Cat Clinic of Cary Blog
Holiday Safety for Cats
“Silver bells, silver bells… It’s Christmas time for your kitty”
There’s something particularly appealing to our pets – and particularly our pussy cats – about those dangling glass orbs on a delightfully decorated tree. And what curious, self-respecting pet could pass up the chance to gnaw on the edge of that exquisitely wrapped present from Aunt Betty or lap up some water from the Christmas tree stand?
While the holidays bring so much fun and joy to our families, they also present some tempting (and dangerous) stimuli for our pets. The lights, smells, colors, and assortment of unique treats can send our pet into a tailspin if we aren’t careful.
But, as conscientious pet parents, we are (of course) proactive and seek out ways to prevent pet emergencies by finding safer solutions to the holiday traditions and decorations that are not so jolly for our fur friends.
Pet-Friendly Holiday Tips
These are some of the risks that are associated with the season and what you can do to keep the holly jolly in the home for your four-legged family members…
- Avoid decking the halls with poisonous seasonal plants like lilies, mistletoe, and holly, and keep your kitty from chewing on the tree needles by spraying branches with a pet-safe repellant (bitter apple works great!). Keep your pet safe by choosing faux foliage and silk flowers instead.
- Lit candles and menorahs can create fire and burn dangers. Either keep the candles out of your pet’s access zone or opt for battery-powered or electric lights.
- Tinsel, icicles, and popcorn string can cause life-threatening obstructions that require emergency surgery. Keep all tinsel and string-like décor out of the home and away from your pet.
- Bundle all electrical cords and wires in a pet-safe plastic tube, or secure them with twist ties.
- To avoid the Great Christmas Tree Plummet of 2014, don’t underestimate the strength of your pet. Consider anchoring your tree with wire for extra (pet-proof) fortification.
- Place breakable ornaments in higher branches or forego them altogether.
- Liquid and solid potpourri are better left on a high shelf or other place that is cat- and dog-proof.
- Inspect all gifts before they enter the home and remove curly ribbon, string, small ornamental decorations, and anything that could potentially be eaten by your pet.
- If you plan on hosting a holiday dinner or New Year’s Eve celebration, consider your pet’s safety and opt to board him or her during the festivities or find a quiet, secure room in the house where the noise is minimal. P.S. You cat companion will be delighted with the Purrsnickitty Inn’s luxurious, stress-free accommodation.
- As you may recall, common holiday foods such as grapes and raisins, Xylitol (a sugar substitute), alcohol, and chocolate are poisonous to pets. Make sure party guests understand this, too; or simply board your pet as an extra-safe precaution.
Keep your holiday fur-friendly by following these few simple tips for holiday safety for cats, you should be able to keep your purr-friend or waggle-dog happy, safe, and comfortable any time of year.
Wishing you a season of peace and joy from your friends at the Cat Clinic of Cary!