This article first appeared on iCatCare on December 4, 2019. here.
How to make sure your cat has a happy Christmas
Most of us look forward to the festive period. Food, guests, tree, decorations. However, Christmas can be a stressful time for cats, and they can be at risk of injury. They are a species that enjoys routine and is sensitive to changes in their environment, which makes celebrations difficult. Additionally, this time of year means certain poisonous plants and foods may be more readily available to curious cats. At International Cat Care, we consulted with our veterinarian members to find out what kind of injuries they see this time of year. Based on this information and input from the Veterinary Poison Information Service (VPIS), this article will help you keep your cat out of reach and minimize disruption to keep your cat happy this Christmas. We offer advice on what to do to keep it in check.
christmas plants
Poinsettias can be poisonous, but clinical symptoms are usually mild
Poinsettias are often mentioned as potentially poisonous plants, but that reputation is probably unfair. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service reports that in more than half of the reports of pets eating poinsettias, the cats and dogs showed no signs of illness. Symptoms, if any, are mild, such as feeling unwell, drooling, refusing to eat, or being quieter than usual. Even these signs resolve quickly without special treatment. Still, it’s still a good idea to keep plants out of reach. Additionally, mistletoe, holly, ivy, and Christmas cherries can upset their tummies and should be kept away from curious cats.
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Christmas trees and other decorations
Many cat owners have probably had the experience of their beloved cat climbing a Christmas tree and falling over. Both are usually intact, but it is worth considering securing the tree to avoid this. Injuries have been reported from falling Christmas trees and broken baubles, especially those made of glass, which can be sharp if broken. Ingesting Christmas tree needles or fake snowflakes attached to them can cause stomach upset, and ingesting other decorations can result in “foreign bodies.” Chewing on lights and wires can be a problem, especially for nosy kittens, and it’s not uncommon for cats to urinate in places you don’t want to urinate: on trees. Exposed electrical plugs and wires can be a problem. This can be a sign of stress, so read on for techniques to reduce the anxiety your cat suffers from during this time.
One of our veterinarians reported seeing a cat with its tail burnt by a Hanukkah menorah candle, but certainly the exposed candle was not on the window sill or mantel where the candle was placed. It can be dangerous for cats who have a tendency to jump on them. Elevated areas are still accessible to most cats, so keep candles out of sight of your cat or take them off your Christmas list.
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christmas food
During this festive period, food may be left behind or leftovers within easy reach. For example, we traditionally worry about the toxicity of dogs and chocolate, but what about cats? Chocolate is also toxic to cats, but cats need to eat much more than dogs to get sick. Signs of chocolate poisoning include feeling sick and having diarrhea, drinking a lot, looking drunk, shaking, and even having a seizure. I think the fact that cats aren’t very interested in sweet treats means this risk is small.
Similarly, grapes and raisins, which are known to cause kidney damage in dogs, can also affect cats, although poisoning is less common. However, VPIS will recommend treatment for cats known to have eaten these foods, and will suggest not leaving out mince pies, for example. If you think your cat has eaten such food, contact your veterinarian and encourage them to call VPIS for advice. When it comes to food, you might want to treat your cat this Christmas. You might give them extra cat treats or leftovers from Christmas dinner. Turkey leftovers can be eaten by most cats without harm, but excess treats or human food can make your cat feel unwell, so try to stick to normal feeding habits during this time. They won’t realize they are missing out! Another danger is cooked poultry bones. Make sure your cat doesn’t raid the trash can after Christmas lunch, as it’s difficult for cats to digest and can become stuck in their digestive tract.
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festival foreign object
“Foreign object” is a term used to refer to objects other than food that are stuck inside a cat’s body, often the digestive tract. Although it is less common in cats than in dogs, we were surprised by the number reported by our veterinary members. When we asked them about the dangers of Christmas, this was the most commonly reported medical issue related to the season. ‘Strings’, which are cords or string-like substances that cause problems, seem to be the most common, with tinsel, lametta (long decorative strips of tinsel) and string (wrapped around meat or for hanging decorations) appearing to be the most common. ) was a common cause. . One of our veterinarians reported that in June he removed a sticky glob of Sellotape from a cat’s intestines that had been there since Christmas. The evidence was that there were holly leaves attached here and there. As mentioned above, cooked poultry bones can also cause injuries. If you see your cat chewing on tinsel or other stringy objects, avoid approaching it if possible and monitor your pet for signs of illness. For cats, these signs can be subtle and include simply sleeping more, being secretly sick, or refusing food. If you’re concerned about your pet, talk to your veterinarian about any non-food substances you’ve seen your cat chewing.
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How to reduce Christmas stress for cats
Although this time of year means many changes to the home environment, cats often thrive on predictability, routine, and a sense of safety in their territory (home and garden). This can be painful. Furniture is frequently moved to accommodate additional guests, trees are brought in, lights and decorations are installed, music is played, and the home all looks, sounds, and smells different. In addition, unfamiliar people and even unfamiliar dogs may visit your home and sometimes stay for several days, again at different times and disrupting your normal daily routine. To minimize distress this season, consider the following:
- Make sure your cat has some safe and comfortable places to escape the noise and hustle and bustle. Placing a cardboard box or igloo bed on top of the wardrobe or under the bed will make it safer. If you add a new bed to your home at this point, add bedding that your cat already uses to give it a familiar smell.
- Advise visitors to stay away from cats if they are sleeping and to pet them only if the cat makes contact. Children visiting may want to look at and hold the cat, but you should gently request petting when you first adopt the cat.
- Guests can be given cat treats and toys to teach your cat positive associations with new people.
- Always make sure the door is open so your cat can escape from a noisy party or dinner to a quiet part of the house.
- A few days before the festivities begin, consider plugging a “Feliway” diffuser into the room where your cat spends the most time. This product (available from your veterinarian) contains cat pheromones that increase your cat’s sense of security. Make sure it is switched on continuously during the Christmas season.
- For example, if your visitor is sleeping in one of the rooms your cat normally uses, such as sleeping, eating, or litter box, be sure to provide the necessary resources (bed, food, litter box) in another quiet area of the house. , ideally before the cat enters, prepare the necessary resources (bed, food, litter box). When visitors arrive, changes occur gradually and the cat gets used to the new location.
- If you are placing your cat’s litter box in an area that is likely to experience a lot of foot traffic and noise over the Christmas period, we recommend placing an additional litter box in a quieter area of your home.
- If your cat is particularly sensitive to noise, avoid crackers and party poppers.
- If your dog is visiting, you may want to restrict access to your cat’s hiding spots, such as by installing a baby gate on the stairs.
