Just in case, make sure your cat has a collar with identification and/or a microchip.Īsk your guests to leave their own pets at home. It may be best to put your cat in his safe area while guests are arriving. Watch for Escapesīe careful that no accidental escapes happen when your guests are entering and leaving. When entertaining with friends and family, give your cat a safe place to retreat where it’s calm and quiet with his own litter box, toys, beds, and food and water bowls. When cleaning your house before guests arrive be sure to keep household chemicals out of your cat’s reach. Your cat will appreciate being in his own environment with daily care from someone.Ĭheck out the toys your children and cats receive as gifts since small parts can be a choking hazard to cats (and your children!) If you’re traveling over the holidays, consider leaving your cat at home instead of taking him with you, or having him boarded. If you like candles, try the kind that use batteries since the possibility of burns to your cat, or a fire when a candle is knocked over, is just not worth the risk. Why not try a silk floral arrangement instead? Cut Off Shopping Bag HandlesĬut all of the handles off your shopping bags that your cat can reach so that he doesn’t get his neck or paw caught. Lilies can cause kidney failure and death in cats, and poinsettias can cause vomiting and nausea so keep these plants out of the house. Beware of Poisonous PlantsĪs you receive your holiday floral arrangements, remove the poisonous flowers (find out the plants toxic to cats). Use only safe ornaments that won’t shatter when they become your cat’s batting toy.Ĭranberry or popcorn strands around the tree can be very dangerous causing intestinal obstruction, or getting wrapped around your cat’s neck. Glass balls can break in your cat’s mouth.

Use Safe OrnamentsĬheck all ornaments for possible dangers such as small and sharp parts that can be ingested. It might look like a fun place to play and hide for your curious cat. Make sure your tree is secure, possibly even tied to a hook in the ceiling or wall. If swallowed, the hooks can lodge in the throat or intestines. Ornament hooks that can snag an ear or tail shouldn’t be used. Don't Use Angel HairĪngel hair shouldn’t be used since it’s made of spun glass and can cause irritation on contact. Ingesting this can cause serious blockages requiring surgery. Tinsel is pretty on the tree, but not in your cat’s mouth so it may be best to keep the tinsel off the tree. Keeping lights off the lower branches may help avoid an accident. Use Christmas Tree Lights Cautiouslyīeware of the lights on your Christmas tree that may look like something to chew. Plastic tubing for this purpose can be bought at hardware stores. Wrap or shield electric cords that cannot be tacked down. Tack down all exposed wiring so it’s not tempting. Put aluminum foil around the stand to keep your cat away from it. If you’re using a live tree, do not add chemical preservatives or Aspirin to the water. Also, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep Christmas Tree Water Clean:Ĭhristmas tree water in the stand might contain dangerous fertilizer. Use Caution with Unattended Alcoholīe cautious with unattended alcohol drinks that could make your cat sick if ingested. Keep the holiday leftovers away from your cat to avoid stomach upset. Get help immediatley (don't wait until the next morning) for a cat with these symptoms.

Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, and seizures. Make sure to keep all chocolate out of reach and remember that a shelf is not out of reach for cats. The less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it can be. Got a cute Halloween costume for your cat? If your cat is the nervous type, don't torture him by keeping it on him for too long.Ĭhocolate is not for cats (or any pet). Protect All Black Catsĭid you know that animal shelters place all black cats in the back for protection, and that most rescue organizations do not allow black cat adoptions, during the Halloween season? Protect your black cats, or your neighborhood friendly black cats, from cruel hands during the Halloween season. Keep them indoors during October. The following are some tips to help you keep your furry family members safe and happy. A visit to the emergency room with your cat will not add to the joy of the season. However, such celebrations can pose safety problems for your pet. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and all the celebrations are a time for family, friends, and fun.

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