Cat Haven - Holiday Safety For Your Pet

Christmas is a time of festivities and decorations. For many of us, our pets play a large role in our holiday traditions. During this time, it is important to remember some safety tips to keep your pets safe during the holidays.

1. Christmas trees should be in a secure stand as many cats become very curious and like to climb the tree trunks or use them as a scratching post. Having a stand with a wide base will help to keep the tree from falling over when curious kitties are climbing. You can also spray Bitter Apple around the base of the stand or place a bowl of lemon wedges that will help to keep kitty away from the tree. Another idea is to locate the tree in a room that can be sectioned off from your cat.

2. Tree decorations such as tinsel, popcorn and cranberry strands can be deadly to pets, causing intestinal blockages or getting wrapped around their necks. Other tree decorations that can be fatal are angel hair (which is spun glass), artificial snow or flocking, and glass ornaments that can easily break inside the mouth of your pet. Use natural or plastic decorations to prevent your pet ingesting something that can be harmful to their health.

3. Many tree additives that are designed to extend the life of the tree are poisonous to pets. Cats like to drink the cool water from the Christmas tree stand. For their safety, it is best to avoid tree additives. This especially applies to those who use aspirin. Aspirin can be deadly to cats as their systems cannot break down the medication.

4. Electrical cords are open invitations for chewing. Spray cords with Bitter Apple or run them inside of PVC tubing. Tree lights are another temptation for chewing and as play toys. Use lights that clip to the tree branches to prevent cats from pulling them off of the tree and getting tangled around their necks.

5. Metal ornament hooks are very dangerous and many cats have spent the night in animal emergency having these removed from their throats. Use yarn or ribbon to attach your ornaments to the tree.

6. Many plants used for decoration during the holidays are poisonous to your pets. Mistletoe, Holly, Ivy and Poinsettia’s range in toxicity from mildly upsetting to extremely toxic. Animals see these new plants as treats, so keep them out of reach to ensure your pets safety.

7. The holidays are a time for our family and friends to drop in to share in the festivities. Extra guests can upset your cats, so isolate them in a quiet room or give them a place to retreat.

If you have any concerns regarding decorations or plants that you may be using, contact your veterinarian for advice. You can also consult the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org for holiday safety tips. The holidays are a joyous time and following these guidelines will help to ensure a safe and happy holiday for your pets.