Cat Behavior Archives - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Minimizing Cat Separation Anxiety

11.13.24

Summer is wrapping up and whether you’re starting to go back to school or the office, or you have a busier schedule coming up, you may be worrying about how your kitty will react when you’re not home with them as much. Leaving your cat alone can be a stressful experience and minimizing cat separation anxiety will make all the difference to your cat’s mental health! Experiencing separation anxiety is obviously not pleasant for your cat, but if your cat is making themself physically sick from separation anxiety, it’s time to call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to talk about some serious solutions. However, if your cat just needs some extra love and soothing, then a few simple steps can be taken to minimize the stress and keep your cat happy!

5 Tips For Minimizing Cat Separation Anxiety

Despite cats having a reputation for being independent pets, cat owners know that most cats can be clingy, too. If your clingy kitty has separation anxiety when you’re not around, try these tips to reduce their stress:

Make sure your cat has a view of the outside! Looking outside will prevent boredom, provide easy stimulation for your cat, and provide the sense they’re not all by themselves
Keep some sound on in the background while you’re gone. Low radio or TV will make your cat feel less alone.
Leave toys out that your kitty can play with on their own. Puzzle toys are great for independent play and can entertain your cat while you’re out
Catnip toys are a great tool for both entertaining your kitty and keeping them mellow. Or just give them a few catnip treats before you leave the house.
Have a professional kitty-sitter check in on your cat. Especially if you’re going away overnight, having someone check in on your cat daily will ensure your cat is safe, happy, and healthy.

Cat Still Anxious? Call Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If these tips don’t work or your cat’s anxiety is making them sick, more serious solutions or medication may be an option. The experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are here to help! For more information on cat separation anxiety or to schedule an appointment at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, give us a call at 856-662-2662.

Prevent Cats from Jumping on Counters

01.19.24

One of the biggest challenges any cat owner will face is the constant struggle of keeping your kitty off the counter. It’s in a cat’s nature to be up high, to play, and to treat your house as their own personal playground. However, we don’t always want our cats jumping up on our furniture, especially counters and tables where we eat or keep food. If you’re wondering how to prevent cats from jumping on counters, look no further! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has a few tips and tricks to stop your cats from leaping up on your counters, tables, and other places you don’t want them jumping.

4 Tips on How to Prevent Cats from Jumping on Counters

So your cat thinks he’s king of the castle. We’ve been there. That doesn’t mean you can’t set a few boundaries to help make your life a little easier! Here are a few ways on how to keep cats from jumping on counters:

First, if you don’t have one, get your kitty a cat tree! Cats simply love to be up high. If you provide a cat tree or another high-up place (such as a window hammock or wall-shelf), your cat might prefer it over your counters. Make the cat tree comfortable and attractive – leave a soft bed, toys, and treats there for your cat to find. Bonus if it includes scratching posts to help your cat stop scratching your furniture, too!
Next, try making your counter an unattractive place for your kitty. Cats love to get up high and knock things over – this is just how they play! Remove food, small objects, and anything else that may be enticing to your cat.
Another solution you can try is putting mildly sticky tape up on your counter. Cats don’t like the feeling of the tape on their paws. After this happens a few times, eventually your cat probably won’t want to jump up anymore. If sticky tape doesn’t work, try tin foil. They don’t like how the aluminum texture feels.
Finally, when your cat jumps on a place that you do deem acceptable, like their cat tree, it’s important to let your cat know they’re doing a great job so they can tell the difference between good places to jump and bad. Cats love positive reinforcement! Treats, pets, and positive tone-inflection in your voice will help your cat learn what places are good for jumping.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here for All Your Cat Needs

If you’re still having behavioral issues with your kitty, don’t despair! Training your kitty isn’t a lost cause! It might help to talk to a vet. They can offer ideas or refer you to a cat trainer who can help. For more information on how to prevent cats from jumping on counters, or to schedule an appointment with us, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.

Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

06.25.23

If you have a kitty, then you’re probably fully aware that it doesn’t matter how many toys you’ve given your cat; they still want to scratch up your furniture. It’s okay. It’s happened to the best of us. You’ve provided your cat with the most enticing scratching post or tree you can imagine, but they don’t seem interested. If you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching furniture then you’ve come to the right place! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat is scratching and how to help them stop!

How To Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

First, you’re probably wondering why our cat wants to scratch and why they won’t use their brand new cat tree! Well, the most obvious reason your cat keeps scratching is because they’re trying to remove the outer layer of their claws. Maybe they’re too sharp and the outer layer is likely dead. You can help them out by cutting their nails. Check out our post on that here! Great, but what if your cat is still headed toward the furniture? Here’s a few tips to help them stop scratching:

First, you can usually prevent your cat from scratching things you don’t want them to scratch by putting gentle sticky tape, foil, or sandpaper on them. Your cat won’t like the texture. You can also put an unfavorable odor on the objects with cotton balls. You can buy these at most pet stores.
Cats will often choose to scratch things as a way of marking their territory. If possible, try not to hide the scratching posts and cat trees in the corner of the room. Your cat might be choosing your couch because it’s the center of attention. A little rearranging of your room’s layout might be just the thing to get your kitty to stop scratching.
To help your cat get used to scratching something acceptable, put it at the same height they usually scratch and place it near an object they tend to scratch. So if your cat is scratching the corner of your armchair, put your scratching posts near the chair and ensure it’s at a similar height where they usually scratch. Once your cat is used to the new scratching post or tree, you can start to move it away little by little, but it’s often best to keep it in a close spot. You don’t want your cat to return to old habits.

Cat Still Scratching? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

If your cat continues to scratch, there might be a deeper behavioral or even health issue with your kitty. It’s best to talk to your vet. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat keeps scratching. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to schedule an appointment or to speak with a vet on why your cat might continue to scratch.

Keep Cats Calm for the Vet

02.03.23

When it comes to visiting the vet, most pets aren’t too keen to take the trip. However, we know more than most that cats can prove especially difficult. From the carrier to the fighting to get in the car to post-visit grumpiness, every cat handles a trip to the vet a little bit differently. Fortunately, there are some tried and true ways to keep cats calm for the vet and make this process a whole lot less painful both for your kitty and for you!

Tips on How to Keep Cats Calm for the Vet

Your cat might not like a trip in the car, so they might start to get anxious as soon as you get the carrier out. That’s okay! Here are a few things to help get your cat accustomed to all the things a vet trip might entail:

Set the carrier out in advance – your kitty knows when the carrier comes out, it’s time for a trip, so try setting the carrier out in advance or making it part of your kitty’s normal environment. This will help them get accustomed to seeing the carrier and even being inside it
Handle your kitty the way the vet might – if your cat is used to being examined or groomed, a trip to the vet won’t be so anxiety inducing. Ask your vet for tips on how to cut nails, examine their bellies and mouths, and properly handle your cat. By the time they’re seeing the vet, they’ll be used to it!
Don’t let your own stress show – your vibe is contagious! If you’re stressed about the visit, your cat will mirror it. Keep calm and reassure your cat with pets, soft words, and treats. Your stress will be one less thing for your kitty to worry about!

Need a Great Cat Vet? Try the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

If you’re struggling to find a great vet for your cat, then look no further. The vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are experienced cat experts who know exactly how to keep your kitty calm, cool, and collected. Once you visit our practice, you are sure to find that the knowledgeable and caring staff at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have years of experience in making anxious felines feel completely at ease! For more information on cats or our practice, call us at 856-662-2662 or follow our blog!

How to Build Trust with Cats

01.09.23

Like any relationship you have in your life, the one you share with your cat requires work and patience! Cats, like humans, have feelings and fears that guide their actions. Whether you’re a new cat owner or have had cats your whole life, it’s important to foster a healthy relationship with your cat so you both can live a happy life together! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help show you how to build trust with cats so you can create a relationship based on confidence and faith with your feline friend.

Tips for Building Trust with Cats

Whether your cat is outgoing or shy, cuddly or independent, building trust with your cat is essential for a peaceful home! Here are a few tips to help you lay a healthy relationship with your kitty:

Let your cat take the lead – like any relationship in your life, it’s not helpful to force anything. Let your cat come to you on its own terms. Your cat is always picking up on your social cues and trying to learn the best way to interact with you!
Understand your cat’s limits – Some cats will want to cuddle you 24/7, while other cats will be very particular about when and where you touch them. Take your time learning what they like and respect their limits.
Respect your kitty’s space – Especially if you’ve just brought your kitten home for the first time, it’s important to let your cat navigate your home on its own time. They’ll establish their favorite places and will come to you when they’re ready for attention.
Reward your cat with positive reinforcement – This is not only a great way to train cats, but can be helpful in guiding your cat to understand what makes you happy! Using treats or petting them after a positive interaction will do wonders in building trust and establishing what you both enjoy!

Got Cat Questions? Contact the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Cats, like humans, are complex creatures with unique personalities and behaviors. Knowing how to build trust with cats is a great first step in understanding their wants and needs! For more information on cat behaviors or cat health, you can contact the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. You can also follow our blog for more helpful tips, tricks, and helpful hints!

Should I Adopt a Cat This Year?

12.02.22

If you’re looking to adopt a furry friend in the upcoming year, you can’t go wrong with adopting a cat! As far as domestic pets go, they can be one of the best additions to your family. Not only are they relatively low-maintenance, they can live upwards of twenty years, making them life-long friends and the perfect companion. If you’re a first time cat-owner though, you may still be wondering “should I adopt a cat?”. Worry not! The cat experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have compiled a helpful list of reasons you should adopt a cat this year.

Why You Should Adopt a Cat

When it comes to pets, cats are one of the best options out there! Here’s why:

If you are looking for an animal with a longer lifespan, cats are the way to go! Their average lifespan is anywhere from 12-18 years, but some live into their twenties!
Cats are also a very low-maintenance pet who provide a little more freedom for when you have plans. Traditionally, cats require a lower level of commitment than dogs. Although cats do need playtime, cuddles, and attention, most cats require slightly less consistent maintenance. Unlike dogs, cats take themselves to the bathroom, just like you and can be pretty independent players! They also typically don’t mind sleeping most of the day away, so don’t feel guilty about any plans that take you out of the house. Your kitty is fine by itself for a few hours.
Despite all the stereotypes, cats can be pretty affectionate animals! Similar to most pets, they have their own personalities ranging from needy to independent. Most cats enjoy playtime, cuddles, and just hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a snuggly companion to keep you company, a cat is the pet for you!
Cats are scientifically proven to be good for your mental health. Cats make great at-home support animals. They’re intelligent and know when you’re feeling down. A furry friend is a great way to boost mood and morale when you’re feeling low.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Can Help You with Adoption

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill always has information on cat adoption and often hosts or participates in adoption events all year ‘round! For more information on cat adoption, or if you’re still wondering “should I adopt a cat?”, call the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662 today!

Why Do Cats Thump Their Tails?

12.02.22

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

4 Reasons Cats Thump or Wag Their Tails

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

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

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

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

Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop?

10.27.22

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

4 Reasons Cats Might Bury Their Poop

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

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

Bathroom Problems? Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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

Caring For Older Cats, Ages 11 and Up

08.02.22

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

Tips For Caring for Older Cats

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

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

Let the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Treat Your Older Cat

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

Adopt a Cat This Summer

08.02.22

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

Reasons to Adopt a Cat This Summer

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

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

Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Info on Adoption

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