Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

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!

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!

Featured Breed: The Siamese Cat

siamese cat

For a lot of people (particularly Disney fans), the first thing that comes to mind when they see a Siamese cat is the scene from Lady and the Tramp in which the twin cats, Si and Am, wreak havoc in the house. Don’t let those two mischievous characters sway your opinion of this beautiful breed! Those who own or have owned Siamese cats know that they are sociable, affectionate, and fantastic companions. We at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have had some patients of this particular breed at our office, and we can attest that they are stunning beauties with a lot of personality! Read on to learn a few things you might not have known about Siamese cats.

Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

There are actually two types of this breed: the show cats, and the traditional Siamese cats. How do they differ? The show variety have triangular or “wedge”-shaped heads with very large ears. They also have longer, more lithe bodies than traditional Siamese cats, which tend to be more compact with rounder, less angular heads. Both varieties, however, are known for their gorgeous and expressive clear blue eyes.

Thailand is their country of origin. For those who know their history, Thailand was originally known as Siam–hence the meaning behind “Siamese” cats. Long ago, these eye-catching kitties were favored by royalty and could often be found in temples and palaces. The very first “dignitary” of the breed arrived in the United States in the year 1878.

They like to make their voices heard. Siamese cats have the well-earned reputation of being very vocal! If you have one of your own, you’re probably nodding your head in agreement at this statement. These chatty cats will “talk” at any occasion, whether it’s at mealtimes or when they’re looking for some attention from their preoccupied human. And they will want your undivided attention! Siamese cats are quite social and sometimes described as needy or clingy.

Beauties with brains: Highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks, Siamese cats are surprisingly trainable and can even be taught to walk on a leash. Because of their sharp minds, these fast-learning felines relish mental stimulation and physical challenges. Provide them with interactive toys and make room in your schedule for daily playtime to keep your cat fit–and to prevent him from becoming bored or destructive.

A Cat Veterinarian For All Breeds

There’s no denying that the Siamese is a beautiful and fascinating breed. We’re here to make sure that cats of all breeds are kept in the best of health, so if your four-legged friend could use our medical services, give the friendly professionals at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill a call at (856) 662-2662! You can also take a look at where we are located and come on in to see the office and make an appointment.

The Misunderstood Black Cat

black cat Halloween superstition

We are nearing the end of October and Halloween is practically upon us! In preparation for the holiday, many yards and homes are eerily decorated with artfully posed skeletons, oversized spiders, grinning Jack-o’-lanterns, and the classic “spooky” black cat. Whether in movies or decor, these foreboding felines are usually depicted with glowing yellow eyes and arched backs, fanged mouths open mid-hiss. Of course, their sinister or unlucky reputation is nothing more than superstitious folklore; yet black cats remain the least likely to get adopted in animal shelters.

Here at the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill, we see kitties of all colors and patterns and we find them equally charming (though we have mentioned the reputed good-natured personalities of orange tabby cats!). Here are a few things you may not have known about black cats and how views of them have changed over time.

From Sacred to Satanic?

Long associated with witchcraft and devilry, black cats were (and often still are) targeted by people with violent intentions. In Ancient Egypt, however, these kitties were considered sacred and thought to bring prosperity to a home—to harm one was to risk being a target of violent consequences yourself! Those who hailed from England also had a more positive attitude toward the ebony-coated felines. Take one on board a sailing vessel and the ship would not only be mouse-free, it would bring its passengers to their destination safe and sound.

While Europeans may believe it is good luck to have a black cat cross your path, there are others who would argue the exact opposite. The belief that these particular felines were connected to evil beings started in the Middle Ages, which is why so many of them were cruelly hunted down and killed by many superstitious folk. Some firmly believed that they were witches in animal form! To this day, black cats are associated with witchcraft and are even sought after for use in Halloween rituals. Some animal shelters refuse to adopt out black cats this time of year to prevent the wrong people from getting their hands on them. We much prefer that these sleek, beautiful felines find good homes with loving owners—that’s why it’s important to dispel the false notions that they are evil or bad luck.

New Jersey cat veterinarian

Black Cats Need Love Too

Anyone who has been to our office knows that we are indiscriminate in our love for feline friends. Kitties of all coat colors deserve the same level of affection and care, regardless of the superstitions attached to them. If you have a black cat at home, we encourage you to share photos on the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill Facebook page! And remember to keep your four-legged companion healthy by keeping up with those biannual visits with the cat veterinarian Cherry Hill residents trust. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Soothing Your Anxious Cat

anxiety in cats

As a pet owner, you never want to see your furry companion frightened or unhappy. Cats bring us joy and comfort in our everyday lives, so we naturally want to provide the same for them. If you’ve noticed recurring symptoms of high stress in your cat, try to take note of any patterns in behavior–there may be an underlying cause! The experts at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill list a few ways you can tell your furry family member is on edge and reveal how to mitigate potential stressors.

Signs of An Anxious Cat

  • He is more vocal than usual: Some kitties have spunkier personalities and enjoy letting their voices be heard; however, if you’re finding that your feline friend is meowing more frequently and in a more distressed manner than he typically vocalizes, it may be an indication that something is amiss.
  • You’re seeing neither hide nor hair of them: When you start to wonder if you only imagined ever owning a cat, it’s time to hunt around the house and find where your pet is hiding. Occasionally wanting some space is totally normal for cats, but excessive isolation is a problem.
  • She has been “missing” the litterbox: Not only is this issue smelly and frustrating to clean up, it’s concerning. Your cat isn’t being lazy or forgetful of her training, there’s something stressing her out–and since she can’t talk, only her behavior can reflect that.
  • Increased aggression or irritability: When kitty is feeling nervous, the claws tend to come out. He may even try to bite, and this is when it’s time to take a trip to your trusted Cherry Hill cat veterinarian to figure out what might be wrong with your pet.

How to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety

  • Improve the living environment: Your cat may not have enough physical and mental stimulation to keep her occupied in the house, and boredom can certainly lead to anxiety. Add some exciting elements to your home to change things up and let her have an outlet for that energy. We recommend cat trees, interactive toys, food puzzles, laser pointers, and other fun items. It will also help keep your cat fit!
  • Nix the noise: Our feline friends have sensitive ears, which means they don’t particularly enjoy when you have the music or television volume at full blast, or when your conversations with others are loud and boisterous. Does this mean your house should become as silent as a monastery? Not necessarily. Simply try to be more mindful of the level of noise you or your devices are emitting.
  • Consult the medical experts: This is an obvious solution–if your pet is exhibiting the above signs of anxiety, it may be time to put kitty in the carrier and make a visit to our office for professional help.

Your Reliable Cherry Hill Cat Veterinarian

It’s our top priority to make sure your favorite feline is healthy and happy! That’s why we offer consultations for behavioral issues. The experienced and caring doctors at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill are fully capable of identifying and addressing your beloved pet’s anxiety problems. Contact the office today!

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

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!