The holidays are officially upon us! Soon, we’ll start seeing lots of adorable seasonal pictures of our feline pals partaking in their favorite annual traditions. This includes things like jumping in empty gift bags and knocking over Christmas trees. Read on as a local Crown Point, IN vet offers some helpful tips on spending the holidays with a kitty.
Tree
Cats just can’t resist those beautifully-decorated trees! You may find yourself plucking your frisky pet out of your Christmas tree, or trying to keep her from batting ornaments off it. Hang only sturdy, non-breakable items on the bottom part of the tree. Keep tinsel, lights, fragile ornaments, and anything that even remotely resembles a cat toy on the top part. You may also want to use fishing line to secure the treetop to the wall or ceiling.
Plants
Many seasonal plants, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, lilies, and poinsettias, are toxic to kitties. Tree needles, both real and fake, are also dangerous. If possible, opt for artificial plants. If you do get real ones, keep them in a spot your cat can’t reach.
Gifts
Fluffy certainly deserves a special gift of her own! New toys are always a great option for kitties. You can also get your feline buddy some classic toys, such as catnip mice or wand toys. Or, offer your pet something more modern, like a robotic mouse, a remote-controlled snake, or catnip bubbles. Beds, treats, scratching posts, and kitty furniture are also great gift options.
Food
There’s no reason you can’t offer your furball a special seasonal treat! Just stick to things that you know are safe for cats. Cooked, plain meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat is a good option. Fluffy also can have some canned tuna or chicken in water, sodium free broth, or store-bought treats.
Guests
Some kitties are quite outgoing, and see guests as opportunities to get petted and cuddled. Others are much more timid, and will bolt for cover when the doorbell rings. If you have a scaredy-cat, put your nervous furball in a quiet back room, with food, toys, treats, and bedding, and, of course, a litterbox, when you are hosting events. Fluffy may be much more comfortable napping through the festivities!
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Southlake Animal Hospital P.C., your Crown Point, IN vet clinic. Please call us anytime!
