Holiday Hazards for Kitties

The holidays are officially here! At this time of year, many of our feline patients ramp their frisky settings up to 11. This can be a dangerous season for a little furball! You’ll need to take a few precautions to keep Fluffy safe. A Helotes, TX vet lists some hazards for cats in this article.

Trees

To be fair, Fluffy may be just as hazardous to the tree as it is to her! Your feline friend won’t be able to resist batting at those shiny ornaments. This may be cute, but it’s also quite dangerous. Your kitty could cut herself on sharp ornaments or ornament hooks, or get tangled up in tinsel, lights, or ribbons. Super frisky cats can also knock trees down onto themselves … again, not the safest pastime. To curb your furball’s intentions, put most of the decorations on the top of the tree. You can also use fishing line to secure it to the wall or ceiling.

Candles

Candles may give your home a warm holiday glow, but they are definitely not pet-safe. Keep them in high, secure spots, such as wall sconces.

Food

Our feline buddies can be quite picky, but they will eat things that aren’t safe for them if coaxed to. Of course, there are also kitties that will eat, well, just about anything. Never let Fluffy have anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; alcohol; caffeine; grapes, currants, or raisins; meat on the bone; xylitol; avocado; or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat.

Plants

Did you know that poinsettias are toxic to cats? Many other popular holiday plants, such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe, are also unsafe. If you get a real tree, there are hazards there as well. For one thing, the water could be contaminated by things like fertilizers and fire retardant. Pine needles are also sharp, and can cause major internal damage if ingested.

Stress

Stress can actually take quite a toll on kitties! Fluffy is very much a creature of habit. If you pay attention, you’ll likely notice that your furball sticks to a set schedule for all those meals, naps, and meditative sessions. Any sort of disruption to your furry pal’s routine or kingdom can be a cause for anxiety. This includes decorations, parties, travel, visitors, and loud noises.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Helotes, TX veterinary clinic, anytime!