We want the holidays to be a happy time for you and your cat, not a time for an emergency visit to your veterinarian. The food and decorations

Holiday Food No-No's

Foods you eat or drink that you should never give your cat:

• Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from an upset stomach to pancreatitis.
• Alcohol can cause serious intoxication in pets, and many pets are attracted to the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog. Be sure to clean up and rinse all glasses after Christmas parties.
• Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain components called xanthines that are dangerous to animals. Chocolate is especially a problem because pets love its flavor. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge and other candy should be placed out of your pet's reach.

We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. Never let your cat chew or eat any of these holiday plants:

    • Holly    • Mistletoe    • Poinsettias    • Hibiscus

Therefore when you brighten up your home, please place these plants well out of your pet's reach, or use imitation holiday plants.

Gifts Under the Tree

Edible items left under the tree can be very tempting. And, remember that companies (even Drs. Foster & Smith!) often package pet gifts wrapped in ribbon. Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your pet. If played with and swallowed, yarn, ribbon, or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.

Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Keep in a safe place until they are ready to be inserted in the gift.

Christmas Trees

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how careful we must be. Place your Christmas tree in a stable stand, and attach it securely to a window or wall. We've known others who have hung their tree from the ceiling! Consider using SSSCAT Spray to keep pets away, and make sure your cat is always supervised when in a room with a tree.

Tinsel's shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. This year, think about leaving it off the tree all together.

Chewing on electrical cords can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Unplug decorative lights when you're not there or spray cords with Fooey Training Aid.

Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken, high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.

Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your pet as they are to children. We know of one diabetic dog who ran into some problems with regulating her disease because she was stealing candy canes off of the tree. Popcorn, raisins (can be toxic to cats), or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten.

Visitors

Some cats love visitors and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. If your pet tends to be fearful around strangers or in crowds, make sure she has a quiet room to sneak away to that has water, food, a place to rest, and a litter box. When inviting visitors, make sure they know you have a pet. If these people have allergies, you could help them by using products such as tape rollers and Nature's Miracle Advanced Allergen Reducer to decrease the dander in the house.

Pet Gifts and Treats

When choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it's safe - no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy holiday treats for your pet and give them in moderation. We offer a number of treat choices for cats, including Seafood Treats and Feline Greenies. Avoid giving kitty human table food.

The holidays are a time of great fun and excitement for everyone. With a little planning and by following these precautions, it can be a safe and fun time for your cat as well.