Cat Health Archives - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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.

The Vaccines Cats Need to Stay Healthy

02.24.22

If you’ve just gotten a new kitty or you’re thinking about adopting in the upcoming future, you may be wondering what kind of healthcare kittens require. Besides annual checkups and regular hygiene upkeep, your cats should definitely have their vaccines! The shots and vaccines your cats require can seem complicated, but The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a comprehensive list of the vaccines cats need to stay healthy!

4 Vaccines Cats Need

Although there are several vaccines available for cats, there are four main vaccines cats need, especially as kitties:

Rabies: Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans! Like dogs, cats can get rabies from other wild animals. To protect your cat from rabies, your cat should have the vaccine.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis: FVR is a disease that’s contagious to cats! It affects the respiratory system and can cause many respiratory infections.
Feline calcivirus: Similar to FVR, feline calcivirus can be the cause of many respiratory diseases in cats.
Panleukopenia: Feline parvovirus can effectively infect and kill cells within your cat’s bone marrow and intestines. This virus mainly infects kitties!

Other shots you may be interested in for your cat are the feline leukemia shot and the Bordetella shots. When it comes to your kitty’s shots, the good news is that many of these vaccines have been combined into one common “distemper” shot, so your cat won’t have to receive as many infections!

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Can Vaccinate Your Cat!

Vaccines have been proven to help prevent many of these diseases in cats and are extremely effective in reducing fatalities! These are just a few necessary vaccines to keep your cat healthy, but for more information on cat healthcare, contact your neighborhood cat vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We specialize in cat healthcare and can help you assess exactly what shots and other healthcare needs your cat requires! For more information on vaccines and cat health, call our office at 856-662-2662. For emergency situations, please call the closest emergency cat healthcare facility.

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!

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!

How Often Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?

08.27.21

Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?

Whether you’re a new cat owner or you have a cat that’s getting on in age, you may start to wonder ‘how often should I take my cat to the vet?’ It’s good that you’re asking, because it’s a common misconception that because cats are more low maintenance than dogs, then they don’t need to visit the vet as much. Just like all pets, and humans for that matter, seeing the doctor is essential sometimes, even when not visibly sick. Checkups allow the vet to check your kitty’s hearth health, weight, dental health, make sure they have all their vaccines, and a variety of other services! All that being said, how often should you take your cat to the vet? The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has all the answers you need!

Vet Trips Vary by Age and Situation

There’s not a be-all end-all answer as to how often you should take your cat to the vet, but age and situation have a lot to do with it:

Young kitty – For about the first two years of your cat’s life, your cat is growing and changing rapidly. Discuss with your vet at your first vet appointment to make a health plan for your kitty. They might recommend several times a year for the first couple years.
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 good.
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. If they are older than ten, your vet may recommend more regular visits.
Vaccines – Your cat will also need to stay up-to-date with their vaccines. These are usually good for three years, but your vet will be able to tell you if your kitty’s shots are up-to-date.
Hairball or something more serious – If your cat throws up pretty often, you may want to consult with your vet on if it’s a serious issue to keep your eye on.
General health issues – If your cat has health issues as noticed by your vet, they may 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

If you’re still wondering ‘how often should I take my cat to the vet?’, then don’t fret. 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!

How to Manage Cat Allergies

07.30.21

Can You Live with Cat Allergies?

If you’re allergic to cats, being around them can be frustrating and annoying. You might start sneezing, develop a runny nose, shortness of breath, watery or irritated eyes, and even break out in hives. So is it possible to visit other homes with cats or even have a kitty for yourself? The answer is yes! Many people who have cats also have cat allergies! The symptoms are often minor enough that people can develop ways to be around cats with little to no issue! That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together tips on how to manage cat allergies.

Managing Allergies to Cats

If you want to introduce a cat to your home or are just visiting somewhere with a cat, follow these tricks to keep your allergies at bay.

For nasal symptoms, consider nasal spray or antihistamines. This is often enough to stop a stuffy nose in its tracks. This is also a great option if you plan to interact with the cat only temporarily, like a short visit to Grandma’s.
If you live with a cat, keep the cat out of your personal bedroom or spaces as much as possible. Having your own cat-free space can do wonders for your allergies.
Always wash your hands after playing with or petting the kitty.
Vacuum regularly to keep spaces clear of cat hair.
Some cat breeds are better for those with allergies than others, such as Siamese and Bengal cats. You can check out our post on that here.

Still Have Questions? Call Us!

If you’re considering getting a cat and you have allergies, this isn’t a decision to take lightly! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is happy to give you more information and answer any questions you have about living with cats and allergies. If you’re still unsure about how to manage cat allergies or if living with a cat is the right choice for you, give us a call at 856-662-2662. We specialize in cat health and happiness.

Cats and Plants – Can I Have Both?

05.28.21

Are Plants Toxic to Cats?

If you’re a cat owner and want to add some greenery to your home, the good news is it’s totally possible! Cats and plants can coexist! However, there are some plants and flowers that are unfortunately toxic to kitties. Here are a few plants and flowers that will make your kitty sick:

Daffodils
Lilies
Hyacinths
Aloe
Azalea
Cycas like Sago Palm
More – Always double check before buying a plant whether it’s toxic to cats

Tips for Living with Plants and Cats

Despite some plants being toxic to your furry friend, it’s 100% possible to have plants in a home with cats. Here are some tips from the experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill on how to live with both:

Like we stated before, always verify before buying if a plant is toxic to cats
Slowly introduce your cats to plants and see how they react. If they’re largely uninterested, plant to your heart’s content. Train your cats to avoid your greenery as you introduce them to your plants
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
Plant in large/heavy pots so that your 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
If your cat loves to dig, 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
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
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.

Want More Info?

The kitty experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are here for you! For more information on what plants are toxic or nontoxic to cats, or 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!

How to Keep Cats Cool During the Summer

04.30.21

Summer is Almost Here – Keep Your Cat Cool!

If you have kitties, then you know cats love to be warm. Their favorite activity is taking a lazy cat nap in a sunny spot. However, like most household pets, overheating is a huge problem for cats! Hot weather is dangerous for a cat just like it would be for a dog or even a human. That’s why the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has compiled some important tips on how to keep cats cool during the summer!

Keep Your Kitty Cool During the Summer

If you have air conditioning, keeping your cat cool is no sweat! But for those without, here are some hot tips on how to keep cats cool during the summer:

Cooling mats – most pet stores have a wide variety of options when it comes to cooling mats! However, if you’re on a budget, ice packs or even frozen packs of vegetables can do in a pinch! Just make sure to wrap them in a towel before placing in your cat’s bed or favorite cuddling spot.
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.
Ice treats – Recipes for kitty-friendly ice treats like this one are a healthy and cool snack your cat will love!
Make sure your cat has fresh water to stay hydrated
Provide shade for your cat if they go outside and watch for overheating and dry-skin, which can indicate sunburn

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and Your Cool Cat

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 exclusive to cats.

Cat First Aid Can Save Your Cat

03.26.21

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! As pet owners, we hope no harm ever comes to our feline friends, but unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen. That’s why it’s best to be prepared beforehand! This National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has put together some helpful information on cat first aid so you know just what to do in a kitty-crisis.

Every Situation is Different – Be Prepared

From allergic reactions to broken bones, every situation where your cat needs first aid is different, but one thing they have in common is they’re all scary! So here are a few tips to help you keep a level-head so you know what to do in an emergency.

First, make sure you are prepared for an emergency. Program your vet’s number in your phone ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to find the number. Educate yourself on your vet’s emergency policies and hours. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can be reached at 856-662-2662.
Assess the injury – is there blood? A bite? A broken bone? Approach your cat gently and with caution. A scared and hurt kitty may lash out.
Never give your kitty human medication! Most human medication is toxic to cats. When in doubt, wait for vet-prescribed medication.
If your cat is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound like you would with human injuries. Elevating the injury is also helpful until you can seek help from the vet.
If your cat is unconscious, check their breathing. “Mouth-to-mouth” may be performed on cats if they are unconscious. Information on pet-CPR from the Red Cross can be found here.
If your pet has ingested toxic substances, keep labels, ingredients, and other information on-hand so your vet knows exactly what your kitty ate.
Transport your kitty immediately and quickly to the vet or 24-hour emergency pet care facility.

Timely Cat First Aid Can Make the Difference

If your cat has been injured or hurt, knowing basic cat first aid can make the difference in your kitty’s recovery. This National Pet Awareness Month, it’s important to educate yourself on what to do in a kitty emergency. For more information on cat first aid, you can contact The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.

Reasons to Adopt a Cat

02.25.21

So You Want a Pet… What about a Cat?

Pets are great companions and often lifelong friends. If you’re looking to add a pet to your family, you want to make sure you get an animal that fits your lifestyle and personality. That’s why the experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a helpful list of reasons to adopt a cat.

5 Reasons to Give a Kitty a Forever Home

When it comes to furry animals, cats make great pets for a variety of reasons:

Despite popular stereotypes, cats are very affectionate animals! Similar to dogs, they have their own personalities. While there are cats who may act cold and standoffish, most cats enjoy playtime, snuggles, and hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a cuddly companion to be your best friend, cats are a great option!
Typically, cats are a lower level of commitment than dogs. Although cats might want just as much attention from you as a dog 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.
Playtime can 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 love to catch mice, rats, and bugs of all kinds. You won’t have a rodent problem with a cat around.
Cats are 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.

Looking to Adopt? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Info

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill always has information on cat adoption and often hosts or participates in adoption events. For more information on 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!