with fur.

They are the perfect socialites. Friendships with other cats, friendly dogs, and children are not only possible, but very likely. Sphynxes naturally enjoy company and can live peacefully with other animals. They are also more likely to want to be held or snuggled for warmth. (If you’re particularly considerate, get your Sphynx cat a few sweaters to wear when the house gets chilly; he will appreciate the extra layer and look more dapper than ever.)

Skincare is important! This breed may not need brushing, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the hook as far as grooming goes. The soft skin of Sphynx cats can be sensitive and needs moisturizing lotion. It’s also a good idea to apply a light coat of sunscreen to avoid burns from harsh sunlight if he likes to catch some rays outside or on the windowsill. These high-maintenance kitties need weekly baths as well to keep their skin from getting too oily. If you find that your kitty is having dermatological issues, be sure to bring him to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian for prompt treatment!

They hail from Canada. We can just imagine the shock when the first domestic hairless kitten was born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A naturally recessive genetic mutation, this hairless feature was intentionally bred for throughout the subsequent years, and the Sphynx breed was established.

Believe it or not, you could be allergic to them. People often think that a cat without fur is the ideal pet for someone with allergies, and we can’t blame them for making that assumption; however, Sphynxes do produce the allergenic protein “Fel d 1” in their saliva that triggers the typical itchy, watery-eyed reactions of allergy sufferers. It’s said that they produce lower levels of this allergen than most felines, but you’re better off with a Russian Blue or Siberian cat if you really want to play it safe.

Owning a Sphynx may require a little extra maintenance, but you are rewarded with ample affection and entertainment from your feline companion. If you have questions or concerns about your cat, don’t hesitate to contact the experts here at our office. As the best cat veterinarian in Cherry Hill, we’re happy to answer any inquiries and set up appointments for your beloved four-legged family members!

Modern Cat Celebrities

06.17.16

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.34.03 PM Photo Credit: Getty Images

When asked to think of famous cats, which ones do you recall first? Perhaps fictional characters such as the Cat in the Hat or Puss in Boots come to mind. We’ve compiled a list of real modern day cat celebrities that have effortlessly amassed huge followings of loving fans. Are you familiar with any of these famous felines?

1. Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey Swift

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @taylorswift

Taylor Swift’s cats, named after Detective Olivia Benson from Law & Order and Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy, might just be responsible for the singer’s staggering number of Instagram followers. Their antics and adorable expressions have caused them to quickly gain fans worldwide. These two beautiful kitties are Scottish Folds, which explains their small, downward tilted ears. Taylor Swift describes her fur babies as fun, social cats that make for good travel companions.

2. Tardar Sauce, AKA: “Grumpy Cat”

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @realgrumpycat

Grumpy Cat became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photograph of her unimpressed, disgruntled face was posted on the popular website Reddit. Since then, she has made appearances on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and American Idol, as well as in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine. Grumpy Cat’s photo is often accompanied by hilarious negative captions that appeal to the pessimist in all of us. Her owner states that the grumpy expression is a result of feline dwarfism and an underbite, and that little Tardar Sauce isn’t actually grumpy at all! She is described as a “good-tempered cat,” despite the permanent scowl.

3. Lil Bub

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @iamlilbub

Similar to Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub is an internet star whose adorably peculiar appearance rocketed her to fame. She has several genetic mutations which include extra toes and a short lower jaw that causes her tongue to hang out; she is also toothless! Lil Bub’s owner, Mike Bridavsky, frequently does meet-and-greets with his furry friend at various animal shelters, which receive donations and a portion of the merchandise sales from each event. This four-legged celebrity has been featured on the Today Show, The View, and Good Morning America. She even has her own book, titled, “Lil Bub’s Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet.”

4. Stubbs: Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska

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Photo Credit: Instagrammer @stubbsmayorcat

Stubbs the cat was voted the mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska when he was just a kitten; apparently the human candidates for the position just didn’t measure up! Stubbs is now nearly 20 years old and resides in the upper room of a general store. He has done a good job of boosting tourism to the area (not many places can boast that they have a cat in office!) and keeping the streets free of vermin. What does a cat mayor do, you might ask? Stubbs spends his days wandering freely into the restaurants and shops of the town, occasionally enjoying a sip of water from a wineglass spiked with catnip. It sounds like the perfect life for a hardworking kitty politician!

Your furry family member might not be an internet sensation or hold political office, but we think that all cats deserve star treatment! Get in touch with a trusted cat veterinarian here at our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Benefits of Owning a Cat

01.13.16

All loving cat-owners know that having a cat around is rewarding in itself—many of us can’t imagine life without our fur babies! As Sigmund Freud once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” There are a few good reasons for having a feline in the house besides a warmed lap. Here are five ways in which cats enrich the lives of their humans:

1. They’re good for your heart! Pets in general are good for your heart, but especially cats. Cat owners find that their stress levels drop more so than even dog owners (maybe because felines don’t require as much effort as canines), and experience less anxiety in their lives. Also, we can all confirm that their antics frequently serve as a comic relief. How about the purring? Petting a cat is therapeutic and calming. Interestingly, studies have shown that those who own cats are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than those who do not have cats.

2. They provide a sense of companionship. Who says dogs are more affectionate than cats? Contrary to popular belief, many cats love to interact with their loving owners and often initiate contact. Go ahead and stroke that soft coat and hold him in your lap—both you and your cat will benefit from the time together!

3. A coping mechanism. Through any type of struggle or loss, cats help their owners get through it. One of the best parts about having a pet is the ability to speak without fear of judgment or negative response. Work through complex thoughts and feelings, have a good cry, and rest easy knowing that your feline companion is there to offer purrs and cuddles of comfort.

4. They teach responsibility and empathy. For those who have children, owning a cat shows them how to care for something besides themselves and to consider how their actions affect other individuals. A consistent feeding and litter box-cleaning schedule teaches the importance of self-discipline, sticking with a routine, and putting others’ needs before their own. A lesson in responsibility has never been so rewarding!

5. They help you get social. Owning a cat provides ample opportunity for starting conversation with new acquaintances, which lends itself to great sociability. Good news for single guys: a study has shown that women are more attracted to men who own or have owned cats, as it suggests that they are more sensitive and intelligent. Or maybe they just know that cat people are the best kind of people.

We’re pretty sure you didn’t need a list of reasons to confirm why owning a cat enhances the quality of your life, but we hope you learned something new! As your trusted cat veterinarian, we’re here to ensure that your precious pet has a long, healthy life ahead of her. Be sure to contact us with any questions or appointment requests!

Should I Let My Cat Outside?

10.07.15

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Perhaps you’ve observed your furry companion gazing almost wistfully at the great outdoors from behind the window and wondered, “What’s the harm in letting the poor little guy roam outside?” Many cat owners wonder if it’s cruel or unnatural to keep their feline friends cooped up indoors every day. Some feel that it is more humane to allow their pet to wander freely outside and return home at their leisure. As ideal as it sounds, there are actually quite a few consequences to this course of action!

First, let’s consider your pet’s safety: parasites, disease, cars, and other animals all pose significant threats to an outdoor cat—not to mention cruel people who abuse or kill wandering animals for “sport.” Outside of the security of your home, your cat is exposed to a variety of dangers and nuisances such as fleas, ticks, upper respiratory infections, feline distemper, and other health issues. No one wants to think about their beloved animal in discomfort or pain, but it’s important to be aware of these hazards.

Besides the health risks posed to your cat, there is also the issue of potential damage to the local environment. Has your furry friend ever brought you a “gift” in the form of a mangled mouse or battered bird? While it’s certainly beneficial to have this kind of pest control inside of the home, it is harmful and unnecessary outside of the house. According to American Humane Association, outdoor cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, “yet birds are believed to be only 20 percent of the wildlife [they] kill.” This is especially concerning when the populations of native species begin to dwindle. Animal lovers should care about the well-being of both pets and wildlife!

So, should you let your cat wander freely, or should you bar all of the exits? Is there a middle ground? Let’s look at a few ways to keep frisky felines happy and stimulated inside of the home:

New toys! Satisfy your little hunter’s instincts by providing him or her with an interactive toy to chase (laser pointers, for example).
New friend! Have you thought about finding a compatible cat or dog to keep your current kitty company?
Posts, perches, and hiding places! Cats need designated surfaces on which to flex those claws, so be sure to provide them with some good scratching posts. Perches and fun, low-cost hiding places (such as cardboard boxes) are purr-fect for nice views and peaceful havens.

If you still feel that your companion deserves a little fresh air and time in nature, there is always the option of using a leash! Adult supervision, as well as the proper vaccinations from a cat veterinarian, will allow your feline to enjoy the great outdoors without the negative side effects. If your cat needs to be vaccinated, or if you have any questions regarding your furry friend, get in touch with the professionals at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! Call (856) 662-2662 today.

Five Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

04.16.15

Photo Credit: Robert Couse –Baker

Are you saddened by your cat or pet allergy? Wipe away your tears! There is a possibility that you can adopt a cat and still avoid red, puffy eyes.

If you want to get technical, 100% hypoallergenic cats do not exist, or research studies have not fully proven it yet. However, there are many breeds that produce fewer allergies than others. We suggest scheduling a play date with a hypoallergenic cat before making a commitment, in case your allergies are severe.

(Helpful fact: Cats produce pet dander, which is an allergen, but the major culprit that accounts for 10% of allergies is most likely a protein called “Fel d1”, which is found in cat saliva.)

Without further ado, here are five cat breeds that people with allergies should consider adopting!

1. Siberian. These majestic creatures hail from Russia. Their gorgeous fur coats make a statement! The Siberian cat is an ancient breed that is believed to be ancestral to all modern long-haired cats. Studies have shown that Siberian cats produce less Fel d1 than other breeds, which is good news for allergic people.

2. Siamese. The Siamese cat is a popular breed that is native to Thailand. They are recognized by their blue, almond-shaped eyes, large ears, a triangular-shaped head, and a thin, sleek body. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and very social.

3. Balinese. The Balinese originated as a natural mutation of the Siamese breed. These cats are known for their startling sapphire-blue eyes, and Siamese-style point coloration. They are considered to be the most intelligent of the long-haired breeds. The Balinese is another breed that produces low amounts of Fel d1 protein allergy.

4. Bengal. The Bengal cat came about from selective breeding to imitate the felines of the jungle, such as the leopard and ocelot. They are known for their large spots and rosette patterns on their fur. Their taxonomic name is “Asian leopard cat.” These cats may look wild, but they are actually very gentle creatures.

5. Burmese. The Burmese breed originated in Southeast Asia, and later developed in the United States. In 1930, a cat from Burma was bred with an American Siamese, creating the Burmese cat. Both American and British breeders developed two different breed standards that contrast mostly in head and body shape. Both varieties are known for their playful temperaments and vocalization.

And that’s not all! There are many more hypoallergenic cats that give hope to the allergy-plagued world.

Check back for more information about cat breeds and cat facts. And if your own feline friend is in need of medical services or a check-up, you know who to call…the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! One of our passionate doctors would be glad to lend your pal a hand.

Call us at (856) 662-2662 or see where we’re located and stop in!

On The Rise: Cat Cafés

03.19.15

Photo Credit: Sarah Poe

Are you a cat lover, but not a cat owner? Perhaps your landlord won’t let you keep a cat, despite your pleadings. Or maybe your spouse or roommate has a cat allergy. What a miserable life that must be!

So, how can you get your cuddle fix?

Consider visiting a “cat café.” What is a “cat café”, you ask? Exactly what the name implies! To put it simply, it’s a café with a bunch of friendly cats milling about. You can watch and play with these cats as you sip hot, soothing beverages, for maximum relaxation.

Why is this such a marvelous idea? Aside from the obvious reasons– cats are cute, cuddly, and fun to play with– spending time with animals can be wonderfully therapeutic. Studies have shown that animals can help reduce stress levels and boost your mood. The physical act of petting can be healing, and playing with cats can be a great distraction from the stressors of life.

Placing these kinds of cafés in major cities is a wise idea as well. Many apartment tenants are unable to have pets of their own, and the only other option would be to volunteer at an animal shelter. This is a fantastic middle ground for cat lovers who don’t have the privilege of owning their own fluffy friends.

Who came up with this brilliant business endeavor? The first cat café, “Cat Flower Garden”, opened its doors in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. The idea has traveled to Japan, Austria, Germany, Russia, Hungary, France, Italy, Spain, Canada and finally the United States!

The first American cat café, “Cat Town Café” opened last fall in Oakland, California, and they have made it their mission to use this café as an adoption agency, so if you make a connection with one of the cats, you may be able to take it home! There are a few other cat cafés in operation, such as:

“Planet Tails Cat Café” in Naples, FL
“Denver Cat Company” in Denver, CO
“The Cat Café” in San Diego, CA
“Purrington’s Cat Lounge” in Portland, OR

There are over 15 cat cafés projected to open over the next year or two. The USA is finally catching up! A woman in Washington, DC is trying to open up a cat café this summer, “Crumbs and Whiskers,” so we may have to make a trip out there just for that. Can we get one in Philadelphia, please? We would definitely endorse that project.

So, whether you’re a cat café entrepreneur, or simply a cat owner, your feline friend is going to need some medical assistance to keep it happily purring. That’s where we come in!

5 Reasons Cats Make the Perfect Pet

02.25.15

Well folks, this is our first blog post! If you’re wondering why we’ve just started blogging now, it simply feels like it’s the right time. With decades of experience as a cat vet in Cherry Hill, we have many cat tails to tell.

We’d like to provide our fellow cat lovers with feline-filled content. Here we will discuss what we’ve learned and experienced over the years at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. The goal is to just provide you with something informative yet fun. And what better way to kick off our blog than by professing our love for our feline friends?

Now, unless you suffer from cat allergies, there really is no excuse for not owning a cat. If you do own a cat then you’ll probably agree that the following are the top five reasons cats make for the perfect pet!

#1 Intelligence

Felines are known for their sharp intelligence. While comparing cats and dogs is like comparing apples and oranges, it’s safe to say that cats are super smart in their own right. They are able to hone mental and physical abilities through practice and are great learners of tricks when you take the time to teach them.

Also, a cat never forgets! Move over elephants, a cat’s memory is incredibly powerful. According to Animal Planet, “Once attained, even if by accident or trial and error, most knowledge is retained for life, thanks to the cat’s excellent memory.”

#2 Entertainment

It’s no secret that cats are some of the silliest creatures on this planet. Whether they’re playing with you, another feline friend or just by themselves, they are sure to bring the laughs! As fellow cat owners and expert cat doctors in Cherry Hill, we’ve seen cats do some funny things over the years.

#3 Low Maintenance

Cats are pretty easy to please, as well as easy to housebreak and clean up after. Who doesn’t love that?! Cats make for the perfect pet for neat freaks because you won’t have to deal with repetitive accidents.

Also, not having to walk cats is a bonus. During the rain or freezing cold winters, having to take a pet outside must get tiresome. Just make sure to maintain the litter box, provide food and water, and you will have a happy cat on your hands!

#4 Pest Control

With their supersensitive ears, cats have a knack for seeking out pests. They also have no qualms about eradicating these pests, if/when they get their paws on them! Think of it as nature’s pest control.

#5 Cuteness

Above all else, cats are incredibly cute creatures. Depending on what kind of cat you have, they can be extremely fluffy and make for a great cuddle buddy. Even if your cat isn’t the snuggling kind, they’re still an adorable companion.

Of course there are plenty more reasons why cats are so lovable and make for great pets. But for today, these five should do!

If you’re ever in need of the medical services of a cat doctor in Cherry Hill, look to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We are cat fanatics and, more than anything, we love to help our local feline friends maintain their health and happiness.

For more information on our Cherry Hill cat clinic, please take a look around our site or give us a call at (856) 662-2662!