Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…it’s that time of year again!
And oh what fun it is to drag out all those decorations and try to keep kitty at bay for an entire month! You can’t really blame him. Imagine being an animal with a natural sense of curiosity toward all things unfamiliar and stimulating – like twinkling lights, bobbing ornaments, the fragrant scent of pine…the holiday season provides an overflowing treasure trove of opportunities to explore!
In a nutshell:
As you get ready for the holidays, it’s important to keep your cat’s health and safety a top priority. Because after spending all that money on gifts and gatherings, who wants to ring in the New Year with a hefty vet bill? Here are a few helpful tips to keep this year’s festivities safe and (relatively) stress-free.
1. Oh, Christmas Tree
If you are putting up a Christmas tree this year, there is a 99.9% chance that your cat will make an attempt to climb it, or at least sniff around in the lower boughs. There are several precautions you can take to discourage kitty from making the tree her new hangout.
If your space allows, place the tree in a corner. This will at least eliminate some points of entry. Avoid hanging lights, tinsel or fragile ornaments on the lower branches. These present choking hazards and subsequent risks for intestinal blockages. Broken ornament shards can also injure kitty’s paws and mouth. I know, I know, a half-decorated can look kind of dumb. If you insist on decorating to the fullest, use simple plastic ornaments (no loose parts or strings) on the bottom branches that won’t break if they get knocked down, and save the fragile or sentimental ones for higher up the tree.
To further discourage your cat from exploring the tree, you can place deterrents towards the base, such as tin foil, sticky tape or deterrent spray. Use a low fence to surround the base or create your own by using large boxes wrapped like presents. Ultimately, you can try the scare tactic approach by making a loud rattling noise whenever you observe kitty getting too close for comfort (thus creating a classic association: tree = scary noises).
2. Lights & Candles
If you’re like me, string lights are a central part of your holiday decor. I like to wrap them around the stair railings and of course use them on the Christmas tree. Make sure to hang lights out of kitty’s reach, and don’t leave the plug hanging loose when you’re not using them. Check the wires for potential weaknesses before you hang them. Broken or exposed wires pose serious shock risks if chewed on.
Open flames should also be used with caution as they are burn and fire hazards. Light candles out of reach on sturdy surfaces. If you allow your cat to climb on high surfaces such as counters, make sure you supervise while the candle is burning – there’s no telling where a swishing tail might end up!
3. Plants
Several plants associated with the holiday season like Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias are poisonous for both cats and dogs. If you place them in your home, put them in a spot where your cat can’t get to them, because if they can, they will! Ingesting any of these plants can result in vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, low heart rate, hyper salivation and depression. Additionally, pine needles can cause intestinal injury if consumed. Consider using fake varieties of these plants if you don’t want to take the risk of kitty getting ill.
4. Ribbons & Bows
Brown paper packages tied up with string…these are a few of kitty’s favorite things! And what a pretty sight it is, to see all of those presents wrapped in bright paper, ribbons and bows, sitting under the tree. But leaving them unattended with a cat around is asking for trouble – choking and intestinal blockage trouble. If you’re planning on a wrapping marathon, do it in a separate room where your cat won’t be around to be tempted by all the long stringy things and light-catching bows. My family used to wrap our presents on Christmas Eve and bring them downstairs with us on Christmas morning so that the cat wouldn’t get into them.
And when that long-awaited moment of unboxing glory finally arrives, by all means, engage kitty in some ribbon play (because nothing’s cuter than sticking a bow on her head and watching her freak out). Just make sure to supervise it – and take pictures!
5. Tasty Treats
One of the best parts of the holiday season is all of the yummy food that comes with it! And while we might be tempted to share a bite with our feline friends, it’s better for their health if we hold off. During this time of year, human diets tend to incorporate richer foods and sweet treats. While tasty to us, they can be too fattening and difficult to digest for cats. Even meat scraps and turkey skin can be harmful in small amounts, posing a risk for a serious condition called pancreatitis.
Sweet treats are also best kept for human consumption. First of all, did you know that felines literally can’t taste sweets? Sugar does not serve a purpose in a cat’s natural high-protein diet, and so they do not get the same satisfaction from sugar as humans do. What they do get from sugar is the risk for obesity, diabetes and tooth deterioration. Some artificial sweeteners can also be toxic to cats. And if you don’t already know, chocolate of any kind is a big no-no for dog and kitty alike! Although levels of toxicity between varieties of chocolate can vary, it’s safer to consider all types off limits.
Want to indulge your cat in a way he’ll really appreciate? Cook him up a bit of organic chicken, fish or eggs! Or stick to his favorite store-brand treat. Just remember, moderation is key.
6. Keep Them Busy!
One of the best ways to help your cat stay out of trouble in an otherwise stimulating environment is to provide alternative stimulation. Fill an interactive puzzle toy with some kibble or treats to satisfy his hunting instinct and keep him occupied (at least temporarily). Set up a new cozy space for him to explore that’s away from areas you don’t want him poking around in. Or, bring Christmas to him early by entertaining him with a new toy. While there is no way to completely stifle the natural curiosity of your cat, providing him with some extra love, affection and play during the holiday season will hopefully help to prevent any real disasters!
Check out the creative ways these pet owners proofed their pads for the holidays!
Got any tips for holiday pet-proofing? Or has it been a total disaster from day one? Share your experiences in the comment section below!
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