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.

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.