The following article recently appeared in the Protectapet newsletter

Keeping Your Cat Safe At Christmas

Posted by Lynette Hammond on December 18, 2019

It’s that time of year where we share the risks that are ever present at Christmas If you’re a new cat owner, we hope you’ll find this information useful in preventing unwanted trips to see the vet and enjoy a fun and happy Christmas with your kitten and cats.

Christmas Tree Hazards

• Real Christmas trees – Don’t let your cat chew on the tree as the oils are toxic when consumed for some types of tree. Be wary of using fertilizers or plant foods as they too are toxic. Needles from the trees are sharp and can penetrate the skin and stomach lining if consumer too.
• Fake Christmas trees – the main hazard here is from cats that climb the tree – raising the potential risk from injuries.
• Christmas tree lights pose a serious threat. Reduce the risk of electrocution by hiding the wires or protecting them with casing. Be sure to unplug the lights when you’re not able to supervise.

Decorations in the Home

• Tinsel, lights, baubles and any type of foil decorations pose a risk. Ensure the decorations are placed securely on the tree and around the home. Make them difficult to reach and design them to not entice the cat.
• Some snow globes contain antifreeze, which is toxic to cats. Place snow globes away from edges and be sure to clean up any spills immediately.
• Poisonous plants such as the festive poinsettia can cause mild to fatal reactions if eaten. Holly berries are a serious risk as are mistletoe berries. Other common festive plants that could poison cats if eaten include the amaryllis, leopard lily, oriental lily and any plants in the lilium or Hemerocallis family. Always take your cat to the vet if they consume any poisonous plants.

Christmas Foods that Are Dangerous for Cats

The kitchen can be filled with all sorts of toxic festive food, ones to watch out for are:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Raisins
• Grapes
• Alcohol

It’s advised to lock the cat out of the kitchen while cooking to avoid the risk of burns.

Stress!

Some cats find Christmas stressful (just like some humans). The increase of noise, objects and people in the home can result in high anxiety. If your cat wants to hide away ensure all the family know to give them space and let them interact on the cat’s own terms. Set up a quiet room in the home with fresh water, food and a cat litter tray in easy reach (but not near the food or sleeping area) and your cat should be able to relax in comfort.
We’d like to take this moment to wish you all a very merry Christmas. Don’t forget you can find us on Facebook where we encourage the sharing of all your favourite festive cat pics!