Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: A Tutorial

brushing your cat's teeth

If you have a cat, you’ve probably noticed they suffer from some pretty severe halitosis – aka bad breath! Just like humans, cats need proper dental hygiene care. Dental problems like gingivitis are quite common in cats, and similar to human health, poor dental hygiene can lead to other lasting health issues for your kitty. The good news is, brushing your cat’s teeth is something you can do at home! So check out these tips to help you brush your cat’s!

6 Tips for Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

If you’ve ever tried to groom your cat in any way, you’re probably aware they’re not always cooperative, but don’t worry! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here with a few helpful tips to make it as painless for both you and your kitty as possible:

  1. First things first! You’ll need a special toothbrush and toothpaste. Your cat isn’t a human, so remember to never use human toothpaste or similar products like baking soda or mouthwash. These are not safe for your kitty! Thankfully, toothbrushes and cat-friendly toothpaste can both be found at most pet stores. 
  2. To start, make sure your cat is as calm and comfortable as possible. Sit them in your lap or in one of their favorite places. If your cat likes it, you might try easing them into the situation with some catnip for the nerves.
  3. Especially the first time you brush their teeth, introduce your cat to the process gradually! You can begin by letting them sample the toothpaste. Put a little in their mouth so they can adjust to the taste. They might even lick it off your finger!
  4. For the best brushing technique, use two hands. Hold the toothbrush with one hand and with the other, gently lift your cat’s lips so you have access to the teeth and their gums. Make sure to get in all those nooks and crannies!
  5. Just like with your own teeth, you want to use a gentle circular brushing motion on the teeth and gums. Do your best to get the back of their teeth and their upper molars and canines.
  6. Finally, make sure to give your cat a treat for a job well-done! Hopefully this encourages them for next time! We recommend treats that promote good dental hygiene. They’re tasty and healthy.

Take Care of Your Cat’s Health with The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cats are notorious for having poor dental health and hygiene. That’s why keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine is an important aspect of having a kitty. We recommend brushing every day or several times per week if possible. In addition to brushing your cat’s teeth, you’ll want to make sure your cat has an annual professional tooth-cleaning and oral exam performed by an experienced vet. This will keep their teeth, gums, and body healthy. If you have questions on brushing your cat’s teeth or are ready to schedule an oral exam for your cat, give the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at 856-662-2662. You can see all the medical services we provide to keep your kitty healthy and happy on our website or check out our blog!

How to Keep Cats from Jumping on Counters

Cats and Counters – Keep off!

Whether you’re a new cat owner or a cat-owning veteran, keeping your cats from jumping on counters is a huge challenge. It’s in a cat’s nature to be up high, to play, and to treat your house as a jungle gym. However, we don’t always want our cats jumping up on our furniture, especially counters and tables where we eat or keep food. If you’re wondering how to keep cats from jumping on counters, look no further! The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill has a few tips and tricks to prevent your cats from having free range of counters, tables, and other places you don’t want them jumping.

Tips and Tricks on How to Keep Cats from Jumping on Counters

Your cat may think they own the place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set some boundaries on places they’re allowed to go. Here are a few ways on how to keep cats from jumping on counters:

  1. First, give your cat another outlet for their desire to climb and be up high. Cats love cat trees! If you provide a cat tree or other high-up place (such as a designated shelf), your cat may become so fond of it that they don’t bother with your counters. Make the cat tree comfortable and attractive – leave a soft bed, toys, and treats there for your cat to find.
  2. As a backup or if your cat doesn’t take to a cat tree right away, try making your counter an unattractive place for your kitty. Remove food, small objects, and anything else that may be attracting your cat’s curiosity.
  3. You can also try putting (mildly) sticky tape up on your counter. When they try to jump up, they won’t like the feeling of the tape on their paws and eventually your cat likely won’t want to jump up anymore.
  4. Another product cats don’t like the feeling or sound of is aluminum foil. If sticky tape doesn’t work, try tin foil.
  5. When your cat jumps on a place that you deem acceptable, it’s important to let your cat know they’re doing a great job so they can tell the difference between good places to jump and bad. Treats, pets, and positive tone-inflection in your voice will help your cat learn what places are good for jumping.

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill and Your Kitty

If you’re still having behavioral issues with your kitty, it might help to talk to a vet. They can offer ideas or refer you to a cat trainer who can help. For more information on how to keep cats from jumping on counters, or to schedule an appointment with us, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662.

Can I Cut My Cat’s Nails?

My Cat’s Nails are Getting Long – Is It Okay to Cut Them?

If you’re a first-time cat-owner, you may begin to notice pretty early-on that your cat’s nails are starting to get long. You might be wondering “is it okay to cut my cat’s nails?” The answer is yes! Not only is it okay, cutting your cat’s nails is something you should definitely do to keep your kitty happiest and to avoid them scratching both you and your furniture. Your vet is happy to trim your cat’s nails for you, but it might cost extra and typically needs to be done more often than you might bring your cat in for their checkup. Plus, clipping your kitty’s nails is an easy task that you can do at home!

How Do I Trim My Cat’s Nails?

Trimming your cat’s nails does take some practice, on both your part and your kitty’s. But we’ve put together a helpful guide to make it easier.

  1. Choose a good set of clippers. There are a few types of kitty nail clippers you can get at the store, but it’s also acceptable to use human nail clippers! Just make sure any clippers you use aren’t dull or rusty.
  2. For best results, introduce your cat to the concept of nail trimming when they’re young. The more familiar they are with the clippers and the idea of you clipping their nails, the more willing and calm they will be when it’s time to clip. You can get your cat used to the clippers using treats.
  3. You will need to use your fingers to massage the nail out of the paw. The claws are retractable, so your kitty’s nails will be hiding until you push and hold them far enough out to cut.
  4. Cutting your cat’s nails is similar to cutting your nails… you just squeeze the clippers over the long part and clip!
  5. However, it is important that you do not cut down to the quick. The quick is the pink part inside the nail. This is the sensitive area where the cat’s nerves are. Just cut the white part of the nail. Remember: it’s better to be safe and cut less if you’re afraid of cutting the quick.

Need More Help? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Cutting your cat’s nails is a grooming activity you can do at home, but when in doubt, call the vet. At The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we are more than happy to guide you on the best way to cut your cat’s nails. For more information on the proper way to cut your cat’s nails or to schedule a vet appointment with us, call at 856-662-2662.

Why Does My Cat Keep Scratching Everything?

cat scratching

Why Your Cat is Scratching Your Furniture

All cat owners have been there: you just bought your cat the newest, coolest, and most scratchable cat tree there is to offer. And yet, your cat continues to sink her claws into the couch. You’ve given your kitty every kind of toy and scratching tool to make this stop, yet you’re still wondering “why does my cat keep scratching everything”? It’s an age-old problem. So why do cats keep scratching everything? There are a few reasons your cat keeps scratching:

  • The most obvious reason your cat keeps scratching is because they’re trying to remove the outer layer of their claws. Maybe they’re too sharp and the outer layer is likely dead.
  • Your cat is expending energy. Your cat doesn’t necessarily know the difference between toy and furniture. It’s all a jungle gym to your cat, a place to play and hunt. And boy does your office chair sure look like a fun tree to climb.
  • Marking their territory. Cats can often scratch something to mark their territory. Their scratches don’t just leave a visible mark; they also leave a scent behind.

How To Stop Your Cats from Scratching Everything

So now you have the answer to “why does my cat keep scratching everything.” Next: how do you stop it? It is possible to train your cat to scratch things she’s supposed to scratch.

  • Cats will often choose things to scratch dependent on placement. If possible, try not to hide the scratching posts and cat trees in the corner of the room. Your cat might be choosing your couch because it’s the center of attention. Cats are also likely to choose objects right in an entrance to a room, especially if they’re marking their territory. That’s why your cat often scratches the doorjamb, even when the door is open.
  • To begin, try detering your cat from scratching things you don’t want her to scratch by putting gentle sticky tape or sandpaper on them. Your cat won’t like the texture. You can also put an unfavorable odor on the objects with cotton balls. You can buy these at most pet stores.
  • To help your cat get used to scratching something acceptable, put it at the same height they usually scratch and place it near an object they tend to scratch. So if your cat is scratching the back of the couch, put your scratching posts near the back of the couch and ensure it’s at a about the same height your cat typically scratches. Once your cat is used to the new scratching post or tree, you can start to move it away little by little, but it’s often best to keep it in a close spot. You don’t want your cat to return to old habits.

Cat Still Scratching?

If your cat continues to scratch, there might be a deeper health or behavior issue with your kitty. It’s best to talk to your vet. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can help you understand why your cat keeps scratching. Give us a call at 856-662-2662 to schedule an appointment or to speak with a vet on why your cat might continue to scratch.

Why Does My Cat Keep Throwing Up?

My Cat Keeps Throwing Up – Is This Normal?

If you’re a cat owner, you know all too well that cat vomit can be an unfortunately common part of loving your furry baby. You know the signs – the groans, the choking noises, and then… the vomit. You’re running off for the carpet spray and your cat is walking away, content like nothing even happened. However, what does it mean when your cat keeps throwing up? Is it normal? How much is too much and why does it keep happening? There are many reasons your cat keeps throwing up and, thankfully, most of them aren’t serious.

Reasons Your Cat Keeps Throwing Up

Most common house cats throw up one to three times per month. Here are a few reasons why your cat might keep throwing up:

  • Hairballs. The most common reason your cat keeps throwing up is from grooming. Cats are meticulous groomers. Unfortunately, their stomachs aren’t fond of digesting all that cat hair. If your cat’s vomit is clumpy and hairy, don’t fret. Hairballs may be gross, but they aren’t reason for concern.
  • Eating too quickly. Like humans, if cats eat too much too quickly, they may become sick. Especially in multi-cat homes where they feel territorial over their food, cats often will eat too quickly. If your cat throws up after eating, but appears fine the next minute, this is probably the reason. Try giving your cat smaller portions of food spread throughout the day or separating your cats’ food bowls if you have multiples cats.
  • Your cat ate something cats should not be eating. Cats are curious creatures and will try to eat things they shouldn’t. Toilet paper, human food, toys, grass… the list is endless. If your cat is a curious eater, it’s a good idea to cat-proof inedibles as much as possible.
  • Allergies. If your cat appears to be throwing up after eating, another possibility is they’re allergic to something in their food. This is not at all uncommon. They may also be having trouble adjusting to the food, if it’s new. When trying out a new food, ease them into it by weaning them off the old and onto the new by mixing the two foods together at first.

When Is It Time to See the Vet?

The above reasons are all common occurrences in household cats. If your cat throws up and appears unbothered shortly after, monitor the situation, but don’t be alarmed. If it happens multiple times per week, a call to the vet might be in order. However, if your cat vomits multiple times over multiple days, becomes distant and isn’t eating, or you notice blood in your cat’s vomit, call the vet immediately. These are signs of more serious sickness or that your cat might have eaten something dangerous or poisonous. If you’re not sure and are worried about why your cat keeps throwing up, call The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. We are always happy to help and want your cat to be healthy. In the meantime, give your kitty lots of love and invest in some good carpet cleaner!

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up at Night

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Why Does My Cat Keep Waking Me Up?

We’ve all been there. You’ve finally gotten to sleep and are in the middle of a great dream, when all of a sudden, a loud meow wakes you up. Or a cat sitting on your head. Or scratching at the door. Whichever method your cat uses to wake you up at 3AM, you’re probably pretty fed up. If you’re wondering “why does my cat keep waking me up,” there are a few possibilities. The first is the age-old explanation: cats are nocturnal creatures and in their natural state, they hunt at night. However, domesticated cats typically cater their schedules to their humans’. Usually if cats wake you up at night, it’s because they want or need something.

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up

Whether your cat wants food, attention, or playtime, it’s important to recognize what your cat needs so you can fix it and finally get back to sleep! Here are a few things to try to get your kitty on the same schedule as you or at least let you sleep.

  • Your cat may be hungry – if your kitty is meowing at you in the middle of the night, they could be hungry. Depending on your cat’s feeding schedule, consider an automatic feeder. This is particularly helpful if your cat can pace themselves throughout the day. If your cat is an overeater or eats all their food at once, try giving them a little treat just before you go to bed. This should hold them over until morning.
  • Your cat has too much energy – if your cat is restlessly walking on you or scratching at your door, there’s a good chance they want to play. Playing with your cat an hour before bed can help calm them through the night. Doing this every night will create a habit in your cat and an expectation that after playtime is over, it’s time to sleep.
  • “Give me attention!” – If your cat lays on your head at night, it’s possible they just want attention. Especially for owners that are away from home all day, your cat misses you and needs attention just like a person might. Spend some scheduled and habitual quality cuddle time (or playtime) with your kitty to prevent them from waking you up.
  • If you’re a restless or light sleeper, it may be best to not let your cat sleep with you. Create a space for your cat outside of your room where they can eat, play, and use the litter box. Your cat will recognize that whatever it needs is not in your bedroom.

Still Being Woken Up by Your Cat?

If you’ve tried all this and are still being woken by your cat in the middle of the night, it may be time to consult a vet or a trainer. For more information on how to get your cat to stop waking you up in the middle of the night, or to schedule a vet appointment, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. Or you can check out our blog for more helpful cat tips!

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!

Show Your Cat Some Love!

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

February is a month typically associated with two things: acts of love and lousy weather. We’d like to take some time to discuss both and how they relate to your feline family members! With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better time to show your cat some extra attention–especially as temperatures drop to teeth-chattering levels. As your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian, we’ve got some suggestions on how you can make your cat feel the love this month.

Make more time for play. If you let your kitty enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer months of the year, chances are she’s feeling a bit restless staying indoors 24/7. Keep your friend physically active and mentally stimulated with interactive food puzzles, laser pointers, and fun toys. These activities will keep her in good shape and high spirits!

Spread the warmth. No one likes shivering in a cold room, including your furry friend, so keep the chill out of the house. This is especially important for old or arthritic cats that can’t tolerate cold temperatures as well as they might have in their younger years. If your pet typically lounges on the floor, be sure to keep him comfortable with a cozy blanket or an elevated bed. For added protection from icy drafts, install weatherstripping on the doors and windows.

Don’t be stingy at mealtimes. You never want to overfeed your pet, but winter is the time many animals burn extra calories to preserve body heat. Your cat is dependent upon you for proper nutrition–make sure she is getting enough to eat, and be consistent with her feeding schedule. Unsure of how much food you should be doling out? Schedule a consultation with the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents rely on for all of their feline questions and concerns.

Show you care–DON’T share. If you’ll be giving or receiving flowers and chocolates this holiday, make sure they are out of kitty’s reach. As we mentioned in our previous blog about cat safety during holidays, some food and decorations can be quite dangerous for pets!  Candy and pretty floral arrangements might be a romantic gesture for humans, but it’s best to keep them away from your four-legged friends; furthermore, dispose of all wrappers, strings, and bows right away. If you really want to give your feline a special gift on Valentine’s Day, we recommend offering her a catnip toy or a tasty treat from your local pet store.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for showing love and kindness to the special people in our lives; why not extend the same courtesy to your beloved pets? You can always call the Cherry Hill cat veterinarians with any inquiries, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need our medical services. We hope everyone has a fabulous February with loved ones!