Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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!

Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed

Orange tabby cat

“Just watching my cats can make me happy.” – Paula Cole

Everyone knows that there are a number of daily habits necessary for maintaining good health and hygiene. Some of these habits include bathing, brushing and flossing your teeth, keeping hair well combed, and eating enough fruits and vegetables. The same level of attention should be given to your pets! Rather than waiting until an emergency trip to your cat veterinarian is required, make sure you’re doing your part to keep him healthy and happy by incorporating these simple routines into his day.

Dental care – Your cat can’t hold a toothbrush and scrub those pearly whites all by himself! It’s up to you to make good oral health a priority. Cats have varied reactions to their owners brushing their teeth; some relax and seem to enjoy it while others do their best to make it a nearly impossible task. Your best bet is to start this routine at a young age—a kitten that is accustomed to frequent tooth-brushing will likely continue to allow it as the years go by. If it proves to be too difficult a job, leave it in the capable hands of your cat veterinarian.

Combing the coat – The two things our feline friends do best? Cat naps and hair care. When they’re not snoozing peacefully on their favorite perch, they can often be found tending to their luxurious coats. For the most part, cats don’t really need our help in keeping their fur neat and tidy; however, long-haired breeds have their work cut out for them. It’s a good idea to keep a comb or brush handy so you can give your furry friend a hand in keeping that gorgeous fur tangle-free. You could be sparing him from coughing up some unpleasant hairballs!

Physical exercise – Just as we need daily walks, jogs, or gym time to stay fit, your cat requires daily play time to keep him active and in shape! A lethargic, understimulated kitty can easily pack on the pounds, which leads to negative health effects down the road. Provide him with enough toys to keep him busy on his own, but set time aside to engage him with activities that make him chase string or a laser pointer.

Committing to these daily tasks will do wonders in keeping your kitty “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Don’t forget to schedule yearly appointments with an experienced cat veterinarian who can keep tabs on your pet’s health! If it’s time for your feline friend’s annual checkup, feel free to contact us at any time.