How to Keep Your Cat Safe During the Holidays
The holidays are a time of wonder and joy for many families. But the holiday season can also bring a whole host of unexpected dangers for your feline friends. As you gear up to enjoy the season, make sure you’re aware of the hazards, so you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your cat safe.
Seasonal decorations can be hazardous to cats.
Christmas trees can fall on your cat.
Cats are universally attracted to Christmas trees. It makes sense- what’s not to like? The bright, colorful lights, shiny balls, streaming ribbons and lightly clinking glass ornaments seem almost designed to draw a cat’s attention. But each year cats are injured trying to climb up trees only to have them come toppling over. To prevent this, make sure your Christmas tree is properly balanced and anchored and try to keep your cat away if you can.
Tinsel can lead to serious feline medical problems.
Tinsel is also a big hit with cats and kittens. They are attracted to its shiny, reflective surface and love to bat at it with their paws and carry it in their mouths. But when swallowed, tinsel has the potential to do some serious damage. It can obstruct their digestive tract leading to vomiting, dehydration and even surgery. So if you count any cats or kittens as members of your household, it’s best to skip the tinsel.
Mistletoe, Holly and Poinsettias are toxic to cats.
While poinsettias only cause mild digestive upset, the effects of ingesting Holly or Mistletoe can be far more serious. Holly causes nausea and diarrhea in cats while consuming mistletoe could lead to cardiovascular problems. Keep these plants far out of reach from your furry friends. Or, better yet, opt for artificial silk plants.
Chewing wires can be lethal to cats.
Cats seem inexplicably drawn to chewing on wires. And given that twinkle lights are some of the most popular holiday decorations, it’s important to understand the risks. Allowing your cat to chew on electrical wires or extension cords can cause severe burns or electrical shock. Make sure to keep all cords out of reach of your cat to protect her from this serious danger.
Cats and candles are a serious fire hazard.
We all love the dim glow of holiday candles, but cats are largely unaware of the dangers posed by open flame. They can burn themselves or knock candles over, increasing the risk of house fires. Always keep candles on a stable surface and never leave a lit candle unattended. You might even consider using flameless candles to achieve a similar effect.
Plan holiday parties with your cat’s safety in mind
Having lots of guests around can be stressful for your cat.
Cats are highly sensitive to noise and can be overwhelmed by well-meaning guests who want to show their affection. Make sure your cat has access to a safe place to hide when it gets to be too much. And remind your guests to keep doors closed so your cat won’t get out. You may even consider keeping your cat closed in a separate room with plenty of food, water and cozy blankets until your guests have left. Just make sure they also have access to a clean litter box.
Holiday meals can make your cat sick.
The heavy, fat-laden dinners and chocolatey desserts common to holiday celebrations are not good for your cat. Protect her from potential choking hazards, like turkey bones, or toxic ingredients, like chocolate and xylitol, by clearing dishes quickly and making sure they aren’t left uncovered while waiting to be cleaned or stored.
Alcohol is very dangerous to cats.
Adult beverages may be common at holiday gatherings, but they are very dangerous to your feline friends. Cats are often attracted to the sweetness typical of a lot of holiday drinks. If ingested, alcohol can cause cats to suffer vomiting, lack of coordination, trouble breathing, coma or even death from respiratory failure. So make sure to keep the Hot Toddies and Egg Nog away from your cat. And make sure your guests know to do the same.
