Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Why Cats Make the Perfect Pets

The never-ending argument of cats versus dogs is a tale as old as time. While we don’t think we’ll ever settle the debate between “cat people” and “dog people,” we can give you a few great reasons why cats make the perfect pets!

why cats make the perfect pets

Cats Make Great Companions

Whether you need someone to talk to when you’re home alone or you want a welcoming hello when you walk through the door, cats make awesome companions. They may not be as overtly affectionate as dogs, but cats are always happy to hang out in the room with you, meow for attention, and still express love in their own special way.  

They Provide Routine and Responsibility

Whether you have small children who need to learn about responsibility or you simply want more structure in your life, the consistent schedule of feeding your cat and cleaning its litter can help provide the responsibility and structure that many kids (and adults!) need.  Cats are a great middle ground when it comes to responsibility. They need a bit more attention than something small like a goldfish, but they aren’t quite as demanding or time consuming as a dog.

Stressed? Pet your cat!

Cats are known to have a calming effect – even more than dogs! Whether it’s their silly obsession with chasing a laser pointer or the soft purr of a relaxed kitty, there’s something about cats that zaps all your stress away.

Cats are a Great Icebreaker!

Who doesn’t love looking at cute pet pictures? Cats can often be found doing the cutest (and silliest) things, which can be great to break the ice when meeting new people. Plus, what can be better than bonding with a fellow cat-lover!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the dozens of reasons that owning a cat is a great idea! What are your favorite things about having a cat? Leave a comment and let us know! Are you ready to get a cat of your own? Contact us with any questions or concerns.

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

Those who say they’re not “cat people” usually offer the same old list of reasons for this claim: “I don’t like dealing with the litter box.” “I don’t want my furniture all scratched up.” “Cats aren’t affectionate enough.” Let’s take a closer look at that last one–it’s not fair to generalize all cats as aloof or unloving because personalities differ widely among breeds and individuals. In fact, some kitties display the opposite behavior and are excessively needy for attention! Instead of having to cajole or lure him in with treats, you may have a cat that faithfully follows you like a shadow and meows mournfully when you leave. Although this clingy behavior isn’t always indicative of a health issue, it’s best to know what it could mean if your cat is not normally so…demonstrative. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have found that unusually needy cats are often this way for a few reasons:

  1. Anxiety – Sometimes cats feel insecure or vulnerable and express it by sticking close to their owner’s side. This is particularly common in rescue cats and kitties that were separated from their mothers at too young an age. Reassure your anxious pet and affirm their trust by speaking in calm tones and stroking them gently when they press close to you.
  2. Newness – Whether they are a new addition to the household or you’ve recently moved into a new home, cats don’t easily adapt to change. Perhaps your four-legged family member is a little shaken up by her unfamiliar surroundings and is leaning on you (quite literally) for some extra support!
  3. Hunger – The reason behind all of that extra attention might be that you’re simply not feeding your kitty enough. Since they can’t come right out and say it, they have to resort to sticking to you like glue and meowing persistently for more chow. As long as your cat is fit and at a healthy weight, you should be good to increase the portions–get in touch with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for nutritional planning if you need a second opinion.
  4. Illness – Lastly, it could very well be that your cat is feeling under the weather or is dealing with some sort of injury. Give him a once-over to see if there are any outward signs of illness, and take him to the vet if necessary.

 

Consult the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

So is it just a quirky part of your cat’s personality, or should it be a cause for concern? If you’re worried that your clingy kitty might have some underlying health issues that are making her act out, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment. We would be happy to meet with your favorite feline and get to the root of the issue. Call the office at (856) 662-2662 or come by in person at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Soothing Your Anxious Cat

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As a pet owner, you never want to see your furry companion frightened or unhappy. Cats bring us joy and comfort in our everyday lives, so we naturally want to provide the same for them. If you’ve noticed recurring symptoms of high stress in your cat, try to take note of any patterns in behavior–there may be an underlying cause! The experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill list a few ways you can tell your furry family member is on edge and reveal how to mitigate potential stressors.

Signs of An Anxious Cat

  • He is more vocal than usual: Some kitties have spunkier personalities and enjoy letting their voices be heard; however, if you’re finding that your feline friend is meowing more frequently and in a more distressed manner than he typically vocalizes, it may be an indication that something is amiss.
  • You’re seeing neither hide nor hair of them: When you start to wonder if you only imagined ever owning a cat, it’s time to hunt around the house and find where your pet is hiding. Occasionally wanting some space is totally normal for cats, but excessive isolation is a problem.
  • She has been “missing” the litterbox: Not only is this issue smelly and frustrating to clean up, it’s concerning. Your cat isn’t being lazy or forgetful of her training, there’s something stressing her out–and since she can’t talk, only her behavior can reflect that.
  • Increased aggression or irritability: When kitty is feeling nervous, the claws tend to come out. He may even try to bite, and this is when it’s time to take a trip to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian to figure out what might be wrong with your pet.

How to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety

  • Improve the living environment: Your cat may not have enough physical and mental stimulation to keep her occupied in the house, and boredom can certainly lead to anxiety. Add some exciting elements to your home to change things up and let her have an outlet for that energy. We recommend cat trees, interactive toys, food puzzles, laser pointers, and other fun items. It will also help keep your cat fit!
  • Nix the noise: Our feline friends have sensitive ears, which means they don’t particularly enjoy when you have the music or television volume at full blast, or when your conversations with others are loud and boisterous. Does this mean your house should become as silent as a monastery? Not necessarily. Simply try to be more mindful of the level of noise you or your devices are emitting.
  • Consult the medical experts: This is an obvious solution–if your pet is exhibiting the above signs of anxiety, it may be time to put kitty in the carrier and make a visit to our office for professional help.

Your Reliable Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s our top priority to make sure your favorite feline is healthy and happy! That’s why we offer consultations for behavioral issues. The experienced and caring doctors at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are fully capable of identifying and addressing your beloved pet’s anxiety problems. Contact the office today!

Adopt Double for Less Trouble!

Cat Clinic At Cherry Hill adopt two cats

Our cats keep us endlessly amused with their adorable, zany behavior. Games of chase with strings, laser pointers, and jingly toys are great fun not only for the cat owner, but for the frisky feline himself. All of that activity gives him good exercise and ample mental stimulation. However, you can’t always be in the house to keep kitty entertained. Whether it’s the daily grind of going to work, trips to the grocery store, or other day-to-day errands, these frequent absences quite often leave pets bored, lonely, and inactive. And while it’s not necessary to get a sitter for the few hours you’re away from home, no one wants to leave their pet all alone for long–that’s why we at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill strongly urge those looking to add a new four-legged family member to adopt two cats instead of just one!

Safety in Numbers

Although our feline friends tend to have the reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, they really aren’t total recluses–they need social interaction just like we do! When left all by themselves in the house, some cats might try to liven things up by getting into things they shouldn’t or becoming destructive. “No one’s around to play? Well, these curtains look like they could be fun…” They also run the risk of consuming things that aren’t meant to be consumed (in which case you should immediately take them to your Cherry Hill cat veterinarian).

When there’s a buddy around, the companionship of an extra kitty will keep your cat happy and occupied. They can even keep each other in better health! Cats that reside with a fellow feline typically live longer, are ill less often, and are kept in good shape from all of the playtime and exercise. There’s also the obvious benefit of getting to watch the hilarity that ensues during their rough and tumble antics!

Adopt two cats Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Cat Veterinarian Cherry Hill Residents Trust

However many kitties you end up adopting, we highly recommend bringing your cats to the veterinarian twice per year to keep the dynamic duo healthy and happy for years to come. The doctors at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill provide full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats, which means you don’t have to worry about other large or noisy pets spooking your feline friends in the waiting room. You can also rest assured that your beloved companions are in the very best hands–we care about them as much as you do! Book an appointment for your furry family members by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we can’t wait to meet them!

The Love Language of Cats

Cat owner

One of the classic “Dogs make better pets than cats” arguments is that cats show their owners no affection; dogs, on the other hand, are quite demonstrative with their love. It isn’t hard to picture an adoring dog with its human: tongue lolling, gaze following its master’s every move, eagerly obeying every command, exuberantly jumping up to lick a hand or face…You don’t usually see this level of enthusiasm from felines. Does that mean your cat doesn’t love you? Of course not. Although understated, your kitty’s subtle affection is just as valid as a dog’s exuberant warmth. Here are a few of the ways cats show their love for the special humans in their lives:

  1. Staring: Holding your gaze and blinking slowly is a cat’s way of letting you know that she trusts you and feels at peace in your company. A fearful or unhappy feline is more interested in running off and hiding than initiating and holding eye contact. The next time you catch your furry friend staring at you dreamily, you can recognize it as a form of engagement and trust!
  2. Meowing: Did you know that cats only meow to humans? They don’t communicate this way to other cats. Feel free to meow back and have a conversation with your kitty! Meowing and purring speak volumes of your cat’s affection for you.
  3. Following: You walk into the living room to take a seat on the couch when you notice that you have a shadow following close behind. The same little shadow follows you into the kitchen as you get a glass of water, then comes along as you hike up the stairs toward your bedroom. If your cat seems to be stalking you, chances are he enjoys your presence and just doesn’t want you out of his sight.
  4. Grooming and kneading: Sometimes the sandpaper-like tongue of your cat can be a bit abrasive on your hand, and kneading can be a bit painful when the claws come out; nevertheless, those behaviors are gestures of love! Let it happen.
  5. Sitting in your lap: It may not always be at the most convenient of times (when you’re sitting on the couch trying to eat and watch television, for example), but when your cat plops down in your lap, she’s trying to get close to you and feels comfortable enough to do so. Take a moment to cuddle your furry friend!

Not all cats show their affection the same way, but it’s their unique personalities that endear them to us in the first place. How does your kitty demonstrate his or her love? Leave us a comment or a photo on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And to show your love for your feline family member, be sure to visit your trusted cat veterinarian for regular checkups throughout the year.

Summer Vacation Time: Caring for the Cat

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The day of departure for that long-awaited vacation has finally arrived! You busy yourself stuffing an extra tube of sunscreen in your suitcase, making sure all of the windows in the house are shut and locked, and printing out your boarding pass. You’re grabbing the car keys and checking the time when suddenly you hear a questioning “meow” at your feet. What have you planned for your cat while you’re away? Will he stay home with a sitter, or have you arranged to leave him at a boarding facility? If there’s one thing that you should avoid doing at all costs, it’s leaving him home alone with just a bowl of food and water—even if it’s only for a couple of days.

Why can’t my cat be left home alone?

Although cats have a reputation for being largely self-reliant and capable of getting along well on their own, there are quite a few issues that could arise if you were to leave your pet alone in the house for an extended period of time. First and foremost, our feline friends are notorious for disliking sudden and unexpected changes in their daily lives. When he notices your absence, your cat will likely feel stressed and anxious, possibly exhibiting out-of-the-ordinary destructive behaviors. This could also be a result of boredom, as cats enjoy and require adequate stimulation throughout the day. If you aren’t around to play with him, don’t be surprised if you come home to find shredded rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom or clawed up curtains.

What about his feeding schedule? Left with only a bowl of food and stale water, your pet could overeat and get sick; on the other hand, he could be too upset to eat at all. A cat that is accustomed to getting fed at a regular time twice per day will not make a smooth transition to this kind of change.

Make sure your cat is cared for.

Your kitty might be an independent spirit, but he still relies on you for food and love. When you’re not around to fulfill those requirements, make sure that someone else is! It could be a neighbor or a professional pet sitter—as long as he or she is reliable and responsible. Your other option is to leave your four-legged friend at a reputable boarding facility or pet lodge. If you are in need of a recommendation, feel free to consult your trusted cat veterinarian! The experienced and caring team at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill would be happy to help you determine the best course of action as you plan your summer getaway.

Making the Most of Your Cat’s Golden Years

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Tiny ears perked up at attention; round, curious eyes that take in your every movement; fast-as-lightning paws that skid and scurry across the floor; it’s easy to become enamored with kittens and their adorable antics. Sadly, it’s just as easy for the enchantment to fade as kittens grow into adults and eventually seniors. A responsible pet owner understands that adopting a four-legged family member is a lifetime commitment! Your cat relies on you for proper care during every stage of life, including the “golden years” when she’s not quite so spry anymore. Regardless of your senior cat’s slower pace of life, you can still do your part to keep her healthy, happy, and well-loved.

Maintain Your Feline’s Fitness

A fat cat might strike some as a comical sight, but health problems are anything but funny. Doting cat owners often think that giving their kitties plenty of tasty tidbits is the best way of showing them love; don’t go overboard! There’s nothing wrong with giving your pet a treat every now and then (and it can certainly do wonders in gaining his trust and affection), but too much food will pack on the pounds. There’s a difference between “pleasantly plump” and obese—obesity can shorten a cat’s life, limit his mobility, make him lethargic, and cause a number of other health issues. Let him live to a ripe old age by keeping him fit and frisky!

Playtime is Still Important

It doesn’t take much convincing to get a kitten to chase a bit of yarn or a laser pointer. Older cats, however, tend to give the impression that they can’t be bothered with such nonsense. Encourage your senior cat’s playful side as best as you can with stimulating toys (homemade or storebought!) and fun objects to climb or crawl into. Make sure the activities are low-impact and don’t involve risky leaps from great heights, and keep in mind that periods of play shouldn’t be too lengthy or exhausting.

Create a Safe Living Environment

Take a look around your home from the perspective of your aging furry friend—is it easy for him to jump up onto the bed or reach his favorite spot on top of the couch? Do you make sure to keep doors tightly closed so he can’t wander outside and fall victim to larger animals and speeding vehicles? These are things you need to keep in mind when you have an older cat to care for! You may even want to place more litter boxes throughout the house for better ease of access.

Keep Up with Vet Visits

Lastly, it’s essential that you bring your senior cat in for regular check-ups at least twice per year. Here at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we take geriatric care seriously and understand the special requirements of older cats. If you think it’s time to bring your beloved pet to the cat veterinarian that people trust for excellent care, contact us and make an appointment today!

20 Fun Feline Facts

feline-facts

As we all know, cats are beautiful, captivating creatures that are a joy to own and observe. To celebrate their wonderful presence in our lives, we’ve compiled a list of 20 amazing facts about our feline companions! Did you know that…

1. Unlike humans, who have nine­-month pregnancies, a cat’s gestation period is only nine weeks long.

2. Hold the dessert—cats are incapable of tasting sweetness in anything they eat.

3. Are you and your cat on the same brainwave? Get this: cats’ brains are genetically more similar to a human’s brain than a dog’s brain.

4. A cat’s field of vision does not include anything directly below the nose.

5. The “cat flap” door was invented by Sir Isaac Newton, the English mathematician who discovered gravity. We think we would have liked Mr. Newton. feline-facts

6. Cats typically sleep up to 16 hours per day. That’s a lot of shut-­eye!

7. Able to leap tall countertops in a single bound…A cat can jump up to five times its own height!

8. A cat’s nose is as unique as a human fingerprint. So would the police would “noseprint” a cat that got arrested?

9. The Maine Coon is the official state cat of—you guessed it—Maine.

10. Killing a cat in ancient Egypt was punishable by death.

11. Cats don’t just close their eyes when they’re tired; it could also mean they are content.

12. Ragdoll cats are named that for a reason; when lifted up, their muscles relax and they go limp.

13. A cat has 24 more bones than a human.feline-facts

14. Talk about finicky eaters! Cats prefer their food to be at room temperature. Your kitty just might turn up his nose if the meal is too hot or too cold.

15. A cat spends roughly a third of its time awake grooming itself. Is this vanity, good hygiene, or a combination of both?

16. Though here in the U.S. they have the reputation of being bad luck, black cats are seen as good fortune in Australia and the United Kingdom.

17. Step lightly! Cats have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 toes on their hind paws.

18. An indoor cat can live 16 years or longer, while an outdoor cat’s lifespan is only 3­5 years on average.

19. The scientific name for a hairball is “bezoar,” though many of us just refer to it as “blech!”

20. Similar to human beings hugging or shaking hands, cats often greet each other by rubbing noses.

There you have it—twenty reasons for us to marvel at our unique and fascinating four­-legged friends. If you’d like to know more about your cat’s behavior or if you’re having concerns about his or her health, you can always contact your cat veterinarian here at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We’d be happy to help resolve the issue and provide the very best care for your furry family member!

Benefits of Owning a Cat

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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!

Purr-fect Holiday Tips

Purr-fect Holiday Tips

If you’ve already decked the halls with boughs of holly, you may want to take them down.

During the holiday season, half of the excitement is adorning the inside and outside of the house with colorful, festive decorations: tinsel is generously swathed around mantels, delicate ceramic figurines grace coffee tables, fragile glass ornaments hang precariously from the tree—the end result is a beautiful, cozy home…and a veritable wonderland for your cat. One of the defining characteristics of a cat is her curious, playful nature. Anyone who has observed their feline companion knows how irresistibly tempting a piece of string or even a dot of light can be! Imagine the overwhelming intrigue of an indoor tree laden with ornaments and tiny flashing bulbs. To keep your furry friend safe for the season, we’ve compiled some common holiday household items to think twice about having within kitty’s reach.

Candies and Cookies Galore

‘Tis the season for cooking, baking, and candy-making. A plate of cookies or a bowl full of festively colored candies on the countertop might be tempting for you—consider how alluring it is to your cat! Equipped with a highly attuned sense of smell, the sweetly enticing aroma of chocolate and other sugary treats is nearly impossible for her to resist. Chocolate is toxic for both dogs and cats, so take extra care to keep it inaccessible to your pets.

Thinking of spiking the eggnog? Make sure you keep an eye on where you set down your cup! Alcohol is another substance that can sicken animals. It’s especially dangerous when mixed into sweet, aromatic beverages that appeal to your cat’s sensitive nose.

All Decked Out

Making garlands and hanging shimmering strands of tinsel may make the rooms of your home look lovely, but it’s asking for trouble when you have a little hunter or huntress stalking the premises. To your cat, there’s not much of a difference between a carefully strung garland and that piece of yarn you dangle in front of his eyes during playtime. Popcorn garlands are particularly at risk of getting snagged by reaching paws (An edible toy? Even better!). And of course, let’s not forget Christmas tree ornaments! Sparkling, glittery objects hanging like ripe fruit from the tips of the branches are bound to be targeted by your feline friend.

Besides the obvious outcome—your decorations get pulled down and ruined—some items pose a choking hazard or could cut your pet’s paws with broken and jagged shards. Candles can be dangerous, as well; avoid letting them burn unattended, lest they are knocked over and cause a fire.

The Gift of a Safe, Healthy Cat!

Cat owners may need to be more cautious with their seasonal decorations, but they don’t have to entirely quench their holiday spirit! Use common sense with ornament and food placement, and your home can still look bright, beautiful, and festive. Feel free to contact the cat veterinarians at our clinic if you have further questions or concerns, and we hope you all have a wonderful holiday!