Preparing Your Cat for Thanksgiving

During the holiday season, it is important to prioritize the health and safety of your cats and other pets. Whether you are hosting gatherings or decorating your home, here are some helpful tips to ensure a joyful and safe season for everyone.

When it comes to feeding your cat, resist the temptation to share table scraps from the holiday feast. While sharing is caring, holiday foods are often fatty, sugary, and heavily seasoned, which can upset your cat’s system. Certain foods like onion, garlic, ginger, pepper, tomato, grape, raisin, chocolate, gravy, artificial sweetener, and alcohol are toxic to cats. Even milk products can cause digestive issues for cats as they become less lactose tolerant with age. If you want to treat your cat, consider catnip or safe cat treats like Temptations, Greenies, squeeze treats such as Churus, Gerber Beef baby food, or small amounts of canned tuna.

Be cautious with holiday floral arrangements as many plants can be toxic to cats. Plants such as asiatic lilies, day lilies, peace lilies, tulips, and mistletoe can be extremely harmful. Even if you think your cat can’t reach the plants, keep in mind that leaves, petals, and pollen can fall within their reach. It is best to avoid bringing these plants into your home if you have pets.

Create a separate and secure space for your cat to enjoy during holiday gatherings. Crowds and commotion can be stressful for cats, and they can easily get lost or injured amidst the chaos. With doors constantly opening and closing and food dropping on the floor, it’s essential to provide a safe haven for your cat. Setting aside a designated area will ensure everyone’s safety and give you peace of mind.

Consider your cat’s safety when choosing holiday decorations. Opt for a synthetic, reusable Christmas tree instead of a real one, as conifers produce sap that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats. Electric candles are a safer alternative to real ones. When selecting ornaments, avoid fragile pieces made of glass or brittle plastic. Additionally, steer clear of decorations that are small enough for your cat to swallow or long enough for them to get tangled in. Keep plastic/paper products like tinsel and wrapping paper away from your cat, as they have a tendency to chew on them.