Cat Clinic of Cary Blog
Sharing Thanksgiving With Your Cat (and Dog…)
Every holiday season holds it’s own delights and dangers for pets and not surprisingly, Thanksgiving has an abundance of both. As we approach Turkey Day, pet owners should be mindful of the inherent dangers attached to Thanksgiving foods and festivities so that everyone – cat, dog, and human alike – can enjoy the simple meaning behind the holiday.
Truly, the best part of the day is reflecting on what really matters (family, friends, beloved pets) and keeping your furry family members safe before, during, and after the feast should be at the top of the list.
Holiday Cat Plans
If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, where will your cat end up in the chaotic mix of guests? The door may be constantly opening and closing, loud guests may be unaware of your cat’s behaviors and routines, and items brought into your house could be dangerous or toxic for cats and dogs, alike.
Unless your cat is more or less immune to the chaos of a full house, you’ll likely want to create a safe haven somewhere in your home for your kitty to chill out. Cats crave routine and stability, so having somewhere that can provide that norm will go far when it comes to keeping your cat safe and sound.
Safe and Irresistible Morsels
If you are accustomed to sharing the holiday with your pet and feel confident that he or she will behave well around the table, please note that the following are safe to share with your pet:
- Turkey – In small amounts, cooked white meat is a delicious treat for cats and dogs. No dark meat, gravy, or bones, though.
- Cranberries – Offer the homemade variety and not the canned or jellied kind as they have too much sugar.
- Carrots – Your feline friend will enjoy a cooked carrot that is full of fiber and potassium. Dogs like raw carrots which can even help remove plaque and freshen breath.
- Green Beans – Lightly steamed or raw make a pet beg for more.
- Sweet Potatoes – Cooked and unseasoned are the best way to offer this treat.
- Brussels Sprouts – So nutritious, your pet will purr after munching on a few steamed sprouts.
Unsafe and Off-Limits
The following table foods – separately or as an ingredient in a dish – should never be offered or left out:
- Chocolate – Theobromine is to blame for the terrible reactions pets have to dark and baking chocolate. Let’s avoid diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heart rate, and even death by keeping anything chocolatey out of reach.
- Macadamia Nuts – Ingestion can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, and loss of coordination.
- Raisins/Grapes – These have the potential to damage the kidneys to devastating degrees.
- Xylitol – This artificial sweetener can cause liver failure, low blood sugar, and can even be fatal if too much is consumed.
- Bread Dough – Raw dough can rise in the stomach causing big problems.
- Stuffing – Although so tasty and savory, the very things that make stuffing so delicious make it toxic for pets. Cats are especially prone to poisoning from members of the allium group (onions, garlic, leeks, etc.) as well as the herb sage. Even store-bought stuffing includes alliums, so beware of all stuffing.
Also, be mindful that the garbage container can pose a risk for curious cats and dogs. Make sure it is sealed and weighed down to prevent accidental poisoning or foreign object ingestion.
Have a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving From Your Friends At Cary Cat Clinic!