Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Adopt a Cat This Summer

adopt a cat

If you’re looking to adopt a pet, cats are great companions and often lifelong friends. They can be one of the best additions to your family when it comes to pets. If you’re a first time cat-owner though, you may still have some misgivings or even some misconceptions about cats, so the cat experts at Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have compiled a helpful list of reasons you should adopt a cat this summer.

Reasons to Adopt a Cat This Summer

When it comes to pets, cats make great additions to your family for many reasons:

  1. If you are looking for a low maintenance pet who provides a little more freedom for summer plas, then a cat is for you! Traditionally, cats are a lower level of commitment than dogs. Although cats will vy for your attention like dogs 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 so you can hit the beach or the baseball game. 
  2. Despite all the stereotypes, cats are actually quite affectionate animals! Similar to most animals and even people, they have their own personalities. Most cats enjoy playtime, cuddles, and just hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a snuggly companion to keep you company this summer, a cat is the pet for you!
  3. For kitties, playtime can also 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!
  4. Good bug and rodent deterrents! Cats are natural hunters, and they love to catch mice, rats, and bugs of all kinds. You won’t have a rodent problem with a cat around.
  5. Cats are scientifically proven to be 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.

Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for Info on Adoption

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

How to Train a Cat to Sit in 5 Steps

train a cat to sit

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!

  1. 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. 
  2. 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”.
  3. Praise your cat with words and pets as well as treats! The more positive reinforcement the better.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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!

Reasons to Adopt a Cat

reasons to adopt a cat

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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Cat

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

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

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?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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

cat clinic at cherry hill

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

keep cat warm in winter

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!