Pampered pets will likely be waking up this Christmas morning to stockings filled with toys and treats, before spending the afternoon sneaking turkey, proffered by animal-loving guests, under tables.
If you have a cat, causing havoc with wrapping paper will presumably be on the agenda too. But it’s not all fun and games, as the festive season poses risks for a feline.
Items that are completely harmless for humans can be dangerous for cats – from food to decorations – so it’s important to be aware.
Nobody wants an emergency trip to the vets at this time of year, and the thought of anything happening to your beloved pet is enough to put a dampener on any celebrations.
Since prevention is better than cure, we spoke to Blue Cross to find out how to keep your cat safe.
Avoid using these items altogether – or ensure your cat isn’t able to access them – for purrs aplenty this Christmas.
Christmas trees
As well as the fact your cat may be inclined to climb up your Christmas tree, there are a few other things to consider.
Blue Cross warns that oils produced by some real trees are mildly toxic and can irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach, while sharp pine needles can cause damage to your cat’s tummy if eaten.
Do your research on cat-friendly options and consider buying one of the non-drop varieties to be on the safe side, as well as vacuuming regularly around the tree to collect any stray needles.
Additionally, keep an eye when using fertilisers or plant food, as these can be toxic to cats and leak into watering trays.
Whether you go for a real or artificial tree, ensuring your tree is in a solid base and well-secured should avoid any toppling incidents.
Decorations
Tinsel is fun, but if consumed can cause a blockage in the stomach and intestines – and in some cases can prove fatal. Steer clear if your cat has a penchant for eating things like this.
‘Tree decorations can look just like cat toys and if swallowed or broken can cause injury to your pet,’ add the wellbeing experts at Blue Cross. ‘So keep these out of reach.’
Cats may also chew electrical wiring on lights, so it’s recommended you switch them off at the mains when you’re not in the room or consider battery powered LED lights instead.
Something you may not have considered when assessing dangers is snow globes, but these too can potentially harm your cat.
The Blue Cross experts said: ‘Snow globes should be kept out of reach as if broken they can contain a chemical called ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze, which is highly poisonous to cats.’
Plants
There are a whole host of plants that should be kept out of reach of your cat, including Christmas favourites.
Poinsettia, lilies, holly, mistletoe, and amaryllis plants can all prove toxic to cats and make them unwell, so place them somewhere they can’t get to.
Foods
Don’t want your cat to miss out on the festive feasting?
If you don’t want a poorly pet, you’ll think twice about sharing your Christmas dinner.
A number of Christmas foods are toxic to cats, including onions (and onion gravy), garlic, raisins, grapes, chocolate, alcohol.
‘We’ve had cases in our hospitals of cats having eaten boozy Christmas cakes and lapping up spilt sweet alcoholic drinks,’ adds the Blue Cross spokesperson.
Make sure any leftovers are well wrapped up or kept somewhere your cat can’t access them, and keep a close eye on them. It might also be worth asking guests not to feed your pet – no matter how tempting those kitten-cat eyes may be.
You can still make things special for a cat at Christmastime – just go for specialist cat milk, gourmet food, or a handful of Dreamies instead.
This Christmas national pet charity Blue Cross has never been needed more to help sick, injured and homeless pets at its animal hospitals and rehoming centres. To make a donation visit the charity’s website.
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