Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Love Language of Cats

Cat owner

One of the classic “Dogs make better pets than cats” arguments is that cats show their owners no affection; dogs, on the other hand, are quite demonstrative with their love. It isn’t hard to picture an adoring dog with its human: tongue lolling, gaze following its master’s every move, eagerly obeying every command, exuberantly jumping up to lick a hand or face…You don’t usually see this level of enthusiasm from felines. Does that mean your cat doesn’t love you? Of course not. Although understated, your kitty’s subtle affection is just as valid as a dog’s exuberant warmth. Here are a few of the ways cats show their love for the special humans in their lives:

  1. Staring: Holding your gaze and blinking slowly is a cat’s way of letting you know that she trusts you and feels at peace in your company. A fearful or unhappy feline is more interested in running off and hiding than initiating and holding eye contact. The next time you catch your furry friend staring at you dreamily, you can recognize it as a form of engagement and trust!
  2. Meowing: Did you know that cats only meow to humans? They don’t communicate this way to other cats. Feel free to meow back and have a conversation with your kitty! Meowing and purring speak volumes of your cat’s affection for you.
  3. Following: You walk into the living room to take a seat on the couch when you notice that you have a shadow following close behind. The same little shadow follows you into the kitchen as you get a glass of water, then comes along as you hike up the stairs toward your bedroom. If your cat seems to be stalking you, chances are he enjoys your presence and just doesn’t want you out of his sight.
  4. Grooming and kneading: Sometimes the sandpaper-like tongue of your cat can be a bit abrasive on your hand, and kneading can be a bit painful when the claws come out; nevertheless, those behaviors are gestures of love! Let it happen.
  5. Sitting in your lap: It may not always be at the most convenient of times (when you’re sitting on the couch trying to eat and watch television, for example), but when your cat plops down in your lap, she’s trying to get close to you and feels comfortable enough to do so. Take a moment to cuddle your furry friend!

Not all cats show their affection the same way, but it’s their unique personalities that endear them to us in the first place. How does your kitty demonstrate his or her love? Leave us a comment or a photo on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And to show your love for your feline family member, be sure to visit your trusted cat veterinarian for regular checkups throughout the year.

Featured Breed: Maine Coon

Maine Coon Cat

You don’t need us to tell you that cats are beautiful and diverse animals, coming in an array of colors, sizes, and personalities. According to the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA), there are as many as 73 recognized domestic cat breeds, the largest of which is the Maine Coon (also known as the American Longhair). Anyone who owns or has owned a cat of this gorgeous breed can tell you that they have some distinct characteristics that make them quite unique. Take a look at a few facts you may not have known about the Maine Coon!

They actually enjoy being in the water! Most cats we know aren’t too fond of getting their paws wet, and when it comes time to give them a bath—good luck. Maine Coons, on the other hand, are not averse to taking a dip. Their thick coats are water-resistant and they swim better than you might expect!

Maine Coons are often thought to have dog-like qualities. There are notable temperament differences between a typical dog and a typical cat; many would argue that dogs are (for the most part) more demonstrative and “needy” for attention. Cats are often seen as aloof and unaffectionate with a low social need. Maine Coons defy this stereotype with their friendly, playful nature and high level of interaction with their owners. You could teach this fantastic feline to play fetch and even walk him on a leash!

They have a voice and aren’t afraid to use it! Some cats are definitely more vocal than others. When boredom sets in or it’s getting a little past regular dinnertime, loud, demanding meowing often ensues. Much to the entertainment of their owners, Maine Coons prefer to express themselves through frequent chirps and “trills,” which are combinations of meows and purrs. These talkative kitties are great company for those who like to keep up a steady stream of conversation!

They are not actually related to raccoons. It’s only a myth that this breed is a cross between a wild cat and a raccoon; more likely, they originally were the product of matings between short-haired domestic cats and longhairs that came to America with the Vikings.

These pretty kitties cost a pretty penny. Interested in having one of these gorgeous and quirky cats for your own? You might want to save up—a Maine Coon costs up to $1000 on average. Adoption might be your cheapest option, so start looking into rescue organizations!

If you are lucky enough to own a Maine Coon and have questions about his or her health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your knowledgeable cat veterinarian. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill love kitties of all breeds and are invested in keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy for years to come.

Should I Let My Cat Outside?

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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.