Cats Archives - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Cat

11.24.18

The stockings are hung, the garlands are strung, glimmering tinsel is dangling from each branch of the tree in the living room—it’s almost too much for any cat to resist. It stands to reason that they deserve some kind of reward for resisting temptation (or at least trying to) all through the holiday season. After all, everyone loves getting presents on Christmas morning…even our pets! If you want to make it a very “meowy” Christmas for your favorite feline, we at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a few great gift suggestions that they’re sure to enjoy.

A new scratching post: If the current scratching post has become a bit of an eyesore after too much wear and tear, it may be time to upgrade it (before the couch starts getting some unwanted attention from your little Santa Claws).
A heated bed: Anyone who has ever had a furry friend curl up on their laptop can attest that cats are drawn to warmth wherever they can find it. As temperatures drop and sunny spots in the house get fewer and fewer, your cat will appreciate a warm place where they can curl up and nap.
Catnip toys – You can buy these at basically any pet store, or you can make them yourself. Check out how to tackle this simple and fun project here! This article gives you six ideas for the craft.
And for those looking to save some money: Stay thrifty with balled up wrapping paper from the rest of the family’s gifts! One of the best things about owning a cat is that they are very easily entertained and can make a toy out of nearly any object, whether it’s a piece of string or a moving spot of light.

Give Them the Gift of Good Health

As much as your feline family member would prefer a catnip-filled mouse toy over a trip to the vet, the best thing you can give him or her is a yearly medical checkup at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. Here’s what one happy patient said about his experience bringing his beloved cat to our office:

“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!”

If it’s time to bring your kitty in for a checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment! Give the office a call at (856) 662-2662 or visit us at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Unusual Cat Myths for Halloween

10.29.18

halloween the cat clinic at cherry hill

Gather round the fire for these fun feline tales! During this spooky and superstitious time of year, most stories involving cats depict them as evil omens or the eerie companions of witches. Rather than dwell on the typical bad-luck black cat stereotype, The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has gathered up a few legends that paint our four-legged friends in a less villainous light.

Cat Stories from Around the World

Buddhist belief: A sect of Buddhism once practiced in former kingdoms of Siam and Burma believed that when you die (if you were holy enough), your soul is placed in a cat for safekeeping. Later, when the cat passes away, that soul ascends to paradise. This sect of Buddhism reveres cats as a result and often has depictions of them sleeping at the feet of statues of Buddha. In Thailand (once Siam), they still observe a ritual of presenting a live (Siamese) cat adorned in gold jewelry to each new Thai king during his coronation. It is thought that the spirit of the old king can witness the new king’s coronation through the cat’s eyes.

English belief: It was once believed that cats were able to predict the weather—by observing your resident feline’s behavior, you could get some clues on the daily forecast! Clawing at carpets or curtains signaled windy weather ahead. A rigorous grooming of the ears meant rain was on the way—as did staring out the window or sleeping with all four paws tucked under his or her body. The Welsh believed that when a cat’s pupils expanded, a storm was approaching.

Scandinavian belief: Referring to Norwegian Forest Cats in particular, people believed these felines were the favorite animals of Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility. Giving a black cat to newlyweds was considered good luck, and farmers who hoped for bountiful harvests would leave dishes of milk outside for the fortuitous felines. We can’t be sure that actually helped their harvest, but there’s no doubt it solved any mouse infestations in the farmers’ barns!

Bring Your Favorite Feline to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

No matter your cat’s backstory or supernatural abilities, it’s important to bring him to a reputable cat veterinarian for yearly health checks. Wondering if the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is the best place for your pet? We come highly recommended by our clients:

“We are so glad to have found Dr. McCauley and everyone at the Cat Clinic. Our four kitties are much less stressed during and after their visits. All of our questions and concerns are answered with patience and good humor, and we learn what we need to do to keep our kitties healthy for many years yet to come. We are from Philly and are happy to cross the bridge to Cherry Hill it is worth it. Thanks guys.” – Nellie J.

Give us a call at (856) 662-2662 if you’d like to set up an appointment for your cat! Or, check out where we are located and visit us at the office. We’d be happy to meet you and your furry family member!

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!

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

04.02.18

Why is My Cat So Clingy?

Those who say they’re not “cat people” usually offer the same old list of reasons for this claim: “I don’t like dealing with the litter box.” “I don’t want my furniture all scratched up.” “Cats aren’t affectionate enough.” Let’s take a closer look at that last one–it’s not fair to generalize all cats as aloof or unloving because personalities differ widely among breeds and individuals. In fact, some kitties display the opposite behavior and are excessively needy for attention! Instead of having to cajole or lure him in with treats, you may have a cat that faithfully follows you like a shadow and meows mournfully when you leave. Although this clingy behavior isn’t always indicative of a health issue, it’s best to know what it could mean if your cat is not normally so…demonstrative. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have found that unusually needy cats are often this way for a few reasons:

Anxiety – Sometimes cats feel insecure or vulnerable and express it by sticking close to their owner’s side. This is particularly common in rescue cats and kitties that were separated from their mothers at too young an age. Reassure your anxious pet and affirm their trust by speaking in calm tones and stroking them gently when they press close to you.
Newness – Whether they are a new addition to the household or you’ve recently moved into a new home, cats don’t easily adapt to change. Perhaps your four-legged family member is a little shaken up by her unfamiliar surroundings and is leaning on you (quite literally) for some extra support!
Hunger – The reason behind all of that extra attention might be that you’re simply not feeding your kitty enough. Since they can’t come right out and say it, they have to resort to sticking to you like glue and meowing persistently for more chow. As long as your cat is fit and at a healthy weight, you should be good to increase the portions–get in touch with the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for nutritional planning if you need a second opinion.
Illness – Lastly, it could very well be that your cat is feeling under the weather or is dealing with some sort of injury. Give him a once-over to see if there are any outward signs of illness, and take him to the vet if necessary.

Consult the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

So is it just a quirky part of your cat’s personality, or should it be a cause for concern? If you’re worried that your clingy kitty might have some underlying health issues that are making her act out, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment. We would be happy to meet with your favorite feline and get to the root of the issue. Call the office at (856) 662-2662 or come by in person at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Keeping Kitty’s Spring Allergies at Bay

03.01.18

It seems like our groundhog friend was wrong about the extended winter this year, and we’re not complaining! As the icy season nears its end and we enjoy warmer, sunnier days, a new issue arises: spring allergies. At the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are well familiar with the tell-tale signs of this yearly feline affliction. Sneezing, runny eyes and nose, frequent scratching of itchy skin…it’s really not too different from our seasonal allergies! There are measures we can take to reduce our cats’ reactions to the increased pollen in the air; here are a few of our suggestions:

Try a bath. We say “try” because it’s common knowledge that cats are not the biggest fans of bath time. If you aren’t met with violent resistance, use a pet shampoo to wash the pollen, bacteria, and other irritants from your kitty’s fur coat and skin. Another option is to use a topical treatment prescribed by your cat veterinarian to stop the itching (and possible infection) in its tracks.

Keep the ears clean. Those adorable pointy ears are not only excellent at catching the slightest noise, they are the perfect traps for dust and pollen. Help your cat out by using a wad of cotton or gauze to get rid of any debris that may have accumulated in your furry friend’s ear canal. You might even need to flush them with an ear-cleaning solution (just run it by the veterinarian first).

Use eye drops. Noticing your cat rubbing at her eyes with her paws? Is she looking a little teary-eyed? Rinsing your cat’s eyes with a simple irrigating solution once or twice a day will work wonders in removing allergens and preventing that irritating itch. Just be sure to use a simple cleansing eye solution only–no Visine needed!

Double-check the diet. Could it be a food allergy? There’s only one way to find out. A food elimination diet might be necessary to determine if your cat’s symptoms are due to spring allergies or just the wrong chow.

Visit the vet. When all else fails, leave it to the professionals. That’s what we’re here for!

Call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Don’t wait until your cat is already suffering from spring’s ruthless pollen attack. Follow these tips, and be sure to give us a call at (856) 662-2662 or visit our practice at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We are eager to answer any questions you have about your cat’s health and how you can keep him in tip-top shape for years to come. Get in touch today!

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 Lovable Orange Tabby

07.21.17

Whether they’re accurate or not, reputations and stereotypes have a way of making people look at things differently. Collies are seen as protective, family-oriented dogs, thanks to Lassie; eagles are patriotic; black cats are associated with Halloween and are notorious for being “bad luck” (completely unfair and untrue). But have you heard the rumors surrounding orange cats? The orange tabby is not a specific breed of its own, but many who have had the pleasure of owning them insist that they are the most affectionate, sweet-natured cats out there. We at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill interact with such a variety of breeds and temperaments that we can’t pick favorites, but it’s worth taking a closer look at this trend!

Lots to Love

The first notable trend with orange tabbies? Most of them are male–females make up only about 20 percent of these lovable felines! Regardless of the gender, these cats are renowned for being social, affectionate, and vocal. Owners report that their orange companions love to snuggle and are playful, friendly characters. If there is one obvious trend that no one can deny, it’s that these “purrfect” specimens are beautiful to behold! The vibrant orange color of their coats and the striped, swirled, and spotted tabby patterns make them very pretty kitties indeed. It’s no wonder that they are such a popular and beloved addition to the family!

Do you or your friends own orange tabbies? We’d love to hear about your experience with them! Let us know if you have found them to be as personable and quirky as their reputation suggests.

All Breeds Welcome at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cats of all sizes, patterns, colors, and personalities are encouraged to come by for a visit here at the office! Your pet should go to the cat veterinarian twice per year to ensure a long, happy, healthy life. We offer an array of medical services for your furry family member, including:

Nutritional planning
Grooming
Management of chronic illnesses
Geriatric care for older cats
Dental care
Dermatological care
Treatment for gastrointestinal issues

If your kitty is healthy and thriving or feeling under the weather, bring him or her to see us at your earliest convenience. Contact our practice to schedule an appointment, or just come on by! We are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Our friendly staff will make you and your cat feel welcome and can answer any questions or concerns you might have. We look forward to seeing you at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!

Adopt Double for Less Trouble!

05.11.17

Our cats keep us endlessly amused with their adorable, zany behavior. Games of chase with strings, laser pointers, and jingly toys are great fun not only for the cat owner, but for the frisky feline himself. All of that activity gives him good exercise and ample mental stimulation. However, you can’t always be in the house to keep kitty entertained. Whether it’s the daily grind of going to work, trips to the grocery store, or other day-to-day errands, these frequent absences quite often leave pets bored, lonely, and inactive. And while it’s not necessary to get a sitter for the few hours you’re away from home, no one wants to leave their pet all alone for long–that’s why we at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill strongly urge those looking to add a new four-legged family member to adopt two cats instead of just one!

Safety in Numbers

Although our feline friends tend to have the reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, they really aren’t total recluses–they need social interaction just like we do! When left all by themselves in the house, some cats might try to liven things up by getting into things they shouldn’t or becoming destructive. “No one’s around to play? Well, these curtains look like they could be fun…” They also run the risk of consuming things that aren’t meant to be consumed (in which case you should immediately take them to your Cherry Hill cat veterinarian).

When there’s a buddy around, the companionship of an extra kitty will keep your cat happy and occupied. They can even keep each other in better health! Cats that reside with a fellow feline typically live longer, are ill less often, and are kept in good shape from all of the playtime and exercise. There’s also the obvious benefit of getting to watch the hilarity that ensues during their rough and tumble antics!

The Cat Veterinarian Cherry Hill Residents Trust

However many kitties you end up adopting, we highly recommend bringing your cats to the veterinarian twice per year to keep the dynamic duo healthy and happy for years to come. The doctors at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill provide full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats, which means you don’t have to worry about other large or noisy pets spooking your feline friends in the waiting room. You can also rest assured that your beloved companions are in the very best hands–we care about them as much as you do! Book an appointment for your furry family members by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we can’t wait to meet them!

Featured Breed: The Ragdoll

04.25.17

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Ragdoll Cat

Anyone who has been to our practice can tell you that this Cherry Hill cat veterinarian isn’t biased when it comes to which breeds are most preferable–we love them all! We have found, however, that many of our patients express a special fondness for Ragdoll cats, and it’s not hard to see why. These felines are crowd favorites due to their strikingly beautiful appearance, docile nature, and their impressive ability to learn a few simple commands and tricks, such as fetch. Read on for a brief rundown on the history and characteristics of the charming Ragdoll breed!

California Breedin’

Ragdolls entered the scene during the 1960s when Ann Baker, a breeder in California, crossed a stray domestic white longhaired female cat with other free-roaming cats in her care. The results of this experimental breeding were kittens with ideal temperaments and attractive physical attributes. Baker continued to cross the offspring with individuals that possessed these desirable traits; thus, the Ragdoll breed was born.

Winning Personalities

The first question that may come to mind with this breed is, “What’s with the name?” These unique, lovable kitties are called “ragdolls” for a reason–when picked up and cuddled, they have a tendency to collapse into their owner’s arms. Ragdolls love to be held and will actively seek closeness with their humans whenever possible by staying near to your side and even greeting you at the door!

With such a strong need for attention, you might think that these cats would be exceptionally vocal. Not necessarily…Ragdolls will politely meow for food or a snuggle but are not known for being loud or persistent noisemakers. They are also unique in that they prefer not to ascend to great heights in the house. Their climbing habits typically only get them as far as the couch or bed rather than on high counters or tabletops. These well-mannered felines do enjoy a good scratching session, however, so provide some fun scratching posts to keep your cat happy and entertained.

Bring Your Ragdoll to the Best Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

Are you a proud owner of a Ragdoll cat? If so, you don’t need us to tell you what wonderful and affectionate friends they make! Be sure to keep your beloved kitty in his or her best health so you can continue to enjoy that special companionship for years and years to come. Our office is renowned for being the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust for the best feline care. We can’t wait to meet your furry family member; get in touch today to set up an appointment!

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Ragdoll kittens

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!