Keeping Your Cat Safe at Christmas

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

The holidays are full of fun and cheer for people, but they can also pose some hazards for cats.

As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of those hazards so you can keep your furry friend safe throughout the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Holiday Trees and Decorations: Things to Consider

If you’re planning on putting up a tree to celebrate the holidays, keep in mind that your cat is likely going to be interested in it, and might be so curious that she ends up trying to climb to the top. Whether you go with a real or artificial tree, you don’t want your kitty chewing on it – and in the case of a real tree, you definitely want to prevent your pet from drinking the water too. Also, setting it securely in place can help ensure it won’t get knocked over by an excited kitty.

Ornaments, ribbons, tinsel, garland, and other décor that you use on your tree and throughout your home can also pose a threat to your cat if she ends up chewing on them or ingesting them. Plus, ornaments that can shatter could lead to injuries. So, in addition to figuring out ways of keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree, carefully consider how you’ll decorate it to keep your pet safe. For example, you might opt to avoid certain decorations, such as tinsel, and you might switch from glass ornaments to plastic ones.

Avoid Toxic Holiday Plants

You might be tempted to bring home some holiday plants to decorate for the season, but if you have a cat, you need to consider whether those plants are safe for your pet.

Your kitty might be tempted to chew on petals, berries, and leaves, and if a plant is toxic, you might find yourself taking your pet to the emergency vet. So, it might be best to stick with artificial plants to get the look of your holiday favorites without the danger, or just leave plants out of your decorating plans altogether.

Some holiday plants that are toxic to cats include:

·      Holly

·      Mistletoe

·      Poinsettia

·      Amaryllis

Holiday Lights: Electrical and Natural

Holiday lights add beauty to your home during this festive time of year, but you need to be sure your kitty won’t end up chewing on the wires. In addition to keeping the wires out of reach and organized (don’t leave them loose and dangling), using cord covers can help keep your kitty safe.

If you prefer the natural glow of candles, you don’t want your kitty knocking them over and you don’t want her to hurt herself by getting too close to the flames. Be sure to keep candles out of reach, and only burn them while you’re there to keep an eye on things.  

Keep Your Cat Away from Toxic Foods

Finally, a lot of your favorite holiday foods and sweets aren’t good for your cat, so you need to take steps to ensure your kitty won’t end up eating anything toxic. In addition to the various everyday foods that cats shouldn’t eat, your pet shouldn’t ingest holiday foods and drinks like eggnog, chocolate, and, of course, alcohol.  

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Mustang Horse

Known as ""The Symbol of the American West,"" the Mustang Horse is even tempered, so they can be used for endurance and pleasure riding.
4 Ingredients Dog Treat Recipe

If you’re in a bit of a rush and don’t have many ingredients to work with, the 4 Ingredients Dog Treat Recipe will be right up your alley. We lov…
Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt

Sure, it''s the butt of many jokes, but dog scooting can be a pain in the ass... just ask Oscar! I''ve discovered a few common and itchy reasons why dogs scoot:
Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Front Seat Doggie Drivers

Don’t you hate back seat drivers? How about front seat drivers… ones that have four paws and sit on their owner’s lap while behind the whe…
Best Dog Ball Launchers and Throwers for a Perfect Game of Fetch

Dog ball launchers make sure your pet has all the fun in the world and plenty of exercise- without you having to strain your arms to ensure it.
Lurcher

Technically, the Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting purposes.
Does Your Cat Groom You?

Cats are hardwired to keep themselves clean - that''s why constantly grooming. But does your cat take an interest in your personal hygiene?
Boglen Terrier

The Boglen Terrier is a cross between a purebred Beagle and Boston Terrier. They are intelligent, gentle, and tolerant dogs that are loyal and faithful.
What is a Holistic Veterinarian?

Illness in pets can sometimes be linked to both physical and mental causes - a holistic veterinarian looks at both in order to determine treatment.
Cocker-Pei

The Cocker-Pei is a cross between a purebred Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel. They are known for being highly social dogs with friendly personalities.
Best Cat Enclosures

Have you ever thought about getting your cat an enclosure? If not, it might be worth considering. Check out the information below to learn a bit about the benefits of various types of enclosures for cats, and to access our list of product recommendations.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Brewster

Meet Brewster, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Brewster is an adult male Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog Mix in Jackson, MS. He’s a…
5 Pet Portaging Tips For Canoeing With Your Dog

Here’s something I’ve always wanted to do – go on a canoeing trip with Oscar. For outdoor adventure Kevin Roberts, it’s just another…
Crate Alternatives for Dogs Who Hate the Crate

If you have a dog, you probably have a crate. But what do you do when your dog hates the crate? Here are a few alternatives.
Why Playtime Is So Important For Your Cat

Reasons why you need to schedule a play date with your cat every day A lot of people think that cats are independent and don’t really require a lot of…