Holiday Safety

Tis the season for family gatherings, seasonal décor, costuming, house guests, travel plans and gifting. Are you ready? Humans spend a lot of time planning for the holidays, while our feline family carries on with their day-to-day routine. A cat’s curiosity never rests, especially when seasonal items are added to the house. When planning, there are many things to consider.

Oh, Christmas tree … you bring so much joy to the holiday season. Whether you have a real or artificial tree, many of us enjoy the addition to our home, but “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Your cats see this awesome new item full of twinkly lights, dangling toys, watering hole and great place to climb, so planning is key.

Location, location, location … when putting up your tree try to find a location that hinders your kitty’s tree access. Instinct plays a strong part in a cat’s desire to climb. Unfortunately, climbing a tree in the house can lead to your tree falling over causing injury to your cat. Invest in a sturdy tree stand and research additional support that is conducive to your home. When you have a real tree, the water needed to keep it fresh is viewed as a fun watering hole for playtime and consumption. Tree water can contain chemicals that are poisonous to cats like aspirin or tree nutrient. Be sure to cover the tree water with foil for the safety of your cat and health of your tree. Dangling ornaments on our tree bring us much joy, but bring our cats more joy. It’s fun to swat at the dangly “thingy” on the branches. Be sure to put delicate ornaments out of kitty’s reach and invest in shatterproof ornaments for the lower limbs.

Strings, ribbons and tinsel—oh my! As we all know, cats are attracted to strings and ribbons, especially if they sparkle. Unfortunately, these items can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and costly surgery. Tinsel has a special place in many people’s holiday memories. When adding tinsel, be sure to find a safe alternative like beads or thick fabric ribbon. Also, hang it out of your kitty’s reach or find a less string- like décor. When wrapping gifts, use thick fabric ribbon or paper bows in case your kitty likes to chew.

Bringing nature inside is not limited to trees. We also love fresh flowers and plants to bring our décor together. When deciding on your plants, be sure to consider plants that are safe for your kitty. Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, lilies and amaryllis are some of the dangerous plants. The best decision is to avoid these or find silk versions. If you are gifted one or more of the live versions, consider placing them out of kitty’s reach or outside. Also, you can check the extensive list of safe and unsafe plants here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-cont….

The warmth of the fireplace and the dancing flame of candles sets the mood during the holidays. Keep in mind, some kitties are intrigued by the flame, especially kittens. Using a fireplace shield, placing candles out of kitty’s reach and supervising can help protect your kitty from harm. Your kitty can singe her whiskers, burn her paws or cause a fire.

Sparkling lights and electrical cords play a big role in most holiday décor. Many of us have seen the Christmas movie where Aunt Bethany’s cat chewed on the Christmas tree light cord, and it did not end well for kitty. Here are some helpful tips: hang your lights out of kitty’s reach and secure your cords so that they are not dangling.

As we set up holiday treats and human food throughout the season, should you set a place at the table for your kitty? The holidays are a favorite time to indulge in nostalgic foods and goodies. Naturally, you may consider including your kitty in the festivities. Of course, be careful in what you share with kitty and always check with your vet before the holiday rush. Many of us know chocolate, onions, avocados, rich fatty foods, high sodium foods and dairy can cause an upset tummy and more. If you think your cat has consumed a poisonous food, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison center (fees may apply): ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Hotline (800- 213-6680). Sticking to pet-safe treats is always the best, but if your vet agrees a small taste of lean meat without gravy is fine, let the feast begin.

Costuming is a fun way to celebrate any holiday, especially in the New Orleans area. Welcoming guests to your home in festive attire or having a holiday-themed party is always fun. As some may know, cats are not always interested in cute hats, holiday sweaters or reindeer antlers. If you find the costume causes stress, immediately remove and let kitty express their holiday cheer in a different way. If your kitty is used to wearing a collar, many pet stores offer fun holiday collars that can coordinate with your holiday attire. Make it cute and fun without stress.

They’re here … the ring of the doorbell and tap of the door-knocker are just a couple of chaotic noises that can stress a kitty out. The holidays bring parties and houseguests to a normally less chaotic home. Some cats do not take well to loud noises, closed doors and change. It’s important to give your kitty a safe place to feel comfy and step away from the noise. Some kitties are good at finding their spot while others may need some guidance and their own room to kick back. Be sure to let your guests know to be aware of kitty and not to open the door to kitty’s safe space.

Traveling for the holidays? Like some holiday movies, leaving a kid behind in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel can make quite a story. On the other hand, leaving your kitty home is usually preferred and can be done with planning. Hiring a cat sitter to visit your home once or twice daily can ensure your kitty will be well fed and loved with a clean litter box and fresh water. Also, your cat sitter may offer services like watering plants, collecting mail/deliveries and turning lights on and off throughout the home. Another option is boarding your kitty at their vet. The best option will depend on your kitty’s needs and comfort, but be sure to plan early!

Holiday gifting is fun part of the season. As a pet owner, it is fun to fill a stocking with cat toys and treats including your kitty in the fun. Giving a kitty as a gift can be successful if the commitment is well planned beforehand. If a family has been talking and planning to add a new kitty to the family, a good way to include it in your holiday gifting is to give a cat- related item like a collar. Once the rescue or shelter return to non-holiday hours, go as a family to pick out the new family member. Please note, if the recipient is not prepared for the commitment, the gift can end with a homeless kitty back at the shelter/rescue. We never want that to happen.

As with any holiday, planning is key. Keeping our kitties safe and enjoying the holidays provides many memories for years to come. These ideas can also be very helpful for your Mardi Gras tree and décor. Happy decorating!