Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

Why Is My Cat Drooling? | The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Answers

why is my cat drooling

Noticing your cat drooling can be concerning, especially if it seems out of the ordinary. While occasional drooling may be harmless, especially if your cat is relaxed or purring excessively, persistent or excessive drooling may indicate an underlying health issue that requires professional attention. If you’re wondering, “why is my cat drooling?”, the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to help you identify the problem.

6 Reasons Cats Might Be Drooling

Here are some common causes of drooling in cats:

  1. Relaxation: For some cats, drooling is a sign of contentment, relaxation, and even excitement. If you notice your cat’s drooling corresponds with purring or as a response to receiving treats, then your cat is probably doing just fine. Consult with your veterinarian if the drooling becomes excessive.
  2. Dental Disease: One of the most frequent reasons cats drool is dental issues. Conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay, or oral infections can make swallowing painful, causing your cat to drool. You may also notice bad breath or difficulty eating.
  3. Nausea or Toxin Exposure: Cats that ingest something toxic, like certain plants, household chemicals, or spoiled food, may drool as a response. Nausea caused by kidney or liver disease can also trigger drooling.
  4. Oral Trauma or Foreign Objects: Cats can injure their mouths while chewing on toys or foreign objects. A stuck item, like a string or small bone, can irritate the mouth or throat and cause drooling.
  5. Upper Respiratory Infections: Cats suffering from respiratory infections often experience mouth breathing, loss of appetite, and drooling, especially if ulcers form in the mouth.
  6. Heatstroke or Stress: In rare cases, overheating or stress, such as car rides or vet visits, can lead to excessive salivation.

Still Searching ‘Why Is My Cat Drooling?” Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

At The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we specialize exclusively in feline care, making us uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat cat-specific health concerns like unexplained drooling. Our expert veterinary team provides gentle, compassionate care in a cat-only environment, reducing stress for both you and your pet. If you’ve been wondering, “why is my cat drooling?”, don’t wait to find out. Drooling can be an early warning sign of something serious. Schedule an appointment with us at (856) 662-2662 so we can evaluate your cat’s health and provide the treatment they need.

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 Your Cat Clean

how to keep your cat clean

Cats are often considered one of the cleanest pets in general, and they do a pretty great job at cleaning themselves. However, there are a few things you can do to help your furry friend maintain good hygiene and keep your living space a little cleaner. The cat experts at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have a few tips for anyone who might be wondering how to keep your cat clean!

Clean Cat, Happy Cat

If you have a cat, you may have noticed they spend a lot of time cleaning themselves. That’s because cats really don’t like being dirty! You can keep your feeling happy and carefree by helping them stay as clean as possible:

  • Brush your cat! Yes, just like dogs, many cats love being brushed. Brush out loose and matted fur daily to keep your cat’s coat as clean as possible.
  • Trim their nails. Keeping up on your cat’s nail trimming will help your cat stay healthy and happy. Plus, it will prevent scratches to your body and your furniture. You can check out our post on cutting your cat’s nails here, or ask your vet to show you how!
  • Keep up on litter box maintenance. Fresh, clean litter will help your cat maintain good hygiene and minimize bad smells. If your cat isn’t using the litter box, talk to your vet; it’s often a sign your cat may not be feeling well.   
  • Bathe if necessary. Most cats won’t want you to bathe them, but if it’s ever necessary (or you have a rare kitty who loves water) be sure to only use shampoo intended for cats. Towel dry them off after, as most cats won’t be super thrilled to walk around with wet fur.

Need More Hygiene Tips? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If you’ve been wondering how to keep your cat clean, you’re not alone! Cat hygiene isn’t always as easy as just giving them a quick bath. But staying on top of your cat’s cleanliness is a top priority! This will help keep them healthy and happy, and if your cat is having a hard time maintaining their own cleanliness, it can be an indicator of a deeper issue. Talk with the vets at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill about why cat hygiene is important and how you can maintain it. Call our office at 856-662-2662 to set up an appointment! For more tips on cat health and grooming, follow our blog!

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!

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!

Knowing the Signs of a Great Cat Veterinarian

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill cat veterinarian

Need a sign? Look no further.

It’s easy to know when an office or place of business is not for you. The prices are totally unreasonable; the service is poor or ineffective; the employees are just plain unfriendly. So how can you tell when you’ve found a place that’s worth returning to–especially when the health of your beloved pet is on the line? We at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill can tell you a few ways to recognize when you’ve found a great cat veterinarian:

1. The Doctor is Knowledgeable and Provides Excellent Treatment

First things first, the main reason you’re going to the vet’s office isn’t for your health: it’s for your cat’s health! The main thing you want in a cat veterinarian is skill and genuine care for your pet. Dr. John McCauley has been a feline specialist for over two decades and is just as passionate about keeping kitties healthy and happy as he was at the start.

2. The Staff is Friendly and Responsive

Let’s face it, the people at the front desk are the face of the office. If your interactions with staff are consistently unpleasant, there’s a good chance you won’t want to return–regardless of how great everything else is! You’ll find that everyone employed at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is friendly, compassionate, and genuine. We do not respond with rudeness or impatience when our clients have questions, and we are often willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your experience here is as positive and low-stress as possible.

3. The Office Gets Rave Reviews

Whether you’re on the lookout for a spectacular restaurant, a reputable hair salon, or a trustworthy veterinarian, it’s very likely that you are scanning through people’s reviews of the place before you decide to venture over. This is a good practice! When a location is receiving 4 or 5 stars across the board, you feel a lot better about giving them your business. For example, here is one of the many kind testimonials a client wrote about The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill:

“I’ve found that it’s easy to be amazing when everything is going perfectly; it’s how problems are handled that show true character. Over the years, I’ve had both a diabetic cat and one with cancer. In each case, the cat was treated with tenderness and prescribed care explained well. Emergency appointments were squeezed in after what was surely an already long day of work. The good people here were compassionate and allowed as much time as needed. I cannot recommend the Cat Clinic highly enough.”

Your Number-One Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

You don’t have to wonder if you’re bringing your cat to a quality veterinary office when you come to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill; it’s evident from the moment you walk through our doors that we truly care about each and every furry patient. Our biggest concern is making sure your feline family member stays healthy and strong! The highly experienced professionals at our office can be trusted to provide the very best care, every time. Contact us today by calling (856) 662-2662, or come pay us a visit; we are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We look forward to meeting you!

How to Extend the Life of Your Cat

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill cat long life

If only there were a magic elixir that would allow our beloved feline companions to live forever! According to the ASPCA, the average lifespan of an indoor cat is between 13 and 17 years, but many live to reach their early 20s. The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is all about extending and enhancing the lives of our feline friends! We recommend following these tips to help your cat lead a longer, healthier life.

Exercise them
It’s the same deal for cats as it is for humans–regular exercise is essential for good health! Getting the heart pounding and blood pumping by chasing a laser pointer, jumping for a toy, climbing a cat tree…it’s all beneficial for increased cardiovascular fitness and mental stimulation. After all, a fit cat is a happy cat.

Encourage water consumption
Cats tend to go long periods of time without feeling the need to hydrate. Be sneaky: try adding some water to dry food so your cat gets some extra H2O without even knowing it, or include canned food to his diet for some extra water content.

Spay or neuter your cat
According to a 2013 survey, spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) actually correlates to pets living longer, healthier lives. Worried about the cost? Consider this: it’s more expensive to have a full litter of kittens to care for, and an unneutered male cat is far more likely to venture off and get into scrapes with local strays–the cost of treatment for injuries sustained from cat-fights isn’t a sunny prospect either!

Make regular vet visits
This includes oral care, proper grooming (especially for long-hair cats), and keeping pets up-to-date on vaccinations. Just like we humans need yearly physicals, our cats need yearly checkups! In fact, we recommend bringing your cat to the vet twice per year to keep her in optimum health. It’s a surefire way of making sure your furry friend stays bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

The Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian That Cares

Dr. John McCauley, the highly knowledgeable and experienced veterinarian at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, provides full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats. What does that mean for you and your kitty? Neither of you have to feel anxious about other large or noisy animals making a scene in the waiting room. You can also trust that your beloved feline is in good hands–cats are our passion! Make an appointment today by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we are excited to help give your cat the gift of good health and a long, satisfying life with his loving owner!

Adopt Double for Less Trouble!

Cat Clinic At Cherry Hill adopt two cats

Our cats keep us endlessly amused with their adorable, zany behavior. Games of chase with strings, laser pointers, and jingly toys are great fun not only for the cat owner, but for the frisky feline himself. All of that activity gives him good exercise and ample mental stimulation. However, you can’t always be in the house to keep kitty entertained. Whether it’s the daily grind of going to work, trips to the grocery store, or other day-to-day errands, these frequent absences quite often leave pets bored, lonely, and inactive. And while it’s not necessary to get a sitter for the few hours you’re away from home, no one wants to leave their pet all alone for long–that’s why we at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill strongly urge those looking to add a new four-legged family member to adopt two cats instead of just one!

Safety in Numbers

Although our feline friends tend to have the reputation for being independent, low-maintenance pets, they really aren’t total recluses–they need social interaction just like we do! When left all by themselves in the house, some cats might try to liven things up by getting into things they shouldn’t or becoming destructive. “No one’s around to play? Well, these curtains look like they could be fun…” They also run the risk of consuming things that aren’t meant to be consumed (in which case you should immediately take them to your Cherry Hill cat veterinarian).

When there’s a buddy around, the companionship of an extra kitty will keep your cat happy and occupied. They can even keep each other in better health! Cats that reside with a fellow feline typically live longer, are ill less often, and are kept in good shape from all of the playtime and exercise. There’s also the obvious benefit of getting to watch the hilarity that ensues during their rough and tumble antics!

Adopt two cats Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

The Cat Veterinarian Cherry Hill Residents Trust

However many kitties you end up adopting, we highly recommend bringing your cats to the veterinarian twice per year to keep the dynamic duo healthy and happy for years to come. The doctors at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill provide full-service veterinary care exclusively for cats, which means you don’t have to worry about other large or noisy pets spooking your feline friends in the waiting room. You can also rest assured that your beloved companions are in the very best hands–we care about them as much as you do! Book an appointment for your furry family members by contacting the office and speaking with one of our friendly staff; we can’t wait to meet them!

Featured Breed: The Ragdoll

Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian Ragdoll Cat

Anyone who has been to our practice can tell you that this Cherry Hill cat veterinarian isn’t biased when it comes to which breeds are most preferable–we love them all! We have found, however, that many of our patients express a special fondness for Ragdoll cats, and it’s not hard to see why. These felines are crowd favorites due to their strikingly beautiful appearance, docile nature, and their impressive ability to learn a few simple commands and tricks, such as fetch. Read on for a brief rundown on the history and characteristics of the charming Ragdoll breed!

California Breedin’

Ragdolls entered the scene during the 1960s when Ann Baker, a breeder in California, crossed a stray domestic white longhaired female cat with other free-roaming cats in her care. The results of this experimental breeding were kittens with ideal temperaments and attractive physical attributes. Baker continued to cross the offspring with individuals that possessed these desirable traits; thus, the Ragdoll breed was born.

Winning Personalities

The first question that may come to mind with this breed is, “What’s with the name?” These unique, lovable kitties are called “ragdolls” for a reason–when picked up and cuddled, they have a tendency to collapse into their owner’s arms. Ragdolls love to be held and will actively seek closeness with their humans whenever possible by staying near to your side and even greeting you at the door!

With such a strong need for attention, you might think that these cats would be exceptionally vocal. Not necessarily…Ragdolls will politely meow for food or a snuggle but are not known for being loud or persistent noisemakers. They are also unique in that they prefer not to ascend to great heights in the house. Their climbing habits typically only get them as far as the couch or bed rather than on high counters or tabletops. These well-mannered felines do enjoy a good scratching session, however, so provide some fun scratching posts to keep your cat happy and entertained.

Bring Your Ragdoll to the Best Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

Are you a proud owner of a Ragdoll cat? If so, you don’t need us to tell you what wonderful and affectionate friends they make! Be sure to keep your beloved kitty in his or her best health so you can continue to enjoy that special companionship for years and years to come. Our office is renowned for being the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust for the best feline care. We can’t wait to meet your furry family member; get in touch today to set up an appointment!

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Ragdoll kittens

Keep Calm and Go to the Vet

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All cats have unique personalities and habits, but those who own them know that these four-legged companions share some defining characteristics: they maintain strict feeding schedules, they are meticulous in their grooming, daytime napping is taken very seriously, and they typically despise trips to the vet (unless they go to The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill!). The process of corralling your kitty into his carrier, driving to the office while listening to screeching protests, and waiting in the lobby with an increasingly anxious patient is not a pleasant experience. Is there any way you can make it less unbearable for you and your cat? We have a few suggestions!

handle with care

1. Handle with care. An examination at the veterinary clinic involves a good amount of handling as the doctor checks for signs of illness or injury. It’s not a bad idea to get your cat accustomed to this kind of handling by frequently performing some brief checkups of your own at home! That way, your furry friend is not so spooked by the veterinarian’s touch; plus, you are more likely to discover health problems in your pet when you are diligent in assessing his general well-being.Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 9.21.18 AM

2. Get out of the house more often. Consider this: If you never bring your cat anywhere besides his occasional medical appointments, wouldn’t it make sense that he will begin to associate the cat-carrier and car rides with trips to the vet? Get your pet used to the idea of getting in the carrier and traveling, and make sure it’s a positive experience! Provide comfortable bedding, perhaps a favorite toy, and bring treats. Even if it’s just a short ride through the neighborhood every now and then, it still takes the stress and negative emotions out of the transportation process.

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3. Modify your own behavior. An anxious owner is often accompanied by a similarly stressed out pet. Your cat will respond more favorably to soft, reassuring words and gentle stroking than to a loud voice and jerky, fast movements. Your highly experienced cat veterinarian already knows the proper method of soothing and handling your feline friend, so follow his or her lead by speaking in quiet tones and refraining from sudden movements. A calm atmosphere will do wonders for everyone’s nerves!

As mentioned earlier, all cats are unique and have distinct personalities; not all of them will react in the same manner when it’s time for a trip to the veterinarian. Try these tips and let us know if you notice any positive behavioral changes. Once you visit our practice, you are sure to find that the knowledgeable and caring staff at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have years of experience in making anxious felines feel completely at ease! Our patients quickly learn that a checkup with Dr. McCauley or Dr. Knighton is nothing to fear.