Most of our feline companions do not enjoy the holidays. It is up to us to provide a consistent routine when we can, along with hiding places and a plan for managing human friends and family to reduce stress and keep your cat safe.
Holiday Hazards
Whether you are traveling with your cat or hosting a celebration in your home, the holiday season brings some hazards that you will need to watch out for. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Decorative plants. Many plants and flowers are beautiful to look at, but toxic if your cat gnaws on them. Symptoms depend on what plant(s) are consumed and can range from a mild upset stomach with a little vomiting and diarrhea to severe neurologic signs such as seizures and death. Check all flower arrangements before allowing your cat near them or place them in a location that your cat cannot access (if you can find one!).
- Tempting foods. A holiday feast can hide many potential dangers for our cats. Delicacies such as gourmet chocolates and high-end coffees are toxic to cats, with severity of toxicity symptoms depending on how much a cat consumes. Rich, decadent food items such as a roast or fatty ham are safe in tiny amounts, but if your cat helps himself, he could wind up with diarrhea or even pancreatitis. Ensure that your cat is not snacking during meal prep and put away all leftovers promptly.
- Stringy decorations. Decorations such as tinsel, streamers, and string lights are fun for cats to play with but can result in a gastrointestinal obstruction if your cat swallows pieces. Supervise your cat for a day or two after putting up new decorations to be sure he is leaving them alone and prevent access if you have any doubts. Providing some new cat-safe toys is often helpful to redirect your cat’s energies in a positive way.
- Candles. Open flames and cats are not a great mix, and hot wax can cause severe burns once stuck to a cat’s hair and paws. Keep lit candles covered with a decorative shade to prevent your cat from pawing at the flames, and either place candles out of the way or remove your cat from the room when you have candles lit. Keep your cat away until the wax has cooled and hardened.
- Scented oils. Cats can experience respiratory irritation from inhaling the air from diffusers, advises Poison Control. You may note your cat having difficulty breathing.
If your cat somehow ingests any of the oil or absorbs it through his skin, he may experience drooling, vomiting, ataxia, and even a low heart rate and liver failure in extreme cases.
Hosting with Cats
Hosting a holiday celebration means that your house will be full of people, some or all of whom are strangers to your cat. This can be stressful for many cats. There is also a real risk that party attendees could leave a door open, even a crack, for your cat to sneak out through. An indoor cat who escapes to the outside has little idea of how to keep himself safe!
If you have guests or a very active household during the holiday, work to keep your kitty safe and secure:
- If the party coincides with one of your cat’s meals, feed your cat before the party begins while your home is still relatively calm and quiet. Also, give medications or set an alarm on your phone to remind you to do so at the proper time.
- Consider confining your cat to a secure room where he won’t be bothered, especially if he is shy, or just to ensure he can’t try to escape the house. Your cat will need access to food, water, and a litterbox.
- Remind guests that you have a cat and of any relevant rules, such as respecting closed doors and refraining from trying to pick your cat up.
- If possible, have guests enter your home in such a way that they go through two doors. This adds an extra level of security so that if your cat sneaks through the inner door, he might still be safe inside your enclosed porch entryway.
- If children are attending, brief their parents on what the kids can and can’t do with your cat ahead of time. Some cats love cuddling with children, but many find them scary.
