The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. There's nothing quite like gathering around the Christmas tree with your family and loved ones, enjoying each other’s company, and exchanging food and gifts. While cats and kittens are curious creatures, and all the new sights, decorations and the hustle and bustle of extra visitors, changes in routine and delicious smells of the holidays can be very exciting and sometimes overwhelming or stressful for our furry friends. It's important to take some extra steps to make sure your kitty remains safe and happy during this festive time of year. Here are some tips on how to do just that!
Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
With all the extra excitement that comes along with the holidays, it's easy to let your cat's routine fall by the wayside. However, it's important to try and keep things as normal as possible for them. Feed them at their regular times, give them plenty of attention, and provide them with a quiet place to escape the commotion if they need it. A little extra TLC during this busy time will go a long way towards keeping your cat calm and stress-free.
Be Careful with Holiday Plants
Many common holiday plants are actually toxic to cats if ingested. So, if you're decorating your home with any live plants this season, be sure to keep them out of reach of your curious kitty. Consider hanging them up high or putting them in a room that your cat doesn't have access to, including holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias. Safe and non-toxic plant options that make great holiday decorations include Christmas cacti, Boston Fern, Phalaenopsis Orchid, and Rosemary.
Many common holiday plants, such as mistletoe, holly, and lilies, are poisonous to cats. If you suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a plant, call your veterinarian immediately. To be on the safe side, keep all plants out of reach of curious kitties.
Keep an Eye on those Candles
Candles are a beautiful addition to any holiday decoration, but they can pose a serious danger to curious cats. If a cat knocks over a lit candle, it could start a fire very quickly. To avoid this, consider using battery-operated candles instead. They look just like the real thing but without the risk!
Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach
Many of the foods we enjoy during the holidays can be toxic to cats if consumed in large quantities, so it's important to keep them well out of your cat's reach (and sight!). This includes dishes like gravy, ham, and pumpkin pie, which can all cause stomach upset or worse if eaten by kitty. So be sure to put these holiday staples away in a safe place where your four-legged friend can't get to them. So, if you're cooking or baking this holiday season, make sure your feline friend doesn't have access to any ingredients that might be harmful to them. And don't forget to keep an eye on those tasty holiday treats - it's easy for a cat to sneak a bite when you're not looking! Instead provide your fur ball with an ample supply of Health Extension Cat Treats to keep kitty healthy and happy during this holiday season.
Keep Decorations out of Reach
Cats love to climb, and those sparkly Christmas tree ornaments are just too tempting for them. Plus, if they knock the tree over, not only will all your decorations break, but your kitty could get hurt as well. So put away anything that might be tempting for them to swat at or nibble on and consider getting a tree with a sturdy base to prevent any accidents. Also, put away tinsel, strings, and ribbons. Cats love to play with strings and ribbons, but these items can be dangerous if swallowed. If ingested, string can become tangled in your cat's intestines, while ribbon can cause choking or blockages. Put away these items when you're not using them and supervise your cat closely when they're out so you can intervene if necessary.
Provide Extra Enrichment.
It's easy to forget about our furry friends during the holidays. But cats can get bored and restless just like we do, so it's important to provide them with extra enrichment this time of year. Think about getting them some new toys from Health Extension Snugarooz interactive kitty collection or setting up a scratching post in a quiet area of your home so they can stay entertained while you're busy entertaining guests.
Keep an Eye on Adventurous Kittens.
If you have a young kitten in the house, make sure to keep them supervised at all times. Kittens are curious by nature and will want to explore everything, including electrical cords, which can be very dangerous if chewed on. Keep an eye on your little explorer and help them stay safe this holiday season!
Limit Kitty’s Outside Activities During Gatherings
The Christmas holiday is a busy time, and there are lots of people out and about who may not be paying attention to their surroundings. If your kitty likes to wander around outside, make sure you keep an eye on him and bring him back inside when it's time for him to go home.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year full of love, laughter...and stress! While our feline friends may not fully understand what's going on around them during this festive time of year, they can certainly feel anxious and stressed by all the commotion. By following these simple tips, you can help reduce your kitty's stress levels and have peace of mind knowing they're safe during the holidays! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
