Cat Behavior Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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!

Are Cats Good Pets for Kids?

05.29.22

When you have kids, it’s only a matter of time before they ask if they can have a pet. Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or your household is currently pet-free, this question can leave you with a lot of doubts. You’re thinking about space, money, if your kids are ready. It’s a lot to consider. If you’re trying to decide if you should let your kids have a pet, you’re probably wondering “are cats good pets for kids?” The is answer is yes! However, there are a few things to consider before making your final decision, and the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help.

Is a Cat the Right Pet for Your Kids?

There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding cats, but here are the facts to consider before deciding if cats are the best fit for your family:

Cats, like dogs, need love and affection. Some cats may be a little antisocial, but the truth is, most cats enjoy cuddling and hanging out with you in some aspect. But just like dogs, it depends on the cat! All animals have their own personalities, so it’s a good idea to meet the animal before adopting.
Cats are a little lower maintenance than dogs. Cats do need you to play with them, feed them, and pay attention to them, however their litter box gives you a little more flexibility when it comes to leaving the house. If you’re a busy bee, cats are a great pet.
Similarly, cleaning the litter box is a task that needs to be done regularly and can teach responsibility, which is a great lesson for kids to learn.
Some kids may be allergic to cats! So be sure you know what your family’s tolerance for cats is when it comes to allergies.
Just like any pet, they require food, toys, treats, and regular trips to the vet. It’s important to know if there’s room in your budget to keep your cat happy and healthy!

Cats are Good Pets for Kids — Learn More Today!

There’s a lot to consider before getting your kids a pet, and cats are great pets for kids, but if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s okay! Don’t rush into your decision. If you’d like to talk one-on-one with a vet about what it takes to adopt a cat, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We’re happy to walk you through all the responsibilities of cat-ownership, as well as what it takes to keep them happy and healthy. Just give us a call at 856-662-2662! And don’t forget! We often host or participate in adoption events for whenever you’re ready to add a new friend to your family. You can also learn more about cat ownership by visiting our blog!

How to Give a Cat a Pill

01.28.22

Cats are pretty infamous for doing what they want when they want, which means it can be difficult to hold them still or groom them. Unfortunately, this includes when they need to take pills. Cats can be picky eaters who also won’t sit still, but what do you do when a cat needs to take a pill? Afterall, it’s for their own good! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few tips on how to give a cat pill so that your cat can be healthy and happy and you can escape the experience unscathed.

Tips and Tricks on How to Give a Cat a Pill!

We know administering medication to your cat can feel like a daunting task for both you and your cat, but don’t worry! It’s definitely possible, and can even be easy with these tips, tricks, and tools.

Similar to dogs, some kitties will take medication easily if you hide it in their food. Especially that wet food they love so much. If your pill is solid, you can even cut it into smaller pieces so it’s easier to consume. For cats that always finish their meal, this is a great option to try.
If your cat is usually calm and doesn’t mind being held, you can also try to directly place the pill in their mouth. Gently hold their mouth closed and tilt the head back so they will swallow the pill.
When holding your cat, make sure they are comfortable, either in your lap or on a surface. For some cats, it may be beneficial to wrap them in a blanket with just their head sticking out. This will neutralize those sharp claws to keep you safe!
Lastly, did you know there’s something called a pill plunger? They sell them at most pet stores, as well as online. It’s a neat tool that allows you to directly put the pill into your cat’s mouth without endangering your fingers on those sharp teeth.

When in Doubt, Talk to the Vet

At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we specialize in cat health, but giving cats their medication can be difficult even for our vets. Every cat is different, so the same methods won’t always work for every cat! If you’re still struggling to give your cat the medication they need, give us a call at 856-662-2662. We are happy to walk you through the process, or give a demonstration at your cat’s appointment. Your cat’s health is our priority, and we want you to feel comfortable administering their at-home medication. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office! For more tips and tricks to caring for your cat, you can also check out our blog!

Moving with Cats: Tips and Tricks

12.16.21

Moving is one of the biggest life changes a person can make and can be extremely stressful and disruptive. For our cats, this can feel overwhelming and scary. New smells, a new home, a lot of travel time – all these sudden changes can be anxiety-inducing for our cats. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to make our move easier on our cats! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some tips and tricks to make moving with cats a smooth transition that can keep them as calm and comfortable as possible!

How to Prepare for and Keep Cats Comfortable with Moving

Moving with cats can feel like a huge ordeal for both you and your cat. Try these tips from the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Introduce your cats to the carrier – If your cat isn’t already familiar with a cat carrier, it’s a good idea to introduce them to one prior to the move. This will prevent more anxiety and uncertainty when your moving day finally comes.
Update your cat’s contact info prior to moving – To prepare for the move, update your kitty’s tags with your new address and phone number, if necessary.
Keep your cat in their carrier on the trip – Your cat should hopefully be used to their carrier by now, and this will offer some semblance of familiarity while moving. If your trip is on the longer side, your cat might spend most of it sleeping.
Start slow – Once you’re in your new living space, it’s best to introduce your cat to one room at a time. Put items they’re familiar with into one room, like their litter box, toys, food, bed, scratching post, and other things with their scent. Let your cat begin to explore slowly, one room at a time.
Ask your vet for more options – If your cat experiences increased anxiety while moving or after the move, ask your vet for more options on treating anxiety, including medication.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and You

If you’re moving to Cherry Hill, The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a great option for a new vet’s office for your kitty! We specialize in cat health and offer a variety of healthcare options. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to set up your first appointment. Moving with cats can have a lasting impact on their attitude and mental health; we can help ease that transition! Schedule your appointment today. We can’t wait to meet your kitty!

How to Train a Cat to Sit in 5 Steps

11.22.21

The old saying goes “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but what about a cat? 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! 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 with a few tips on how to train a cat to sit.

Train a Cat to Sit in 5 Easy Steps

Cats, like dogs, are typically pretty motivated by the promise of treats. So get a few treats ready and in just 5 easy steps, 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.” This is great positive reinforcement that your cat will begin to associate with the act of sitting as well as with the command “sit”.
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, like holding your hand (with a treat) above its head. Your cat will look up at your hand and naturally be inclined to sit on its butt.
Train 2-3 times per day for several minutes. Repetition will help your cat learn what to do!

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

Cats are smart animals who love to play, so training them can be fun 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!

Holiday Tips for Cat Owners

10.29.21

Spending the Winter Holidays with Your Cat?

Holiday season is just about here, which means the festive atmosphere around your house is starting to amp up! From decorating to cooking, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time for anyone, let alone 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 holiday tips for cat owners that will help get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Keep These Holiday Tips for Cat-Owners in Mind

Between decorations, weather, guests, and food, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that make their way onto your cat’s radar for the holiday season. Here are some holiday tips for cat-owners to help your cat adjust:

Social anxiety — If your cat isn’t a people-person, having a lot of guests over may stress them out. To help your cat remain calm, 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 until the party is over.
Food — 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.
Plants — Many holiday plants look great in your home, but they’re unfortunately toxic to kitties! Do your research before buying a plant to put in your home, but to start with, cats should avoid interacting with poinsettias, lilies, and evergreen trees.
Snow — 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 your cat 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 is Sick, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

We all do our best to protect our kitties from the hazards that accompany the holidays, but sometimes mistakes happen. If your cat eats something they shouldn’t or looks sick from the cold, contact your closest emergency vet. 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.

Cat Myths Busted and Debunked

09.23.21

Fact vs Fiction: Cat Edition

When it comes to strong opinions about pets, most people have them about cats. Cats are mean, black cats are unlucky, cats have nine lives – what’s fact and what’s fiction? Cat myths are pretty common, so if you’re trying to decide if you should adopt a cat for the first time, how do you know what’s true and what’s false? Well the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help debunk the top 5 misconceptions about cats!

5 Cat Myths Busted

Cats have been the subject of many myths and tales all around the world for centuries. Check out these common myths about cats:

Cats have nine lives. Nobody really knows where this myth came from (perhaps Shakespeare?), but one thing is for certain: like humans, cats only have one life. So why the nine lives myth? Well, cats are extremely talented at getting themselves out of dangerous situations. They’re known to survive high falls, squeeze through tight spots, and they’re really good at hiding!
Cats are mean and don’t like people. If you’ve ever had a cat, you know this myth was probably made by someone who hasn’t had a kitty in their lives. It’s true that many cats have an independent nature, but cats will also form strong attachments to humans and other household pets. Many cats love to cuddle and play, and it isn’t totally uncommon to have a cat that will want to be around their human counterpart more often than not!
Cats can see in complete darkness. While cats are great at adjusting to lower light, just like humans, they can’t see in complete darkness. The irises in a cat’s eye are capable of opening wider than humans’, which allows more light to enter! This allows them to see in lower light easier than humans, but if it’s completely dark, cats will still be unable to see. Get your kitty a small night light to help them at night!
Cats only purr when they’re happy. If you’ve ever pet a cat, you’ll know that cats do purr when they’re happy! However, they may also purr when frightened, hurt, upset, or hungry.
Black cats are unlucky. One of the most common myths about cats is that black cats are unlucky. Of course, this is an old wives’ tale! In Japan, it’s actually considered good luck if a black cat crosses your path! However, in most parts of the world, black cats are considered to be bad omens. This unfortunately means that they’re overlooked and under-adopted. Check out the origin of this myth here and make sure to show some love to black kitties!

Ask Your Vet about Cat Myths!

Got more questions about cats? What’s true and what’s not? The vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are happy to let you know if what you’ve heard about cats is true or false, and to help with any of your other cat questions, needs, or concerns! Give us a call today at 856-662-2662.