Is Holiday Cat Safety a Real Thing?

We are swiftly sliding toward year-end, a fact that many cat owners brace themselves for. Is Fluffy going to bring down the Christmas tree again this year? Burn their whiskers from getting too close to festive candles?

With our holiday cat safety measures firmly in place, you won’t have to worry quite as much. And Fluffy? Ringing in the new year in style, comfort, and top health.

So. Much. Fun!

Our living rooms, foyers, hallways, and dining rooms slowly take a winter wonderland-type look as we turn the corner from Thanksgiving to Christmas. If your cat relishes the opportunity to hop into ornament boxes, ruffle up the tree skirt, and bat a candy cane around, it could just be  innocent feline fun at its best. Or, it could be the beginning of your battle with holiday cat safety.

It’s Never Too Late

Luckily, holiday cat safety is attainable, and even easy when you address the issue head on. Eliminating risks goes a long way toward preventing an emergency. To that end, we recommend the following holiday cat safety tactics.

Does Kitty Like to Munch?

Depending on your cat’s personal proclivities, they may or may not care very much about plants. However, as a general rule, keep holiday plants off the floor and display on surfaces that your cat cannot reach. Lilies, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia all cause different reactions, but none of them are particularly good or safe.

Can’t live without holiday greenery? Try artificial options. Even the holiday tree can drop pointy, prickly needles. If eaten or stepped on, your cat could become injured.

Speaking of the tree, make sure you cover the tree stand to inhibit drinking chemical-laden water, and anchor the entire tree to the ceiling or back wall. Cats do love to attempt a good climb every once in awhile!

Dangerous Decor

Ornaments, if broken, stepped on, or eaten, are huge threats to holiday cat safety. Observe your cat closely and remove items that catch their eye.

Tinsel is still quite common on Christmas trees. Scores of cats attempt to play with it, only to accidentally ingest it. This can cause  GI distress and obstruction. The symptoms of a foreign body are worrisome enough, but depending on where the tinsel/ribbon/bow is inside your cat, they may need advanced diagnostics and surgery to remove it.

Other Risks

Lit candles not only present risks to your cat’s delicate whiskers, but they can also present a fire hazard. Snow globes have been found to contain antifreeze. Keep these away from high edges to reduce the risk of breaking after a fall.

Holiday Cat Safety

Keep your cat away from the dinner table, kitchen, and tree area when you’re not around.  A crate-trained cat will have a relaxing place to spend the holidays, away from imminent danger.

After guests have gone (or you return home), you can celebrate safely with your cat. Make them a climbable Christmas tree, shower your cat with cat-safe gifts, prepare them a special meal, or simply spend some snuggle time together.

If we can answer any of your holiday cat safety questions, please call us!