Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Cats

You and Your Kitty – A Love for the Ages

Whether you’re single or just socially distancing this Valentine’s Day, you may be looking to your kitty to keep you company this February 14th. That’s cool, though. We all know that your kitty is the actual love of your life. Who has else been there for you through thick-and-thin, uncaring what you look like or whether you’ve actually got your life together? Your kitty doesn’t care and they love you know matter what! So show some love to the kitty in your life this Valentine’s Day by giving them what they really want – snuggles, food, and these Valentine’s Day gifts for cats!

Fun Valentine’s Day Gifts for Cats

Regular gifts for cats and Valentine’s Day gifts for cats aren’t really so different, but in case you can’t think of what to get your kitty, here’s some ideas:

  • Catnip: Yep. Pour yourself a nice drink and give that kitty some catnip. The two of you can snuggle up on the couch feeling nice and mellow. We know your cat doesn’t mind watching those cheesy rom-coms, as long as they’re with you!
  • New Food and Water Bowls: When was the last time your kitty got a new food bowl? Cracks and warps in their bowls can build up harmful bacteria. Get them a new bowl, and if you’re really feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, we know your kitty will love a heart-shaped one!
  • New toys: Kitties deserve some variety in their life, just like us! They get bored of the same toys, even if they’re well-loved. Get your kitty some new mice toys, string toys, scratching posts, or whatever type of toy your cat likes best. Players gonna play, and you should play with them!
  • Treats: No explanation necessary.

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If you’re like us, your heart belongs to your kitty. So show that kitty some extra special love this year with some Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. And to ensure the love story you share with your cat continues for many years, make sure to schedule regular vet appointments with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Call us to schedule yours at 856-662-2662! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Why Cats Go Wild for Catnip

Why Cats Love CatnipPhoto Credit: Rainy City

Is there a scent you just can’t get enough of? Maybe it’s chocolate chip cookies or freshly ground coffee. These smells may be incredible, but our physiological reactions to them usually don’t involve rolling around, drooling, and spazzing out (unless, of course, that’s your style). There are many cats, however, that react this way when they get a whiff of catnip. If your cat is sensitive to the scent, prepare for some entertainment! What’s up with this phenomenon? Let’s find out!

First of all – what is catnip?

Catnip is a member of the mint family, a perennial herb called “Nepeta cateria.” The essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, has a highly euphoric effect on cats who are sensitive to it.

Why is my cat freaking out?

No one knows for sure what goes on in a cat’s brain when it encounters catnip, but it has been determined that the chemical nepetalactone is what triggers the reaction. It is believed that catnip imitates the feline “happy” pheromones, and then stimulates the receptors in the brain that react to those pheromones. The euphoria is similar to how humans respond to hallucinogenic drugs. This sensitivity is inherited in an autosomal dominant gene. A third of cats are unaffected by catnip because the gene is not present. If your cat is sensitive to catnip, you’ll witness: sniffing, kicking, head shaking, mewing, purring, sneezing, licking, chewing, and rubbing against the catnip. All of the cat’s senses are involved, making it an energizing and exciting activity for your cat.

What’s the best way to give catnip to my cat?

Catnip can be used in toys, flakes and pellets, or spray mists. Catnip is safe, non-addictive, and recreational for your feline friend, but make sure you limit how often you give your cat a catnip toy – otherwise the entertaining effects will diminish.

Can I use catnip too?

Good news! Catnip isn’t just for cats. But rather than stirring up reckless abandon, it has calming effects for humans. Catnip has been grown in medicinal gardens for centuries, and it has soothing qualities similar to chamomile. The nepetalactone oil is also an effective mosquito repellant!

Keep your cats happy with the occasional catnip toy, and keep your cats healthy with the occasional visit to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! We offer a variety of both medical and surgical services for your furry pals. Give us a call at (856) 662- 2662 for more information!