Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Should I Let My Cat Outside?

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

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

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

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

  • New toys! Satisfy your little hunter’s instincts by providing him or her with an interactive toy to chase (laser pointers, for example).

  • New friend! Have you thought about finding a compatible cat or dog to keep your current kitty company?

  • Posts, perches, and hiding places! Cats need designated surfaces on which to flex those claws, so be sure to provide them with some good scratching posts. Perches and fun, low-cost hiding places (such as cardboard boxes) are purr-fect for nice views and peaceful havens.

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

How Can I Make My Cat And Dog Get Along?

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Photo Credit: nguyen hoangnam

Ah, the battle of the most beloved house pets. We hear about their incompatible relationship all the time! Despite the hostility associated with this pair, we insist on throwing them together. According to recent studies at American Veterinary Medical Association, 44% of American pet owners have multiple-pet households, and the most common combinations include dogs and cats. Believe it or not, there are many healthy and friendly cat-dog relationships — some are even loving! Unfortunately, though, some cats and dogs can get defensive and aggressive with one another. So as a dog and cat lover, you may be wondering: how can I make my cat and dog get along?

Fighting Like Cats And Dogs

You can’t always predict how your pets will react to one another. The first few weeks is a crucial time, as the dog and cat are learning how to communicate with one another. A common problem between the two animals is dogs chasing cats. It may be playful on the dog’s part, but a fearful cat isn’t going to laugh it off. If it’s a fierce chase or biting is involved, that’s going to make matters worse. If neither of your pets are very aggressive, you’re going to have a better chance at getting them to tolerate each other. Either way, minimizing the aggression as much as possible is extremely important, for your animals’ safety and your own peace of mind.

What Can I Do?

You set the rules. As a pet owner, you must teach your dog self-control. Do not allow the dog to chase the cat. It might be hard to differentiate between play mode and attack mode, but if your cat is sensing danger, you’ll know. Make sure your cat has enough safety areas to climb and perch to escape from your dog and nap undisturbed. If possible, it would be helpful to match personalities and temperaments. An active, fun-loving dog would be better suited to an active, fun-loving cat, and so on. If your cat or dog is very timid and fearful, don’t get an overly domineering pet, or there’s bound to be chaos. Ideally, your new cat should be socialized to dogs, and vice versa.

At the end of the day, it depends on the similar or clashing dispositions of your pets. There’s nothing you can do to make them get along completely. They may never reach best friend status, but you can definitely train them to behave. Hopefully, they’ll grow to love and depend on each other, and when that happens, make sure you snap as many pictures as possible of them cuddling on the couch!

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to assist you and your feline pal with the highest-quality medical services. Contact us by calling (856) 662-2662 and set up an appointment today! Our caring doctors are eager to meet you and your pet.