Be careful with holiday decorations. Common yuletide plants such as mistletoe, ivy, lilies and holly berries can be
poisonous, possibly even fatal. Poinsettia's are rated as low toxicity, but they can still cause problems if ingested in sufficient quantities. If in doubt, please check this list of poisonous plants from the Cat Fancier's Association. If you think your cat has ingested any toxic plant or other poisonous substance please contact your vet immediately. If one is unavailable, you can contact the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423 or 1-900-680-0000 for 24 hr emergency assistance. $30 fee per case.
Supervise all candles. Pets are attracted to light in a dark room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they can knock burning candles over spilling hot wax over carpet and furniture. Don't leave burning candles unattended for your pet's sake, and for the obvious fire hazards.
Crowds of people and holiday festivities can frighten animals. If you plan to entertain, you must plan ahead on your pets'
behalf. Make sure they have a "safe haven" where they can retreat.
Cats can be allowed to
romp through discarded wrapping paper and empty boxes, but be sure to dispose of all bows, yarn and curling ribbons to prevent swallowing and intestinal blockage, or strangulation.
Exposed wiring can electrocute a curious animal who chews on it. Use Bitter apple to deter chewing, or encase cords and electrical plugs inside PVC tubing. Try to hide or tack down any cords or plugs to avoid tripping.
If you are a cat owner, note that a disruption such as the
rearrangement of furniture around the house for the holidays may cause your feline to stop using the litter box.
Pets are not garbage disposals for holiday left-overs. Do not stuff an animal. Any sudden change of diet, even for just one meal, can give your dog or cat stomach pain and
diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals, whose digestive systems are often more delicate and nutritional requirements
more strict.
While a little turkey or chicken won't harm your pet, be very careful of bones which can splinter and cause intestinal blockage or internal lacerations. Also be aware that large quantities of chocolate can be highly toxic. Keep all sweets, but especially chocolate, safely out of the reach of curious noses and little paws.
Beware of simmering potpourri or potpourri oil. Most potpourri liquids contain natural or essential oils, which if ingested can cause vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness, and possibly liver damage. Some products also contain cationic detergents, in which case the signs tend to be much worse. In most cases received by the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center, cats are often exposed to potpourri oils by rubbing against leaky bottles or pots containing the oil, or from spilling the oil containing pots over themselves. Click here for more information from the Cat Fancier's Association.
Aluminum foil that has been wrapped around meat and disposable baking pans might be attractive to a pet, but do
not let your companion near these -- ingestion of aluminum foil may cause vomiting, intestinal blockage or even more serious
problems. Also be careful of aluminum foil wrapped candy.
A Christmas tree should stand in a flat, wide base. You might also want to anchor the tree with fishing line tied to drapery
rods, a ceiling or wall hook. Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. If your kitty shows a penchant for this activity, decorate with animal-safe items such as dried flowers, pine cones or fabric and wood ornaments. You also might want to consider putting the
tree in a room with doors that close.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TREE DECORATIONS:
-Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments.
-Cranberry and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, causing intestinal obstruction or getting wrapped around your pet's neck.
-Tinsel can cause instestinal obstruction and blockage if swallowed.
Please read A Holiday Case Study
-Glass balls can shatter in an animal's
mouth. Broken pieces can cut and be deadly if ingested.
-Angel hair is spun glass, and will shred the intestines if swallowed.
-Artificial snow or flocking can be ingested or inhaled and caught in the nasal passages.
-DO NOT use moth balls to deter your cat from climbing the tree, digging in your holiday plants or scaling garlands. They are highly toxic and if even a little is ingested it could have serious consequences. Other common household hazards can be found Here.
-A bowl of fresh lemon peels at the base of the tree can deter curious kitties plus add a nice scent to your festivities.
-Batteries contain a highly corrosive acid that can burn a pet's mouth if it leaks or the container is broken by chewing. Keep them stored safely away.
Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around your pet's neck. The ribbon can twist and tighten, causing choking or strangulation. Pets can hang themselves if the ribbon gets caught on an object.
Have a and Happy Holiday!
From all of us in the Tally Household
These tips were compiled from several sources including the ASPCA, Cat Fancy, Cat Magazine and our own experiences. Additional safety information can be found at the Cornell Science Center link below:Cornell Warnings of Holiday Hazards
Back to the Christmas Menu Page
