Felines Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Should I Let My Cat Outside?

10.07.15

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 9.52.58 AM

Perhaps you’ve observed your furry companion gazing almost wistfully at the great outdoors from behind the window and wondered, “What’s the harm in letting the poor little guy roam outside?” Many cat owners wonder if it’s cruel or unnatural to keep their feline friends cooped up indoors every day. Some feel that it is more humane to allow their pet to wander freely outside and return home at their leisure. As ideal as it sounds, there are actually quite a few consequences to this course of action!

First, let’s consider your pet’s safety: parasites, disease, cars, and other animals all pose significant threats to an outdoor cat—not to mention cruel people who abuse or kill wandering animals for “sport.” Outside of the security of your home, your cat is exposed to a variety of dangers and nuisances such as fleas, ticks, upper respiratory infections, feline distemper, and other health issues. No one wants to think about their beloved animal in discomfort or pain, but it’s important to be aware of these hazards.

Besides the health risks posed to your cat, there is also the issue of potential damage to the local environment. Has your furry friend ever brought you a “gift” in the form of a mangled mouse or battered bird? While it’s certainly beneficial to have this kind of pest control inside of the home, it is harmful and unnecessary outside of the house. According to American Humane Association, outdoor cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, “yet birds are believed to be only 20 percent of the wildlife [they] kill.” This is especially concerning when the populations of native species begin to dwindle. Animal lovers should care about the well-being of both pets and wildlife!

So, should you let your cat wander freely, or should you bar all of the exits? Is there a middle ground? Let’s look at a few ways to keep frisky felines happy and stimulated inside of the home:

New toys! Satisfy your little hunter’s instincts by providing him or her with an interactive toy to chase (laser pointers, for example).
New friend! Have you thought about finding a compatible cat or dog to keep your current kitty company?
Posts, perches, and hiding places! Cats need designated surfaces on which to flex those claws, so be sure to provide them with some good scratching posts. Perches and fun, low-cost hiding places (such as cardboard boxes) are purr-fect for nice views and peaceful havens.

If you still feel that your companion deserves a little fresh air and time in nature, there is always the option of using a leash! Adult supervision, as well as the proper vaccinations from a cat veterinarian, will allow your feline to enjoy the great outdoors without the negative side effects. If your cat needs to be vaccinated, or if you have any questions regarding your furry friend, get in touch with the professionals at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! Call (856) 662-2662 today.

How Can I Make My Cat And Dog Get Along?

08.21.15

Photo Credit: nguyen hoangnam

Ah, the battle of the most beloved house pets. We hear about their incompatible relationship all the time! Despite the hostility associated with this pair, we insist on throwing them together. According to recent studies at American Veterinary Medical Association, 44% of American pet owners have multiple-pet households, and the most common combinations include dogs and cats. Believe it or not, there are many healthy and friendly cat-dog relationships — some are even loving! Unfortunately, though, some cats and dogs can get defensive and aggressive with one another. So as a dog and cat lover, you may be wondering: how can I make my cat and dog get along?

Fighting Like Cats And Dogs

You can’t always predict how your pets will react to one another. The first few weeks is a crucial time, as the dog and cat are learning how to communicate with one another. A common problem between the two animals is dogs chasing cats. It may be playful on the dog’s part, but a fearful cat isn’t going to laugh it off. If it’s a fierce chase or biting is involved, that’s going to make matters worse. If neither of your pets are very aggressive, you’re going to have a better chance at getting them to tolerate each other. Either way, minimizing the aggression as much as possible is extremely important, for your animals’ safety and your own peace of mind.

What Can I Do?

You set the rules. As a pet owner, you must teach your dog self-control. Do not allow the dog to chase the cat. It might be hard to differentiate between play mode and attack mode, but if your cat is sensing danger, you’ll know. Make sure your cat has enough safety areas to climb and perch to escape from your dog and nap undisturbed. If possible, it would be helpful to match personalities and temperaments. An active, fun-loving dog would be better suited to an active, fun-loving cat, and so on. If your cat or dog is very timid and fearful, don’t get an overly domineering pet, or there’s bound to be chaos. Ideally, your new cat should be socialized to dogs, and vice versa.

At the end of the day, it depends on the similar or clashing dispositions of your pets. There’s nothing you can do to make them get along completely. They may never reach best friend status, but you can definitely train them to behave. Hopefully, they’ll grow to love and depend on each other, and when that happens, make sure you snap as many pictures as possible of them cuddling on the couch!

The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to assist you and your feline pal with the highest-quality medical services. Contact us by calling (856) 662-2662 and set up an appointment today! Our caring doctors are eager to meet you and your pet.

Why Cats Go Wild for Catnip

06.16.15

Photo 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!

History of the Domestic Cat

05.14.15

Photo Credit: Dubravko SoricHere’s a question that might keep you up at night. You look over at your cat, who is sleeping and purring peacefully next to you, and you wonder…how did you get here? Where did the domestic cat come from, and why did it make its home among people?

According to this Smithsonian article, all domestic cats descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris, which translates to “cat of the woods.” Cats were first domesticated in the Near East, and it is speculated that this process began over, wait for it… 12,000 years ago.

What was happening 12,000 years ago?

The first agricultural societies began to flourish in the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent. The development of grain stores brought economic growth, but it also brought some undesirable visitors: rodents. Cats took advantage of this abundant food source and stuck around these early towns, just like feral cats today. Cats became an asset to crop owners because they turned out to be effective pest control!

Some people argue that cats, in a sense, domesticated themselves. Cats appeared to have invited themselves in, and over time people began to regard them fondly, especially cats with friendlier traits. Many cats adapted to this new farmland environment, which produced the dozens of house cat breeds we know and love today- the felis catus. Pet, stray, and feral cats all belong to this species that we call the domestic cat.

Cats have traveled and lived among people across the globe.

A burial site in Cyprus offers the first archaeological evidence of humans and cats living side-by-side, as far back as 9500 BC.
In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped, mummified, and, as artwork suggests, kept on leashes as part of the cult of the goddess Bastet.
Cats boarded ships to the Americas, from Europe, and acted as pest control. Cats reportedly journeyed with Christopher Columbus, with the settlers at Jamestown, and aboard the Mayflower.

By the end of the 19th century, many Americans were starting to keep cats for not only utility purposes, but for companionship. Toward the end of World War I, cats were commonly accepted as house pets in the United States. Nowadays, cats are the most popular house pet, with 90 million domesticated cats getting cozy in 34% of U.S. homes.

Your love for your cats is expressed in how well you care for them! For superb veterinary services and devoted doctors, contact the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at (856) 662- 2662. It’s our mission to keep your cats happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come!

Five Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

04.16.15

Photo Credit: Robert Couse –Baker

Are you saddened by your cat or pet allergy? Wipe away your tears! There is a possibility that you can adopt a cat and still avoid red, puffy eyes.

If you want to get technical, 100% hypoallergenic cats do not exist, or research studies have not fully proven it yet. However, there are many breeds that produce fewer allergies than others. We suggest scheduling a play date with a hypoallergenic cat before making a commitment, in case your allergies are severe.

(Helpful fact: Cats produce pet dander, which is an allergen, but the major culprit that accounts for 10% of allergies is most likely a protein called “Fel d1”, which is found in cat saliva.)

Without further ado, here are five cat breeds that people with allergies should consider adopting!

1. Siberian. These majestic creatures hail from Russia. Their gorgeous fur coats make a statement! The Siberian cat is an ancient breed that is believed to be ancestral to all modern long-haired cats. Studies have shown that Siberian cats produce less Fel d1 than other breeds, which is good news for allergic people.

2. Siamese. The Siamese cat is a popular breed that is native to Thailand. They are recognized by their blue, almond-shaped eyes, large ears, a triangular-shaped head, and a thin, sleek body. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and very social.

3. Balinese. The Balinese originated as a natural mutation of the Siamese breed. These cats are known for their startling sapphire-blue eyes, and Siamese-style point coloration. They are considered to be the most intelligent of the long-haired breeds. The Balinese is another breed that produces low amounts of Fel d1 protein allergy.

4. Bengal. The Bengal cat came about from selective breeding to imitate the felines of the jungle, such as the leopard and ocelot. They are known for their large spots and rosette patterns on their fur. Their taxonomic name is “Asian leopard cat.” These cats may look wild, but they are actually very gentle creatures.

5. Burmese. The Burmese breed originated in Southeast Asia, and later developed in the United States. In 1930, a cat from Burma was bred with an American Siamese, creating the Burmese cat. Both American and British breeders developed two different breed standards that contrast mostly in head and body shape. Both varieties are known for their playful temperaments and vocalization.

And that’s not all! There are many more hypoallergenic cats that give hope to the allergy-plagued world.

Check back for more information about cat breeds and cat facts. And if your own feline friend is in need of medical services or a check-up, you know who to call…the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill! One of our passionate doctors would be glad to lend your pal a hand.

Call us at (856) 662-2662 or see where we’re located and stop in!

On The Rise: Cat Cafés

03.19.15

Photo Credit: Sarah Poe

Are you a cat lover, but not a cat owner? Perhaps your landlord won’t let you keep a cat, despite your pleadings. Or maybe your spouse or roommate has a cat allergy. What a miserable life that must be!

So, how can you get your cuddle fix?

Consider visiting a “cat café.” What is a “cat café”, you ask? Exactly what the name implies! To put it simply, it’s a café with a bunch of friendly cats milling about. You can watch and play with these cats as you sip hot, soothing beverages, for maximum relaxation.

Why is this such a marvelous idea? Aside from the obvious reasons– cats are cute, cuddly, and fun to play with– spending time with animals can be wonderfully therapeutic. Studies have shown that animals can help reduce stress levels and boost your mood. The physical act of petting can be healing, and playing with cats can be a great distraction from the stressors of life.

Placing these kinds of cafés in major cities is a wise idea as well. Many apartment tenants are unable to have pets of their own, and the only other option would be to volunteer at an animal shelter. This is a fantastic middle ground for cat lovers who don’t have the privilege of owning their own fluffy friends.

Who came up with this brilliant business endeavor? The first cat café, “Cat Flower Garden”, opened its doors in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. The idea has traveled to Japan, Austria, Germany, Russia, Hungary, France, Italy, Spain, Canada and finally the United States!

The first American cat café, “Cat Town Café” opened last fall in Oakland, California, and they have made it their mission to use this café as an adoption agency, so if you make a connection with one of the cats, you may be able to take it home! There are a few other cat cafés in operation, such as:

“Planet Tails Cat Café” in Naples, FL
“Denver Cat Company” in Denver, CO
“The Cat Café” in San Diego, CA
“Purrington’s Cat Lounge” in Portland, OR

There are over 15 cat cafés projected to open over the next year or two. The USA is finally catching up! A woman in Washington, DC is trying to open up a cat café this summer, “Crumbs and Whiskers,” so we may have to make a trip out there just for that. Can we get one in Philadelphia, please? We would definitely endorse that project.

So, whether you’re a cat café entrepreneur, or simply a cat owner, your feline friend is going to need some medical assistance to keep it happily purring. That’s where we come in!

5 Reasons Cats Make the Perfect Pet

02.25.15

Well folks, this is our first blog post! If you’re wondering why we’ve just started blogging now, it simply feels like it’s the right time. With decades of experience as a cat vet in Cherry Hill, we have many cat tails to tell.

We’d like to provide our fellow cat lovers with feline-filled content. Here we will discuss what we’ve learned and experienced over the years at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. The goal is to just provide you with something informative yet fun. And what better way to kick off our blog than by professing our love for our feline friends?

Now, unless you suffer from cat allergies, there really is no excuse for not owning a cat. If you do own a cat then you’ll probably agree that the following are the top five reasons cats make for the perfect pet!

#1 Intelligence

Felines are known for their sharp intelligence. While comparing cats and dogs is like comparing apples and oranges, it’s safe to say that cats are super smart in their own right. They are able to hone mental and physical abilities through practice and are great learners of tricks when you take the time to teach them.

Also, a cat never forgets! Move over elephants, a cat’s memory is incredibly powerful. According to Animal Planet, “Once attained, even if by accident or trial and error, most knowledge is retained for life, thanks to the cat’s excellent memory.”

#2 Entertainment

It’s no secret that cats are some of the silliest creatures on this planet. Whether they’re playing with you, another feline friend or just by themselves, they are sure to bring the laughs! As fellow cat owners and expert cat doctors in Cherry Hill, we’ve seen cats do some funny things over the years.

#3 Low Maintenance

Cats are pretty easy to please, as well as easy to housebreak and clean up after. Who doesn’t love that?! Cats make for the perfect pet for neat freaks because you won’t have to deal with repetitive accidents.

Also, not having to walk cats is a bonus. During the rain or freezing cold winters, having to take a pet outside must get tiresome. Just make sure to maintain the litter box, provide food and water, and you will have a happy cat on your hands!

#4 Pest Control

With their supersensitive ears, cats have a knack for seeking out pests. They also have no qualms about eradicating these pests, if/when they get their paws on them! Think of it as nature’s pest control.

#5 Cuteness

Above all else, cats are incredibly cute creatures. Depending on what kind of cat you have, they can be extremely fluffy and make for a great cuddle buddy. Even if your cat isn’t the snuggling kind, they’re still an adorable companion.

Of course there are plenty more reasons why cats are so lovable and make for great pets. But for today, these five should do!

If you’re ever in need of the medical services of a cat doctor in Cherry Hill, look to the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill. We are cat fanatics and, more than anything, we love to help our local feline friends maintain their health and happiness.

For more information on our Cherry Hill cat clinic, please take a look around our site or give us a call at (856) 662-2662!