How to keep your cat safe at Christmas
Christmas is a time for family, food, and fun! However, the festive season can be an overwhelming time for pets, especially our feline friends.
Your cat can get overexcited by their new indoor climbing frame (the Christmas tree!), eat things they shouldn’t, and get well and truly tangled in ribbon and tape. Educate yourself on the potential dangers and make sure you keep an eye on what’s good for your cat so everyone can enjoy a purrfect Christmas.
We’ve split this blog into four handy categories so you can keep your home safe for your cat without losing your seasonal spirit:
The Tempting Tree
Cats love to climb so your Christmas tree will look like the ultimate challenge. Unfortunately for your curious cat, the needles on real trees are harmful if eaten, and treatments on artificial trees may be unhealthy for your cat. Glass ornaments, hot lights and tinsel could also cause damage. Here are some measures you can take to try and cat-proof your tree:
- Make sure your tree is stable so your cat can’t knock it over. Put it in a strong base and in a corner where there’s less chance of it falling over.
- Hang ornaments higher up the tree so they are out of the reach of kitty-paws and secure them tightly to the branches. Also, ensure you keep tinsel and lights higher up the tree.
- Don’t put your presents under the tree until the last minute.
- Keep the door closed when you’re not in the room to discourage your cat from popping in for a prowl.
The Festive Food
Tempting though it may be, don’t give your cat new food just because it’s Christmas. You really don’t want to have to rush out to the nearest emergency vet just as you’re about to carve the turkey. Try not to leave food lying around – particularly if you know your cat is a scavenger. It’s especially important to keep these foods away from your cat:
- Onions and garlic – raw or cooked.
- Dried fruit – on its own or in cake, mince pies or other treats.
- Chocolate – encourage friends and family to put the lid back on the box or tin after choosing their treat.
- Alcohol – we’d be impressed if you could get through Christmas without one or two spillages! Watch out for your cat who could be licking up a spill before you notice. Clear up broken glass thoroughly to avoid harm to your cat’s delicate paws and mop the spill as soon as possible to reduce the risk of your kitty coming across it.
Of course, the treats you would normally feed your kitty are absolutely fine. You could consider digestive supplements alongside their normal diet to keep your cat’s tummy extra happy. Our YuDIGEST Plus supplements work just as well for cats as they do for dogs and we regularly recommend them to the cat owners who call us for digestive advice.
The Bright Berries
Indoor plants and berries can be dangerous for our furry friends. Seasonal plants like poinsettia, which are mildly toxic, should be put out of your cat’s reach. Similarly, holly and mistletoe berries are toxic – so if you’re using these plants to decorate your house, arrange them high up and out of your cat’s reach.
(Always keep your emergency vet number somewhere memorable – just in case!)
The Seasonal Stress
New faces, noisy households and more than the usual merriment can increase your cat’s stress levels. You might find that they are hiding more often, becoming unusually aggressive, or eating less than usual. You can start to prepare early by introducing supplements like YuCALM Cat. Made with completely natural ingredients, it helps to ease anxiety and promote calm behaviours. You could also think about:
- Making a safe space for your cat.
- Putting their litter tray in a quiet, safe place.
- Keeping them apart from any visiting animals or excitable humans.
- Making sure you are stocked up on treats and their favourite toys.
Does your kitty have a nervy disposition? If you’d like to learn how to spot the signs of cat anxiety and treat the problem, click here.
A bit of preparation goes a long way. Here at Lintbells, we wish all our feline friends and their caring owners a happy, peaceful, and 100%-stress-free Christmas! Feel free to contact our friendly advice line on 01462 416866 if you’re worried about your anxious cat, and to find out more about our cat supplement range.
Related Posts
