Cat Safety Archives - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Moving with Cats: Tips and Tricks

12.16.21

Moving is one of the biggest life changes a person can make and can be extremely stressful and disruptive. For our cats, this can feel overwhelming and scary. New smells, a new home, a lot of travel time – all these sudden changes can be anxiety-inducing for our cats. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to make our move easier on our cats! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has some tips and tricks to make moving with cats a smooth transition that can keep them as calm and comfortable as possible!

How to Prepare for and Keep Cats Comfortable with Moving

Moving with cats can feel like a huge ordeal for both you and your cat. Try these tips from the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Introduce your cats to the carrier – If your cat isn’t already familiar with a cat carrier, it’s a good idea to introduce them to one prior to the move. This will prevent more anxiety and uncertainty when your moving day finally comes.
Update your cat’s contact info prior to moving – To prepare for the move, update your kitty’s tags with your new address and phone number, if necessary.
Keep your cat in their carrier on the trip – Your cat should hopefully be used to their carrier by now, and this will offer some semblance of familiarity while moving. If your trip is on the longer side, your cat might spend most of it sleeping.
Start slow – Once you’re in your new living space, it’s best to introduce your cat to one room at a time. Put items they’re familiar with into one room, like their litter box, toys, food, bed, scratching post, and other things with their scent. Let your cat begin to explore slowly, one room at a time.
Ask your vet for more options – If your cat experiences increased anxiety while moving or after the move, ask your vet for more options on treating anxiety, including medication.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and You

If you’re moving to Cherry Hill, The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a great option for a new vet’s office for your kitty! We specialize in cat health and offer a variety of healthcare options. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to set up your first appointment. Moving with cats can have a lasting impact on their attitude and mental health; we can help ease that transition! Schedule your appointment today. We can’t wait to meet your kitty!

Holiday Tips for Cat Owners

10.29.21

Spending the Winter Holidays with Your Cat?

Holiday season is just about here, which means the festive atmosphere around your house is starting to amp up! From decorating to cooking, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time for anyone, let alone 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 holiday tips for cat owners that will help get both you and your kitty through the season as happily as possible!

Keep These Holiday Tips for Cat-Owners in Mind

Between decorations, weather, guests, and food, there are a lot of new and unfamiliar things that make their way onto your cat’s radar for the holiday season. Here are some holiday tips for cat-owners to help your cat adjust:

Social anxiety — If your cat isn’t a people-person, having a lot of guests over may stress them out. To help your cat remain calm, 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 until the party is over.
Food — 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.
Plants — Many holiday plants look great in your home, but they’re unfortunately toxic to kitties! Do your research before buying a plant to put in your home, but to start with, cats should avoid interacting with poinsettias, lilies, and evergreen trees.
Snow — 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 your cat 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 is Sick, Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

We all do our best to protect our kitties from the hazards that accompany the holidays, but sometimes mistakes happen. If your cat eats something they shouldn’t or looks sick from the cold, contact your closest emergency vet. 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.

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!

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.

Our Top Tips to Keep Your Cat Cool this Summer

05.10.19

We’ve finally reached that time of year when warm weather is here to stay. From outdoor parties to long days at the beach, we humans know how to enjoy the warm weather, but remember to keep your feline friends in mind. Here are some strategies to keep your cat cool all summer long.

Check the Bedding

You’ve likely done a lot to keep you cat warm this winter with items like fuzzy blankets and fleece-lined beds, but it’s just as important to keep your cat cool with a summer-appropriate sleeping situation. From a cardboard box to a plastic bin, any insulation-free space is a great solution for keeping your cat cool this summer.

It’s Grooming Time

Cats may not need haircuts as often as dogs or even people, but it’s important to keep their coats under control during the summer. Sometimes all it takes is a good brushing to eliminate any excess fur built up from the winter, but a professional grooming never hurts!

Keeping Your Cool

It may be tempting to turn off your AC or close your windows when you leave the house for the day, but remember your cat is stuck inside while you’re at work! Try putting your air conditioning on a temperature setting so it switches on before it gets too hot, leaving screened windows and doors open, or drawing the curtains to block out the midday sun. These are all great ways to keep your cat (and your house!) cooler this summer.

Drink Up!

Just like you take care to stay hydrated on a hot summer day, leaving out enough water is key to keeping your cat cool this summer. Make sure there are plenty of places for your feline friend to drink from and keep them filled with fresh water at all times.

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is Here to Help Keep Your Cat Cool this Summer!

We want you to make the most out of the summer sun with your kitty and hope you’ll take the above tips to heart. If you notice your cat panting, confused, hiding, or lethargic, please give us a call as these can be signs of overheating and dehydration. Contact us by calling (865) 662-2662 or visit our office at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Fall Decor Concerns for Cats

09.30.18

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

There is so much to love about fall—and so many ways to decorate the house accordingly. Break out the scented candles, the dried corn stalks for the front porch, and the mini pumpkins for every table in the house! Keep in mind, however, that many of these decorations are tempting toys (or tasty-looking tidbits) for your favorite feline. So how should you take your pet into consideration when transforming your home into a festive autumn wonderland? The experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can share some tips.

Knickknacks, Snacks, and Garlands Galore

Be cautious with candles – Who doesn’t love the soft glow and spicy scent of a seasonal candle? 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 (especially when your cat is active at night), and the last thing you want is a house fire from the pumpkin-spiced candle being pushed onto the carpet.
Choose flowers with care – 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? Consult this helpful list of plants toxic to cats from the ASPCA.
Keep candies out of reach – A colorful bowl of M&Ms or candy corn is a sweet touch for your home’s autumnal atmosphere, but it’s no secret that cats and chocolate do not mix. And while sugar in general isn’t fatal for felines, it still isn’t healthy for them to consume. You want your cat to stay fit! To keep the candy bowl inaccessible to kitties, a heavy or sealable lid should do the trick.
Beware of small parts – That garland of miniature wooden pumpkins might be an adorable addition to your mantel, but it probably won’t be long until a furry paw swipes it to the ground. Examine your decorations and ask yourself, “If the cat got ahold of this, could it possibly be a choking hazard?” It might be best to reserve garlands only for rooms where pets aren’t permitted…or play it safe and skip them altogether.

Those are just a few ways you can protect your cat while still adding some fall pizzazz to your home. Happy decorating!

Choose The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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. You can also come pay us a visit to check out our office in person; we are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. See you soon!

A New Cat In the Family

02.01.18

Adopting a feline family member is an exciting time. There are toys to stock up on, beds and cat trees to set up, and lots and lots of funny, heartwarming moments to look forward to with your new pet. There are, however, a number of things you should do to prepare your home and family for the arrival of the new kitty (or kitties)! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can suggest three ways to make the transition smooth and stress-free for everyone.

Prep your other pets. Have some furry residents already living with you? It’s vital that you introduce the newcomer to the other animals in your household to ensure that everyone gets along first. Unfortunately, sometimes the new and old pets are simply incompatible—this needs to be determined before the adoption is finalized. In other cases, everyone in the house can live in harmony! It usually just takes a little time, patience, and diligent supervision in case conflicts arise.

Teach your kids how to be good pet owners. Bringing a cat into a household with children warrants a whole new set of concerns. Before your new pet even arrives, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules that will help keep both the kitty and the kids safe. For instance, decide if there are any areas of the house that will be off-limits to the four-legged family member. Perhaps you prefer the bedrooms to remain pet-free zones—tell your children ahead of time so that the cat knows from the start where he can and cannot roam.

Most importantly: Show your kids how to handle pets correctly. A yanked tail or overly tight squeeze could not only injure your new cat, it will likely lead to swift defensive action from the victim. Those little claws and fangs can cause a good deal of damage! Depending on the age of your children, it might be best to establish a “no holding the cat without adult supervision” policy. That way the cat is kept safe and your little ones learn how to treat animals with gentleness and respect.

Divvy up responsibilities. Plan ahead of time who will be in charge of feeding, who will be on litter box duty, who will take care of basic grooming, etc. Owning a new pet is fun for the whole family, but everyone should take part in caring for it properly! It’s a great way to teach kids accountability while they bond with their furry friend.

Don’t Let the Cat Catch Cold

11.29.17

It should come as no surprise to seasoned cat-owners that our feline companions have a strong aversion to the cold. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill know the lengths some cats will go to in order to keep the chill out of their bones. (On that note, this is a reminder to bang on the hood of the car before starting it up, just in case a cat is napping on the warm engine!) It’s important that we help our beloved pets stay comfortable and safe from winter’s frigid temperatures. After all, cats can get sick with a cold too! Here are three things you can do to make sure your favorite four-legged family member stays warm, comfy, and healthy as the weather gets colder—without having to bump up the thermostat all day.

Create Sunny Spots

It’s a free, all-natural solution to chilly indoor temperatures! Open the blinds and let those warm rays in. Kitty can soak up the heat by napping in sunny areas on the floor and furniture throughout the day, and it will brighten up the house!

Nothing Beats A Heated Bed

This is a great option for those who really love to spoil their furry friends. With heated cat beds, you typically just have to plug it in, adjust the temperature gauge, and let your pet snuggle luxuriously in the toasty cushions. These beds can be bought at the pet store or online.

Stay Active

Of course, there’s always physical activity to get the blood pumping and the body warmed up! Toss some jingly toys or break out the laser pointer to get your playful hunter or huntress zooming around the room. Not only will this chase away the shivers, it’ll keep your cat fit!

Under the Weather? Visit the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If kitty has the sniffles despite your best efforts to keep him warm, it’s time to call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Symptoms of illness to look out for include sneezing, coughing, eye and or nose discharge, and possibly a loss of appetite. At our office, we have years of experience caring for felines both old and young, and our clients can attest that we genuinely love and enjoy each one of our patients:

“Dr. McCauley is the best veterinarian I’ve ever taken a cat to! The entire staff is kind, knowledgeable, and caring. They understand cats and treat them with such compassion that it feels like they love my cat as much as I do! I will never go anywhere but here! The prices are so reasonable but I’d pay anything to this practice as they are really unbelievable. Makes me believe there are still wonderful doctors in the world, and they are here!” – Allyson L.

Contact the office if you need to schedule an appointment, and stay warm!

The Misunderstood Black Cat

10.27.17

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.

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!

Spring for a Vet Visit This Season!

03.13.17

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Spring

Many house cats have been cooped up indoors for the entirety of winter. (Except for a select few brave snow-loving cats who have been let out to experience the fluffy white drifts!) As spring approaches, you may be considering letting your kitty outside to enjoy the fresh air and get some much-needed exercise. With the incoming warm weather comes a few potential safety concerns for your furry friend that you’ll want to keep in mind. Follow these spring cat health tips for a smooth transition to the new season!

Don’t Leave Your Cat in the Cold!

The weather this time of year can sometimes be a bit deceptive. One day we’re enjoying temperatures in the high seventies, the next day we need to bundle up and brave a blustery morning of flurries. These surprise snowfalls might be a minor inconvenience for you but they are much more of a serious threat to your feline’s well-being if you’ve been letting him roam freely outdoors. Be aware of the weather forecasts before you open the door to let your friend survey his small neighborhood kingdom–especially if you own a hairless breed of cat! Some kitties are far less tolerant of the cold than others.

Sunny with a Chance of…Dehydration?

Conversely, there will be beautiful days where the sun is shining full force and it will seem like summer just couldn’t wait its turn. Both you and your cat will likely be more than eager to leave the confines of the house and enjoy the reprieve from the chill, but don’t forget to leave some food and water out for your little explorer! The heat has a way of drying you out when you’re getting some exercise in the form of running or walking. The same danger applies to your pet! Prevent dehydration by making fresh water available both indoors and outdoors, and remember to change it daily to ward off the presence of bacteria, algae, or parasites.

Yes, Cats Can Have Allergies!

Are you familiar with the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that often accompanies the bright, pollen-packed blooms of spring? There’s a chance that your cat is experiencing the same thing, especially if you’re letting her outside! If you notice your four-legged companion exhibiting such spring allergy symptoms, don’t hesitate to bring her to the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents recommend. We are more than capable of treating the dermatological and respiratory issues that plague pets this time of year.

Schedule a Spring Appointment With a Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s no secret that bringing your cat to the veterinarian can be a monumental task; however, for the long-term health and happiness of your beloved pet, we highly recommend that you don’t put it off! We specialize in gentle, effective treatment of our feline patients because we truly care about them as much as you do. This spring, get a head start on keeping your kitty healthy by contacting the office and making an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you and your furry family member!