The Holidays and Your Cat’s Health
Keeping your pet safe and health at all times should be one
of your major concerns, and this can be even more difficult around the
holidays. There are a number of special considerations you must make for your
cat around the holidays. Your vet can give you more specific instructions, but
here are just a few of the things you need to consider.
Holidays are not festive without a little decorating, and
this includes, in many cases, the use of flowers. If you have a cat in your
house, make sure that flowers are well out of reach if they are toxic,
remembering that cats can jump very high. Some of the most popular flowers that
are harmful to your pet include bleeding hearts, calla lilies, poinsettias,
daffodils, Easter lilies, irises, ivies, tulips (the bulb part), and a number
of other plants.
Most cats will not go out of their way to eat these things,
but to be on the safe side, make sure you use them in a safe way in your home
or, better yet, opt for faux versions instead. There are many kinds of plants
that can harm your cat, so check with your vet to make sure before bringing new
kinds of plants into your house.
The holidays also may bring a number of guests into your
home for parties and gatherings. This can be very scary for your cat, unless he
or she is used to high levels of traffic. It’s a good idea to keep your cat in
a room away from the party with the door shut. This will prevent your cat from
being scared. When people are coming into and out of your house, there’s also
the potential that your cat could get outside, and there is also the danger
that guests will feed your cat unsafe human foods. It is better to keep your
cat away from the party.
Remember also that alcohol and animals do not mix well.
Alcohol, in fact, is deadly to animals. Although you or (more likely) a guest
might think it’s funny to slip a little vodka into your cat’s water bowl, this
could prove fatal. When you have guests, put your cat’s food and water bowls
somewhere safe where no one can tamper with them.
Candles and electrical lights could also be unsafe for your
pet. Cats are attracted to bright lights, and a candle could not only burn your
pet, but you may find that a cat knocking over a candle will start a fire in
your house or, at the least, spill wax onto furniture or carpets. Use
electrical lights instead, but remember to keep the cords covered and taped
down so your pet isn’t tempted to play with them. Overall, keep an extra eye on
your pet during the holidays to make sure they are staying safe at all times.
You can have a good time without compromising your cat’s health.(red)
