These Unexpected Holiday Dangers Are Important To Know If You Have Cats

These holidays, keep your kitties safe with these reminders and tips!

Elana

• Published in Animals
• December 28, 2019

Christmas Trees & Tree Water

You've not been paying attention if you didn't know that cats simple obsess over climbing in and out of Christmas trees. It's very important to make sure your tree is anchored in, because the last thing you need is your tree to topple over with your cat inside!

Many veterinarians across the world report an increase in vet visits during the holiday season specifically due to "Christmas Tree Cat Disasters." Your cat innocently wants to play in what can easily be described as one of the coolest looking cat toys ever, so keep your cat safe! Don't forget, pine needles are dangerous for your cats if they're ingested as well.

Another thing to keep in mind when considering what sort of tree to bring home and why your cat-friendly home might want to consider a fake or artificial tree? Stagnant tree water! Another common holiday danger for your beloved cats. The stagnant water is literally a breeding ground for bacteria and the tree may contain fertilizer still, with residue dripping into your water pan. This stagnant water has been reportedly linked to nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomachs for cats who sip.

Tinsel

Do you do tinsel on your tree and around your house? Keep in mind that lots of cats find the shiny-shiny stuff irresistible. String? Check. Shiny? Double check. Must play? Cat logic verified. You've been warned about other strings your cat might play with and inevitably digest so don't overlook the risk associated with tinsel. A linear foreign body obstruction is not what you or your cats want for Christmas.

Fireplace Ashes

Kitties love to cozy by the warmth of a fire, and who could blame them? You likely don't have to worry about them diving face first into the fiery flames but that doesn't mean it's the safest option this holiday season. The lingering ashes of soot and dust can sometimes appeal to your cat's senses. They'll be messy (and difficult to cleanse your kitty of,) and the toxic chemicals often found in yule logs can be poisonous to cats (if ingested, of course.)

A toasty fireplace is a must-have for lots of families around the fireplace, so just make sure you keep a screen in front of it and are cleaning it properly to keep your furry felines safe!

Dangerous Holiday Plants

Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly, Amaryllis and Lilies of Any Kind

Cats like to chew and eat plants, it's a fact. But not all plants are cat-friendly and many of the ones associated with the holiday season are downright poisonous. You simply cannot trust these holiday plants around your cats.

Per ASPCA.com:

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Cole And Marmalade are one of our favorite cat-rescue positive organizations and this season they shared some GREAT and IMPORTANT tips for what to do if your cat comes into contact with and/or ingests any of this season's dangerous plants.

The tips are courtesy of PetMD:

Holiday Parties

Tis the season to gather and be merry. Your cat, however, may not be as ecstatic as you are to entertain guests. Additionally, cats are notorious for going into flight or fight mode when scared. As your front door opens and closes with each guest coming and going, your cat could easily be plotting a quick escape and the weather outside is often frightful.

You simply cannot depend on your guests to keep your cats safe, it's up to you!

It's also totally worthwhile to make sure your cats have a safe space, a sanctuary of sorts, as a spot in your home where they can cozy up and be free from the guests. This can also help prevent opportunities for unwanted escape.

Kitty Delights: Wires, Cords, and String Lights

As previously mentioned, your cats like strings. This season, your home might be covered in them and between the beautiful lights and your cat's curious nature... this could be another recipe for disaster. Make sure your cat does not have access to exposed wires, cords, or stringed lights. Keep things as hidden and organized as pawsible!

Candles

Candles are another common sight for the season but the unique smells might attract your cats and the tiny flame may not detour them away. Not only that, but your cat may not be totally aware that they're too close to an open flame or even a candle and could easily knock them over. Obviously, an open flame on the floor or knocked into some curtains is a recipe for catastrophe. Keep these things in mind this holiday season (and anytime you fancy lighting a candle around cats.)

Special thank you the veterinarians offering advice this holiday season and to Cole And Marmalade for helping to keep kitties everywhere safe this holiday season with their brilliant and helpful holiday tips! Check them out on Instagram.

And Meowy Catmas, watch this adorable Christmas video they made!

Please share the JOY by posting adorable photos of your holiday cats in the comment section now!

Elana