Safety Tips for the Holidays

Posted by Affectionately Cats on Dec 16, 2011 | 0 comments

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe!  Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pets’ eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible.   Also,  be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants, and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet.  This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling.  Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths.  But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery.  It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries

Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.  Fatty, spicy human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends.  Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

Toy Joy

Looking to stuff your pets’ stockings?  Choose gifts that are safe.  Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn, and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery.  Surprise your kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy, the interactive cat dancer, or tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly

• Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
• Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
• Amaryllis can cause severe toxicity if the bulb is ingested (highly unlikely for a cat), but even nibbles on the leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• The Pointsettia plant can cause mild mouth irritation, drooling, or some self-limiting, mild vomiting if ingested, but is not considered highly toxic for your pets.

That Holiday Glow

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended.  Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders placed on a stable surface, and  if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up

Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach.  A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.   In addition, shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

House Rules

If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

A Room of Their Own

Give your pets their own quiet spaces for retreat—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle.  Shy cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case, or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

We found this helpful safety information on the ASPCA national website.  For more detailed information, visit aspca.org.