Cat Behavior Archives - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

How to Build Trust with Cats: A Guide from the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

05.20.25

When you adopt a cat, it’s important to form a positive connection with them to create a welcoming environment in your home. Whether your cat is shy, aggressive, or stand-offish, most cats will warm up to you over time. The key with any kitty is forming mutual trust and fostering a positive relationship. Having a great relationship with your cat is possible, and the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few things you can do to build trust with cats.

5 Ways to Build Trust with Cats

Cats can be finicky creatures, but having a good relationship with your kitty is possible! That’s why the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are here with a guide on how to build trust with cats:

Learn body language cues: Cats can be very expressive with their body language, and this is one of the biggest tells on whether they trust you. A cat who’s sitting and watching you intently is displaying more signs of mistrust than one who is sleeping belly-up next to you. Here’s a great tool for reading cat body language.
Respect personal space: It’s no secret that cats enjoy their independence. Whether you’re just introducing your cat to your home or you’ve been living together for a while, your cat is likely to want a space just for them. If they’ve found a space they enjoy being in alone, it’s best not to invade their spot. Your cat will come to you when they’re ready for attention.
Learn your cat’s limits for physical touch. Some cats love to be pet all over; others prefer certain spots and only when the stars are aligned. Be predictable with your moments and refer back to their body language when petting or playing.
Use positive reinforcement techniques. Whether you’re training your cat to do a trick or just want to reward it for being social, positive reinforcement can go a long way. Treats, pets, and verbal praise are great rewards for good behavior.
Be patient. Like most relationships, building a healthy and happy one with your cat can take time. When you respect your cat’s boundaries and make an effort to learn how they use body language to communicate what they like or dislike, eventually, your cat will begin to open up, relax, and feel comfortable with you.

For All Your Cat Needs, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

When it comes to your cat, trust the experts! Whether you’re looking for more behavior advice or the best cat vet in town, the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has you covered. We’re a full service veterinary clinic exclusively for cats and have been serving Jersey residents since 1997! For more tips on how to build trust with cats or to schedule an appointment with us, call our office at (856) 662-2662. You can also check out our blog for more tips, tricks, and need-to-knows about cat-ownership.

Training Your Cat to Sit with Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

01.17.25

If you’re a cat owner, you may be wondering if it’s possible to teach your cat tricks. However, it’s a common misconception that cats aren’t trainable or that they’re too independent to listen to their owners. Cats are extremely smart and clever, and many are eager to play and learn! Just like dogs, training a cat to do tricks is not only possible, but in some cases, pretty easy. Of course, it’s best to start with something cats already do naturally: sitting! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help with training your cat to sit.

Training Your Cat to Sit in 4 Easy Steps

Cats, like dogs, are typically pretty motivated by the promise of treats. Positive reinforcement can go a long way! Follow these 4 steps 2-3 times per day for several minutes. Repetition will help your cat learn what to do and you should be able to train a cat to sit in no time!

When your cat sits, at the same time, say “sit.” If your cat is responsive to its name, you can say your cat’s name first, then give the sit command.
Give your cat a treat when it sits and has heard you say the command, even if your cat did not intentionally sit because you said “sit.” Your cat will begin to associate receiving the treat with the act of sitting, as well as with the command “sit”.
It’s important to praise your cat with words and pets as well as treats! The more positive reinforcement the better.
If your cat begins to grasp how to sit on command, it’s great to introduce a hand motion, too. Holding your hand (with a treat) above its head is a common hand motion for this trick. Your cat will look up at your hand and naturally be inclined to sit on its butt.

For More Tips on Training, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Cats are smart animals who naturally love to play, so training them can be fun enrichment for both you and your cat! If you’ve mastered how to train a cat to sit, then you can start moving on to other fun tricks, like high-five, shake, and even rolling over. The steps offered above work great for any tricks you want to teach your cat, but for more awesome training tips, or if you have questions about behavioral training, contact the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! You can call us at 856-662-2662 or check out our blog for more tips and tricks about living with cats!

Why You Should Adopt A Cat in 2025

12.23.24

Pets are great companions and often lifelong friends. If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, you want to make sure you get an animal that fits your lifestyle and personality. That’s why the experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a helpful list of why you should adopt a cat.

5 Reasons to Adopt a Cat in 2025

When it comes to furry animals, cats make great pets for a plethora of reasons:

Despite popular cat misconceptions, cats can be very cuddly and affectionate animals! Similar to dogs, they have their own personalities, quirks, and habits. While there are cats who may act indifferent or standoffish, most cats, like dogs, enjoy playtime, snuggles, and hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a cuddly companion to be your best friend, cats are a great option!
In terms of commitment, cats typically come with a lower level of maintenance than dogs. Although some cats might want just as much attention from you as a dog might, cats require slightly less hourly attention. Unlike dogs, cats take themselves to the bathroom, just like you! For the most part, they’re also fine being alone for a day and are prone to spending many hours sleeping.
One difference from dogs is that playtime can be more independent for cats. 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!
Cats are also good bug and rodent deterrents! The natural predator instinct in cats means they love to catch mice, rats, and bugs of all kinds. You won’t have a rodent problem with a cat around.
Studies show cats are 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.

Looking to Adopt? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Info

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill always has information on cat adoption and often hosts or participates in adoption events. For more information on why you should adopt a cat, 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!

How to Help Cats During the Holidays

12.23.24

The holiday season is here, which means you’re probably gearing up for all the cheery festivities! Whether you’re hosting guests or traveling away from home, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time for anyone — especially people with pets. For cat owners, the holidays can be a little tricky, especially if your cat doesn’t particularly like social gatherings and you plan on hosting a family get together. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together some tips for how to help cats during the holidays to get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Helping Cats During the Holidays

Between food, guests, weather, and all the decorations, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that your kitty might encounter this holiday season. Here are a few tips for cat owners to help your cat get through the holidays with minimum stress:

Work with your cat’s social anxiety — If your cat isn’t a people-person or is pretty skittish, having a lot of guests over might stress them out. To help put your cat at ease, ensure they have their own quiet space away from people where they can hide and stay out of the way. Closing off the upstairs level of your home or even shutting them in your bedroom are great ways to give your cat their own temporary space to feel safe until the party is over.
Research what food is okay for cats — Your kitty might sniff out the food you’re preparing for the celebration, but be careful what they actually eat! Turkey skin, bones, and gravy might make your cat sick. If they’re curious, feed them a small bite of plain turkey meat and see how they react. If they’re okay in a few hours, another bite or two is probably okay, but make sure it’s bone-free.
Keep your cats away from toxic plants — Many holiday plants look great in your home, but they’re unfortunately toxic to kitties! Do your research on plants that are toxic to cats; to start with, cats should avoid interacting with poinsettias, lilies, and evergreen trees.
Be mindful of weather — Most cats don’t like the wet or the cold, but for the curious cat who does, snow isn’t a great idea. Your cat will be okay to poke around in the snow for a minute or two, but anything more than that and they could get sick. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your cat. Plus, if your cat’s fur gets too wet, it might not hold the heat as it’s supposed to. You don’t want your kitty to get hypothermia!

If Your Cat Seems Sick, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Even if you follow these tips on how to help cats during the holidays, remember that mistakes happen! We try our best to protect our kitties from the hazards that accompany the holidays, but we can’t always predict everything that might go wrong. If your cat eats something they shouldn’t or looks sick from the cold, contact your closest emergency vet immediately. For everything else, give the kitty experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call! Schedule an appointment with us today at 856-662-2662.

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!