You better not pounce, you better not scratch, you better not hiss, I’m tellin’ you why…Santa Paws is coming to town!
Christmas is nearly here, and everyone is excited; even your feline friend is hoping for some treats under the tree. But amongst all the sparkle and excitement, it can also be a hazardous time for your cat, so let’s run through some top tips for keeping your cat safe this Christmas.
Christmas trees and your cat
Ahh the tree. What a wondrous, sparkly temptation for your cheeky furry friend—and a nightmare for you to deal with, especially if you have a climber. Christmas trees can be hazardous to your cat for a number of reasons, just to keep you on your toes.
Real or fake?
Unfortunately, it doesn't matter which you go for; both come with their hazards. Real trees, although not technically poisonous to cats, are mildly toxic and an irritant. Chewing on them or drinking the water from the base can cause uncomfortable irritation to their mouth and digestive tract.
You’d think that means a fake Christmas tree is better, but if they like to chew on a branch, they could ingest bits of plastic, causing a digestive blockage, so it’s best to keep an eye on them whenever they’re near the tree.
Decorations
Avoid glass decorations where possible, especially if your cat is a climber or likes to bat all the pretty shiny things. No one wants smashed baubles everywhere, and they pose a hazard to your cat’s toe beans!
Tinsel and lights
Technically, they are decorations, but they deserve their own section! Tinsel, like fake trees, is temptingly chewable but is also a blockage risk for your cat’s digestive system. And similarly, those twinkly lights are so tempting! But chewing the wires is not only likely to cause your cat to get a shock, but it’s a serious fire hazard, so keep watch.
Feline Festive about plants?
Poinsettias look stunning and make a beautiful table centrepiece during the Christmas season, but did you know they’re poisonous to cats? If they’ve had a nibble, you might notice irritation around their mouth, excessive drooling or dribbling, lots of licking, a rash on their skin and red or sore-looking eyes, and they may be vomiting or have diarrhoea. Get them straight to the vet.
And there’ll be no kissing under the mistletoe for your cat, either. Mistletoe and holly berries are also poisonous to cats, so keep them out of reach.
Food, glorious food! Dangerous dinners for your cat
So much food on the table at Christmas. No wonder we all pile on the pounds!
There’s nothing wrong with giving your cat some extra treats at this time of year—pop them a prawn or sneak them some leftover meat, but remember, lots of Christmas delights are toxic or hazardous to cats.
Chocolate, raisins, onions and garlic should all be avoided, as they can make your cat very sick. And watch out when you’re preparing your pavlova…did you know cherry pits, stalks, and leaves are also dangerous for cats?
Pop the fizz! Alcohol poisoning and cats
Glasses are everywhere as we all enjoy a Christmas tipple, but keep an eye on your feline friend slinking among them. Alcohol is extremely poisonous to cats, and as they are so much smaller than us, a few licks can be enough to make them feel sick. Just one small spoonful is enough to cause alcohol poisoning, liver and kidney damage.
Guests everywhere - keeping your cat inside
Christmas is a time for friends and family to gather, which often means people will be in and out of your house more often than usual. If you’re cat is an indoor cat, make sure to remind your guests to watch the exits and keep your cat securely inside.
Find them a cosy spot
All the changes associated with Christmas can be really stressful for your cat. There are new noises, smells, sounds, and more people than usual. Make sure your furry friend has a safe, quiet space to retreat to if it all gets a bit much. Maybe even get a relaxing pheromone diffuser to help them feel calm and relaxed even in the chaos.
There is a lot going on at Christmas and so much to think about, but taking a few minutes to check for hazards for your cat and keep an eye on their behaviour could make a world of difference. You want them to have a happy Christmas too!
Have a safe, healthy, and purrtastic Christmas this year from all of us here at Vetz Petz!
