December is Cat Lovers Month, a time to celebrate our feline friends and appreciate all the love and joy they bring to our lives. CityPets614 Animal Hospital, your local veterinary care provider in Columbus, OH, is here to help you keep your cats healthy and safe during the busy holiday season.
Holiday decorations and festive foods bring cheer but can also pose hidden dangers to cats. Keeping your feline friends safe during the holidays requires some essential precautions.
Holiday Food
Holiday foods can be harmful to cats due to ingredients that are toxic or unhealthy for them. Common festive treats can cause severe reactions, including organ damage. Rich or fatty foods may upset their stomach or lead to severe conditions like pancreatitis. Additionally, certain spices and artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are dangerous for cats. To ensure their safety, keep holiday foods out of reach and provide them with cat-safe treats instead.
- Holiday foods toxic to cats include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Turkey skin, gravy, ham, and stuffing
Christmas Trees and Holiday Plants
Cats will be tempted to climb trees and chew on pine needles, which can be harmful. It is essential to anchor your tree securely to prevent tipping and choose pet-safe tree water free from additives like aspirin or sugar. It is also necessary to find ways to elevate your tree securely. Unfortunately, a tree collar isn’t enough because of its height. It must be at least 2 feet tall with a broad base so it won’t tip over.
Avoid placing your tree on a table because your cat can jump up to the table, causing the tree to fall a further distance. The safest Christmas trees for cats are artificial trees without flocking. Flocking contains chemicals toxic to pets.
- Some holiday plants are poisonous to cats, including:
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoe
- Holly
- Amaryllis
- Balsam
- Pine
- Cedar
Decorations
When decorating for the holidays with cats in the house, choose pet-safe decorations to avoid hazards. Cats are often attracted to shiny, dangling, or moving objects like tinsel, ribbons, or ornaments, which can pose choking or intestinal blockage risks if ingested.
Holiday decorations that can be dangerous to cats include:
- Tinsel and ribbons: These decorations are tempting for cats to play with and eat but can cause choking or intestinal blockage. Secure your ornaments high on the tree, and it is best to avoid using tinsel.
- Ornaments: Broken ornaments can cause cuts, and swallowed ornaments can cause intestinal blockages. Use shatterproof ornaments.
- Salt-dough ornaments and homemade playdough contain a lot of salt, which can be fatal to pets if eaten.
- Christmas tree water can contain bacteria that can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
- Tree lights can cause burns if your cat chews electrical cords.
- Candles: Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle.
Taking extra precautions to cat-proof your home during the holidays can ensure a safe, joyful season for you and your feline companions. Always keep your CityPets 614 contact information handy in emergencies, and watch for unusual behavior that might indicate a potential problem. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 before inducing vomiting.
CityPets614 is your Full-service Veterinary Hospital, Boarding, Daycare, and Grooming in Columbus, Ohio, and Surrounding Areas
CityPets614 Animal Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is a complete veterinary hospital and vet clinic serving your pet’s needs. CityPets614 is located in the Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio, just a short drive from the Grandview Yard area. We also serve Victorian Village, Harrison West, Grandview Heights, and Downtown Columbus. We are located next to the Riverside Apartments.