Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: A Tutorial

brushing your cat's teeth

If you have a cat, you’ve probably noticed they suffer from some pretty severe halitosis – aka bad breath! Just like humans, cats need proper dental hygiene care. Dental problems like gingivitis are quite common in cats, and similar to human health, poor dental hygiene can lead to other lasting health issues for your kitty. The good news is, brushing your cat’s teeth is something you can do at home! So check out these tips to help you brush your cat’s!

6 Tips for Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

If you’ve ever tried to groom your cat in any way, you’re probably aware they’re not always cooperative, but don’t worry! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few helpful tips to make it as painless for both you and your kitty as possible:

  1. First things first! You’ll need a special toothbrush and toothpaste. Your cat isn’t a human, so remember to never use human toothpaste or similar products like baking soda or mouthwash. These are not safe for your kitty! Thankfully, toothbrushes and cat-friendly toothpaste can both be found at most pet stores. 
  2. To start, make sure your cat is as calm and comfortable as possible. Sit them in your lap or in one of their favorite places. If your cat likes it, you might try easing them into the situation with some catnip for the nerves.
  3. Especially the first time you brush their teeth, introduce your cat to the process gradually! You can begin by letting them sample the toothpaste. Put a little in their mouth so they can adjust to the taste. They might even lick it off your finger!
  4. For the best brushing technique, use two hands. Hold the toothbrush with one hand and with the other, gently lift your cat’s lips so you have access to the teeth and their gums. Make sure to get in all those nooks and crannies!
  5. Just like with your own teeth, you want to use a gentle circular brushing motion on the teeth and gums. Do your best to get the back of their teeth and their upper molars and canines.
  6. Finally, make sure to give your cat a treat for a job well-done! Hopefully this encourages them for next time! We recommend treats that promote good dental hygiene. They’re tasty and healthy.

Take Care of Your Cat’s Health with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cats are notorious for having poor dental health and hygiene. That’s why keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine is an important aspect of having a kitty. We recommend brushing every day or several times per week if possible. In addition to brushing your cat’s teeth, you’ll want to make sure your cat has an annual professional tooth-cleaning and oral exam performed by an experienced vet. This will keep their teeth, gums, and body healthy. If you have questions on brushing your cat’s teeth or are ready to schedule an oral exam for your cat, give the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at 856-662-2662. You can see all the medical services we provide to keep your kitty healthy and happy on our website or check out our blog!

How to Help Cats During the Holidays

how to help cats during the holidays

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.

Finding the Right Veterinarian for Your Cat

veterinarian for your cat

Finding a doctor for ourselves can feel difficult; after all, we want the top-level care we deserve! When it comes to your best furry friend, you should treat the search process just the same. So, how can you tell when you’ve found a reputable place to entrust with your cat’s care? At The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we can tell you a few ways to recognize when you’ve found the right veterinarian for your cat.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Veterinarian For Your Cat

  1. A knowledgeable doctor who provides excellent treatment: The main thing you want in a cat veterinarian is skill and genuine care for your animal. Dr. John McCauley has been a feline specialist for over two decades and remains just as passionate about keeping kitties healthy and happy as he was at the start.
  2. Friendly and responsive staff: The people at the front desk are the face of any office. If your interactions with staff are consistently unpleasant, there’s a good chance you won’t want to return — regardless of how great everything else is! You’ll find that everyone employed at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is friendly, compassionate, and genuine. We do not respond with rudeness or impatience when our clients have questions, and we are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your experience here is as positive and low-stress as possible.
  3. Rave reviews: Whether you’re on the lookout for a spectacular restaurant, a reputable hair salon, or a trustworthy veterinarian, it’s very likely that you are scanning through people’s reviews of the place before you decide to venture over. This is a good practice! When a location is receiving 4 or 5 stars across the board, you’ll surely feel a lot better about giving them your business. You can check out our many positive testimonials here!

Your #1 Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

You don’t have to wonder if you’re bringing your cat to a quality veterinary office when you come to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill; it’s evident from the moment you walk through our doors that we truly care about each and every furry patient. Our biggest concern is making sure your feline family member stays healthy and strong! 

If you’re seeking the most exceptional local veterinarian for your cat, the highly experienced professionals at our office can be trusted to provide the very best care, every time. Contact us today by calling (856) 662-2662, or come pay us a visit; we are located at 35 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We look forward to meeting you!

Do Cats Need Yearly Vet Visits?

do cats need yearly vet visits

If you’re a first-time cat owner or thinking about adopting, you may be wondering, ‘do cats need yearly vet visits?’ Many new cat-owners are under the impression that cats don’t need as much attention as dogs, including from the vet. However, just like all pets, and humans for that matter, seeing the doctor is essential sometimes, even when not visibly sick. Vets need to see your cat for regular checkups to check your kitty’s heart health, weight, dental health, make sure they have all their vaccines, and a variety of other services! All that being said, do cats need yearly vet visits? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has all the answers you need!

Every Cat’s Medical Needs Are Different

Truthfully, there’s not a playbook as to how often you should take your cat to the vet, but age and situation have a lot to do with it:

  • Newborn to young kitty – For about the first two years of your cat’s life, your cat is growing and changing rapidly. This age is also when your cat should receive most of their preliminary vaccines and shots. Discuss with your vet at your first vet appointment how to make a solid health plan for your kitty. They might recommend several times a year for the first couple years, depending on a variety of factors.
  • Adult cat – Your cat will reach adulthood usually after a year, but might keep growing for some time after that! While your cat is still growing and changing, twice a year is usually the standard. Once your cat has stopped growing so much, once a year is usually sufficient to keep up with checkups and shots.
  • Elderly cats – Once your cat gets up in age, their health plan will need to change again. Cats ages 7-10 will need to start seeing the vet two to three times per year again to ensure they’re staying healthy. If they are older than ten, your vet might even recommend more regular visits.
  • Situational health issues – If your cat throws up pretty often or your vet has diagnosed health issues at a prior visit, you may want to consult with your vet on if they might recommend a more frequent plan. Additionally, if you notice changes in your cat’s health or eating, sleeping, and social habits, schedule an appointment with your vet ASAP.

Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Today

We hope this has answered your questions regarding do cats need yearly vet visits! It’s important to remember all cats are different and require different health needs. You can schedule a vet appointment with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make a health plan for your kitty. For more information, or to schedule your appointment, call us at 856-662-2662. We’re here for you!

What Plants are Toxic to Cats?

what plants are toxic to cats

Spring is just on the horizon, which means you’re shifting out of winter mode and readying to embrace what the new season will bring! For many people this means hitting the nursery and getting some plants! If you’re a cat owner and want to add some greenery to your home, you may be wondering what plants are toxic to cats. The good news is there are a lot of household plants that aren’t harmful to kitties at all! However, here are a few of the most common household plants that will make your cat sick:

  • Lilies
  • Aloe
  • Daffodils
  • Hyacinths
  • Azalea
  • Cycas like Sago Palm

You Can Have Both! Tips on How to Properly Keep Plants and Cats

Although there are a variety of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs alike, if you’ve got a green thumb, don’t fret; there are many ways to keep plants in a household with your pets, even curious cats. Here are a few tips from the cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill:

  • Hanging plants are a great way to keep your plants out of reach of animals and even children! Just make sure they’re not by any ledges your cat could climb on to reach them, as we’ve all experienced how cats like to jump up high and explore.
  • Slowly introduce your cats to your plants and see how they react. You can let them sniff them, and if they’re largely uninterested, plant to your heart’s content. Continue to monitor and train your cats to avoid your greenery as you introduce them to your plants.
  • Planting in larger or heavier pots is typically the best planting option. That way a curious cat won’t tip them over.
  • Most cats dislike certain smells or odors. Spray cat repellent scents near your plants to deter your cats. Most pet stores will offer anti-cat odor sprays.
  • Similarly, you can put sticky tape or wire around your potted plants. Your cat won’t like stepping on the material and will avoid coming close to your plant.
  • Remember that cats have FOMO! They just want to do what you’re doing, too. Get your cat their own plants to play with – cat grass is like catnip and your cat will love it! 
  • Keep up with plant maintenance – if leaves become long, your cat might mistake them for a toy.

What Plants are Toxic to Cats: Learn More with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

It’s best to always verify online what plants are toxic to cats. If your cat eats your plants, look for signs of lethargy, dehydration, throwing up, and stomach ache. If your cat is sick, call your vet and take them to the closest animal ER. For more information on what plants are toxic or nontoxic to cats, contact your friends at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! To learn more about how plants and cats can coexist, visit our website or call us at 856-662-2662. You can also check out our blog for more great tips, tricks, and info about cats!

Stop Cats from Getting Cold This Winter

stop cats from getting cold

Holiday season is just about here and the weather is starting to turn brisk and chilly. If you’re a cat parent, you may be wondering how to keep your cat warm when the weather gets cold and wet. Anyone who has cats knows that a warm kitty is a happy kitty, so how do you stop cats from getting cold when their favorite sunspots have started to fade with the season? Don’t worry! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some easy suggestions to make sure your kitty stays nice and toasty this holiday season.

Prevent Your Cats from Getting Cold

Just because the weather is cold, doesn’t mean your cat has to be! Check out these tips and tricks to keep your cat warm and happy:

  1. First things first, check your cat’s usual favorite spots for cool air or breezes. For instance, if your cat likes windowsills, it’s good to make sure the seal is nice and tight, so drafts don’t slip in.
  2. You may consider moving their beds off the floors. Heat rises, so the higher your cat’s bed, the warmer they are. You might put them near heating vents or sunny spots. 
  3. Cats love a good rug! If you have tile or hardwood floors, try putting down a small carpet for them. Your kitty’s feet get cold on the floor just like you, but they’re probably not as fond of slippers or socks as you are, so it’s best to give them a warm place to sit or stand.
  4. Kitties love heating pads! Pet friendly heating pads exist, so check your local pet store. Your kitty will love cuddling up with a warm heating pad.
  5. Last but not least, be wary of candles, fires, and open flame. While these are great for keeping humans warm, kitties are curious creatures who might get just a bit too close. You don’t want sparks to fly on your cat, or for their long fur to accidentally brush against a flame. Your cat’s safety is top priority.

Need More Cat Advice? Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Can Help!

If you’ve still got questions on how to stop cats from getting cold during the winter months, give the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at 856-662-2662 or check out our blog! We’re experts on cats and can help you determine what’s safe and what isn’t. And remember the best advice of all – cuddling with your cat is always a great way to keep you both warm!

Cat-Friendly Fall Decorating Tips

cat friendly fall decorating tips

With the changing of the weather comes the fall season! There are so many occasions to celebrate during autumn, which always means fun decorations. However, for those with pets, we want to make sure they’re safe and we aren’t accidentally putting them in danger. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some cat-friendly fall decorating tips that will help you keep your best friend happy and healthy during the autumnal months!

4 Tips for Cat-Friendly Fall Decorating

Fall decorations can be fun and spooky, but one scare we don’t want is our cat getting sick or hurt. Here are some tips on keeping your cat safe this autumn:

  1. Keep candy and sweets out of reach– Everyone loves fall treats! Whether it’s candy or baked goods, autumn flavors can’t be beat. However, chocolate and candy isn’t great for your cat to eat. Keep them out of reach in a cabinet or in a bowl that you can cover with a snap-on lid so your cats don’t eat something they shouldn’t.
  2. Be very careful about candles and open flame – Fall candle scents are unmatched, whether it’s pumpkin spice or cozy autumn leaves. However, when you’re a cat owner, you know that a lit candle is not something you can leave unattended for long. Kitties have a habit of knocking things over when exploring tables and countertops, and the last thing you want is a house fire from the pumpkin-spiced candle being pushed onto the carpet. If you do light candles, always keep them within your line of sight and blow them out when you’re walking away. 
  3. Know which flowers are toxic to cats – Chrysanthemums, though the quintessential fall flower, are actually toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, digestive problems, agitation, and breathing difficulties. Wondering which plants are safe to keep in the house? Check out our blog post about living with both cats and plants here!
  4. Be careful with small decorations – A lot of people really get into decorating their house for Halloween and autumn, however, make sure you keep small decorations out of reach of cats. Cats are known to knock things over and even try to chomp on small knick knacks. Such things are better kept in rooms unavailable to kitties or outside to prevent your cat from choking or otherwise hurting itself. 

Choose The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If these cat-friendly fall decorating tips still have left you unsure, then it’s best to consult a vet! At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we’re always happy to answer any questions you have about cat health and behavior. Plus, an easy way to prevent illnesses and ailments—whether they’re caused by decoration disasters or not—is to bring your cat to the vet annually for wellness checkups or other medical services. We encourage you to get in touch today to set up an appointment for your feline family member! We can be reached at (856) 662-2662, so give us a call!

Help Cats Stay Cool When It’s Hot

If you have cats, you know they love to laze about on windowsills and in sunspots. Cats love to be warm and cozy! However, like most household pets, if they’re overheating during the summer, it can be dangerous for their health! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has compiled some important tips on how to help cats stay cool when it’s hot outside!

Tips to Help Cats Stay Cool During Summer

If you have air conditioning, keeping your cat cool shouldn’t be a problem! But for those who have limited or no AC, here are some hot tips for helping your kitty stay cool during hot summer months:

  • The biggest thing is to make sure your cat has fresh water so they can stay hydrated. If your cat is panting, that’s typically not a great sign! Give them some cool water and call a vet if you think your cat is overheating
  • Try a cooling mat – most pet stores have a wide variety of options when it comes to cooling mats, and cats love laying on them. However, if you’re on a budget, putting ice packs or even frozen packs of vegetables in your cat’s sleep-spot can make a huge difference! Just make sure to wrap them in a towel before you place them in your cat’s bed or favorite cuddling spot.
  • Try ice treats! Recipes for kitty-friendly ice treats like this one are a healthy and cool snack your cat will love!
  • Playtime – Yes, your cat can be cool even when running around! Ice cubes are a great toy that your cat can chase across the floor to keep cool, or you can put their favorite toy in the freezer for an hour or so before letting them play with it.
  • If your cat does go outside, make sure they have a shady spot to avoid the sun and you should watch for overheating and dry-skin, which can indicate sunburn

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here for You!

If you notice your cat is overheating this summer, don’t wait; call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can provide you with all the information you need to keep your cat safe and happy during the hottest months of the summer. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about summer cat safety, call us at 856-662-2662. We are a full vet clinic that caters exclusively to cats and their health. 

How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

how to brush your cat's teeth

If you have a cat, you know they’re notorious for having bad breath. Just like humans, cats need proper dental hygiene care. Dental problems like gingivitis are quite common in cats, and similar to human health, poor dental hygiene can lead to other lasting health issues for your kitty. The good news is, you don’t have to wait for a groomer or vet to brush your cat’s teeth! So check out how to brush your cat’s teeth to keep your kitty happy and healthy!

Follow These Tips to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth may seem like a herculean task, but don’t worry! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few helpful tips to make it as painless for both you and your kitty as possible:

  1. First things first! You’ll need a special toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothbrushes and cat-friendly toothpaste can both be found at most pet stores. Remember to never use human toothpaste or similar products like baking soda or mouthwash. These are not safe for your kitty!
  2. To start, make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible. Sit them in your lap or in one of their favorite places. You may even try easing them into the situation with a little catnip for the nerves.
  3. Especially the first time you brush their teeth, introduce your cat to the process by letting them sample the toothpaste. Put a little in their mouth so they can adjust to the taste. They might even lick it off your finger!
  4. Brushing is a two-handed activity. Hold the toothbrush with one hand and with the other, gently lift your cat’s lips so you have access to the teeth and their gums.
  5. Just like with your own teeth, you want to use a gentle circular brushing motion on the teeth and gums. Do your best to get the back of their teeth and their upper molars and canines.
  6. Finally, make sure to give your cat a treat for a job well-done! We recommend treats that promote good dental hygiene. They’re tasty and healthy.

Take Care of Your Cat’s Health with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine is an important aspect of having a kitty. We recommend brushing every day or several times per week if possible. In addition to brushing your cat’s teeth, you’ll want to make sure your cat has an annual professional tooth-cleaning and oral exam performed by an experienced vet. This will keep their teeth, gums, and body healthy. If you have questions on brushing your cat’s teeth or are ready to schedule an oral exam for your cat, give the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at 856-662-2662. You can see all the medical services we provide to keep your kitty healthy and happy on our website or check out our blog!

Keep Cats Calm for the Vet

keep cats calm for the vet

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!