Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Misunderstood Black Cat

black cat Halloween superstition

We are nearing the end of October and Halloween is practically upon us! In preparation for the holiday, many yards and homes are eerily decorated with artfully posed skeletons, oversized spiders, grinning Jack-o’-lanterns, and the classic “spooky” black cat. Whether in movies or decor, these foreboding felines are usually depicted with glowing yellow eyes and arched backs, fanged mouths open mid-hiss. Of course, their sinister or unlucky reputation is nothing more than superstitious folklore; yet black cats remain the least likely to get adopted in animal shelters.

Here at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we see kitties of all colors and patterns and we find them equally charming (though we have mentioned the reputed good-natured personalities of orange tabby cats!). Here are a few things you may not have known about black cats and how views of them have changed over time.

From Sacred to Satanic?

Long associated with witchcraft and devilry, black cats were (and often still are) targeted by people with violent intentions. In Ancient Egypt, however, these kitties were considered sacred and thought to bring prosperity to a home—to harm one was to risk being a target of violent consequences yourself! Those who hailed from England also had a more positive attitude toward the ebony-coated felines. Take one on board a sailing vessel and the ship would not only be mouse-free, it would bring its passengers to their destination safe and sound.

While Europeans may believe it is good luck to have a black cat cross your path, there are others who would argue the exact opposite. The belief that these particular felines were connected to evil beings started in the Middle Ages, which is why so many of them were cruelly hunted down and killed by many superstitious folk. Some firmly believed that they were witches in animal form! To this day, black cats are associated with witchcraft and are even sought after for use in Halloween rituals. Some animal shelters refuse to adopt out black cats this time of year to prevent the wrong people from getting their hands on them. We much prefer that these sleek, beautiful felines find good homes with loving owners—that’s why it’s important to dispel the false notions that they are evil or bad luck.

New Jersey cat veterinarian

Black Cats Need Love Too

Anyone who has been to our office knows that we are indiscriminate in our love for feline friends. Kitties of all coat colors deserve the same level of affection and care, regardless of the superstitions attached to them. If you have a black cat at home, we encourage you to share photos on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And remember to keep your four-legged companion healthy by keeping up with those biannual visits with the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Bald and Beautiful: Sphynx Cat Facts

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The hairless variety of any animal can be quite an unusual sight, but those who own the unique-looking Sphynx cat can tell you that what they lack in fur they more than make up for in personality! These kitties are among the most affectionate and playful feline breeds out there, proving the mood-boosting benefits of owning a cat. They love attention, which they typically don’t have a problem getting from the vast number of people who are intrigued by their striking appearance. This cat’s beauty is more than just skin-deep! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to share some hair-raising facts about Sphynxes…

They aren’t completely hairless. Sphynxes may not have the thick fur coat of other cat breeds, but they are not totally bald! If you’ve ever actually handled this breed, you know that it’s a bit similar to holding a wrinkly suede pillow. A soft, barely visible layer of fine hair covers this kitty from head to tail. Additionally, colors and patterns on their skin are often apparent and can give you an idea of what they might look like with fur.

They are the perfect socialites. Friendships with other cats, friendly dogs, and children are not only possible, but very likely. Sphynxes naturally enjoy company and can live peacefully with other animals. They are also more likely to want to be held or snuggled for warmth. (If you’re particularly considerate, get your Sphynx cat a few sweaters to wear when the house gets chilly; he will appreciate the extra layer and look more dapper than ever.)

Skincare is important! This breed may not need brushing, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the hook as far as grooming goes. The soft skin of Sphynx cats can be sensitive and needs moisturizing lotion. It’s also a good idea to apply a light coat of sunscreen to avoid burns from harsh sunlight if he likes to catch some rays outside or on the windowsill. These high-maintenance kitties need weekly baths as well to keep their skin from getting too oily. If you find that your kitty is having dermatological issues, be sure to bring him to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian for prompt treatment!

They hail from Canada. We can just imagine the shock when the first domestic hairless kitten was born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A naturally recessive genetic mutation, this hairless feature was intentionally bred for throughout the subsequent years, and the Sphynx breed was established.

Believe it or not, you could be allergic to them. People often think that a cat without fur is the ideal pet for someone with allergies, and we can’t blame them for making that assumption; however, Sphynxes do produce the allergenic protein “Fel d 1” in their saliva that triggers the typical itchy, watery-eyed reactions of allergy sufferers. It’s said that they produce lower levels of this allergen than most felines, but you’re better off with a Russian Blue or Siberian cat if you really want to play it safe.

Owning a Sphynx may require a little extra maintenance, but you are rewarded with ample affection and entertainment from your feline companion. If you have questions or concerns about your cat, don’t hesitate to contact the experts here at our office. As the best cat veterinarian in Cherry Hill, we’re happy to answer any inquiries and set up appointments for your beloved four-legged family members!

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.

Pay Attention To Your Cat’s Fur Coat!

how to tell if your cat is healthy

Photo Credit: Takashi Hososhima

Cats tend to thrive on low-maintenance. Give them a litter box, a bowl of food and water, and you can leave them alone for days without any problems. That’s a big reason why cats make wonderful pets — they’re practically self-sufficient! They even groom themselves — most of their energy goes into perfecting their fur coat. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about your cat’s health by the state of its coat. If you notice something unusual about your cat’s fur, you may want to investigate further. Your cat’s fur coat is the first place you should look to detect any health concerns.

What is my cat’s coat telling me?

Unkempt hair can be a sign that your cat is not feeling well — you know how consistently your cat grooms herself. On the other hand, if your cat is over-grooming herself to the point of becoming raw or scabbed, that could be another sign of danger. Your cat could be under stress, or she could have a painful skin condition, such as acute dermatitis, which is caused by allergies, fleas, or insect bites. She could also be suffering from arthritis — stiff joints may be preventing her from twisting her body to reach certain areas to groom herself.

Another reason your cat’s fur is deteriorating could be a lack of vitamins. Your cat should be getting a nutritious, balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. When choosing cat food, make sure the label says it meets the standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for your cat.

Should I be concerned about shedding?

Shedding is perfectly natural, so you have nothing to worry about, unless there are signs of balding or matting. When you spend more time with your cat and you become familiar with her behavior, you will be able to catch abnormalities early on. If you pay close attention to her behavior and appearance, you may be able to keep her from getting sicker.

If you think your cat might have a health issue, or if it’s simply time for a check-up, head over to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We offer a wide variety of medical services that will keep your cat purring, meowing, and thriving. Give us a call at (856) 662-2662 to schedule an appointment with our feline-loving doctors!