Keep Your Cat Safe This Holiday Season: 12 Tips

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers for our feline friends. From twinkling lights and tinsel to festive foods and plants, there are many things in our homes that can pose a hazard to our cats.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 25% of all pet poisonings occur during the holidays. In fact, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center receives over 300 calls a day during this time of year.

Here are holiday dangers for cats, along with tips on how to keep your feline friend safe:

Christmas trees:

Christmas trees can be tempting for cats to climb, but they can also be dangerous. If your cat knocks over the tree, it could injure itself or cause a fire. To make your Christmas tree safer for your cat, anchor it securely to the wall or floor and place it away from heat sources.

Tinsel and ornaments:

Tinsel and ornaments can be choking hazards for cats. If your cat swallows tinsel, it can become lodged in its digestive tract and cause serious problems. Ornaments can also be dangerous if they are broken and have sharp edges. Keep tinsel and ornaments out of reach of your cat, or choose non-breakable ornaments made from safe materials.

Electric lights:

Electric lights can be dangerous for cats if they chew on them or get tangled in the cords. To prevent electrical hazards, keep cords out of reach of your cat and unplug lights when you are not using them.

Mistletoe and Holly:

Mistletoe and Holly are both toxic to cats. If your cat ingests mistletoe or holly, it could experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, mistletoe and holly poisoning can be fatal. Keep mistletoe and holly out of reach of your cat, and if you suspect that your cat has ingested either of these plants, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Food:

Many human foods are dangerous to cats, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions. These foods can cause various health problems in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and organ failure.

Be sure to keep all human food out of reach of your cat during the holidays. If you are having guests over, ask them to be mindful of what they are feeding your cat.

Candles:

Candles can be a fire hazard if knocked over by your cat. To prevent fires, keep candles out of reach of your cat, and never leave candles unattended.

Poinsettias:

Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant, but they are also poisonous to cats. Ingesting even a small amount of poinsettia can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. In severe cases, poinsettia poisoning can be fatal.

If you have poinsettias in your home, keep them out of reach of your cat. You may also want to consider using artificial poinsettias instead of real ones.

Travel:

If you are traveling for the holidays, make arrangements for your cat. You may want to leave your cat with a friend or family member or board your cat at a kennel. If you are taking your cat with you, bring a carrier and all of your cat’s essential supplies.

Parties:

Parties can be overwhelming for cats, and they may also be at risk of getting lost or injured in a crowded environment. If you are having a party, keep your cat in a quiet room where it can feel safe.

Guests:

Guests can be stressful for cats, especially if they are not used to being around people. If you are having guests over, introduce them to your cat slowly and give it a place to hide if it feels overwhelmed.

Cold weather:

If you live in a cold climate, take precautions to keep your cat warm during the winter months. Provide your cat a warm place to sleep, and bring your cat indoors if the temperature drops below freezing.

Stress:

The holidays can be a stressful time for cats, just as they are for people. Be sure to give your cat attention and love during this time. If you notice your cat exhibiting signs of stress, such as increased hiding or aggression, talk to your veterinarian.

Lillies:

Lilies are beautiful flowers, but they are also extremely poisonous to cats. Even a small amount of lily pollen can cause kidney failure in cats. If you have lilies in your home, keep them out of reach of your cat.

Snowglobes:

Snowglobes may seem like a harmless holiday decoration, but they can be dangerous for cats. Some snowglobes contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to cats. If a snow globe breaks and the cat ingests the antifreeze, it can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

If you have snowglobes in your home, keep them out of reach of your cat. If a snow globe does break, clean up the liquid immediately and prevent your cat from accessing it. If you suspect your cat has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.

By being aware of these dangers and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help ensure your cat has a safe and happy holiday season.

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