The Essential Holiday Safety List
/Raise your hand if you've already had enough of the holiday spirit. No? Just me? Well, either way, let's make one aspect of life a little easier with your annual reminder of essential cat safety tips for the holiday season.
Maybe you're new to cats, or have been extremely lucky thus far to not learn the hard way the unholy trinity of forces landing cats in the ER each year. So whether you're reading this as a way to procrastinate the rest of your work (I mean, it's the reason I'm writing it, so it's only fair) or because it's on your meticulously organized to do list for 2:56 pm EST, come along!
Trees
No one is more awestruck and inspired (to destruction) by the Christmas tree than the house cat. Except maybe the house toddler.
With the agility of a world class gymnast and the processing power of your Dell from 2001, your cat will definitely be helplessly attracted to the call of the wild in your home. From sparkly, shiny, blinky things to the stimulation of climbing the branches, there's little that's unappealing about Christmas trees.
A few simple ways to help keep them safe:
Place your tree where it can do the least damage if it falls. Better yet, anchor it.
Invest in unbreakable ornaments (for their sake and yours).
Check your lights if your cat is a chewer.
Nix the tinsel (see Trimmings).
Trimmings
What is more fun than ruffly bundles of tinsel twined around the tree, other than handfuls of loose tinsel joyously tossed onto the tree while humming your favorite carols? Did you say your cat vomiting uncontrollably at death's door? No? Ooooh...I see...you've been here before.
As a fledgling cat owner many moons ago, I had no idea how dangerous ribbons, tinsel, and other whimsical strings could be to cats and kittens. But several thousand dollars and an emergency vet visit later, it's a lesson I'd never forget.
Cats are predators. And while you love nothing better than to lounge on your sofa, fantasizing about how handy it'd be to teach your cat to fetch your snacks, cats crave movement and the thrill of victory. So they'll chase small things that move, or that look like they're moving. Unfortunately, this can result in choking or bowel obstruction when the prey turns out to be tinsel or ribbon.
A few simple ways to help keep them safe:
Ditch the tinsel entirely. You know you hate the clean up anyway.
Skip the fancy ribbons and decorate your wrapped packages with washi tape or stickers.
Skip the wrapping entirely and use bags. Since they can be reused more easily than wrapping paper, they're better for the environment anyway.
Love wrapping paper and want to get fancy in your ribbon replacement? We've got you covered.
Fire
Cats are dumb curious. They also love warmth. You see where I'm going with this...Other than the obvious injury to your feline friend, you could be facing a total loss on your home, an eviction if you're a renter (PS check your lease, candles are prohibited in most), and potential cancellation from your homeowners insurance (yeah, it's a whole thing).
Nothing says home for the holidays like a house fire, so before a singed cat tail, whisker, or curtain happens, consider a few preventative measures.
A few simple ways to help keep them safe:
Swap out burning candles for battery operated ones. Miss the scent? Try a diffuser instead.
Add a fireplace screen so kitty can't get too close and so sparks don't fly.
If you MUST have candles, place them in an area your cat can't go, like a high floating shelf with no access, or a magical fantasy land where there’s anywhere safe from cats.
Always attend to fires and candles carefully. I know it feels like I shouldn't have to say it, but you know I do.
Plants
Who doesn't love a cat on catnip? It's hilarious. It's delightful. It makes you feel better about yourself. But even catnip can be toxic to cats. Many cats do ok with reasonable amounts, but some may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Many can be worse than a bad case of the runs. Holiday favorites including Holly and Poinsettia plants make the list.
A few simple ways to help keep them safe:
Double check the ASPCA's listing of poisonous plants before adding live plants to your decor.
Swap the live plants for their fabric and plastic cousins.
Ask your vet for recommendations.
Know the signs of poisoning.
Bonus round
Sure, you probably already know this. You're welcome, if you didn't. We all gotta learn sometime! So let's take it home with a couple of bonus tips.
Ugly Christmas sweaters are not just for the office holiday party anymore (or just for Christmas for that matter), and while some cats will enjoy dressing up, others won't. If your cat doesn't respond well to dressing up, take off the outfit. Don't be a dick. If your cat does enjoy dressing up, supervise them while wearing the costume as they can pose a strangulation risk, entrap them, or make them clumsier around the house.
Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, Hanukkah, or Festivus, you're probably enjoying some seasonal fare that'll tempt your kitty. While you can treat your cat to a little bit of people food, be sure to avoid some common gastrointestinal irritants and potentially dangerous options. Check out our Thanksgiving blog for a short (and incomplete, so ask your vet!) list of options.
