We’ve all heard the apocryphal assertion that “should you construct it, they’ll come”. Nice film, though there may very well be extra cats…
However as we head by way of the winter vacation season (assume New Years, Valentine’s Day, chilly climate and snow days, and hey, even President’s Day and the Tremendous Bowl most likely match some definition of upcoming vacation), I’d wish to suggest a brand new seasonally-themed assertion of “should you don’t assume they’ll eat/chew/swallow/get it caught/play with it, they’ll”.
So, this text is a heads up on a few of the extra widespread alternatives that cats appear to search out, that trigger bother round this time of yr: chilly climate, winter holidays, you identify it. And hopefully, it’d prevent a visit to the vet (you realize, so you can also make a scheduled go to for his or her annual wellness, moderately than an unscheduled go to on New 12 months’s Eve at 11:59 pm. Imagine me, vet clinics usually are not a enjoyable place New 12 months’s Eve- I’ve been there (working) far too many instances.
So, in no explicit order, Pancake, Tiller and I put our heads collectively (actually, they slept, and I made the checklist), and got here up with a listing.
Some Prime Seasonal Winter Hazards For Cats
- Candles
- Fireplaces
- Sizzling stoves
- Timber and their decorations
- Ribbon
- Presents
- Chilly climate
- Sidewalk and driveway salt/de-icer
- Antifreeze
- Thread and string
- Poisonous vegetation comparable to lilies, poinsettias
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Company
- Electrical cords and oral burns from chewing
A couple of years in the past, I wrote a case examine on a cat that had eaten a Christmas toy virtually two months previous to presentation, by which era he was anemic, and in important situation. Ah, yes- the present that stored on giving. Fortunately for this cat, he obtained a number of blood transfusions to stabilize him, and surgical procedure to take away the toy, and he went on to grow to be a cheeky, cheerful boy with a great story, simply in time to steal some hearts on Valentine’s Day. (Keep in mind, should you don’t assume they’ll eat it, they’ll.)
I’ve labored with many cats that individuals swore would by no means eat issues… and too many flip flops, needle and thread, doll heads, hair ties, tinsel, earplugs, broom bristles and reusable straws later, I can positively say: they’ll.
Anticipate The Surprising: Suggestions For Addressing Some Of The Extra Widespread Winter Vacation Hazards
1. Nothing scorching unattended.
Candles burn fur and soften whiskers. Stoves burn paw pads. Cats get into all the things! Once more, should you assume they received’t, they’ll!
2. Ribbon and string decorations are just like the cat model of spaghetti.
As soon as they begin chewing, they don’t cease, a la Girl and the Tramp in that traditional scene. Don’t go away dangly bits unattended. (Probably a great rule of thumb for all times normally…)
3. Cat proof any and all decorations.
For the tree, in need of hanging it from the ceiling, or placing the tree right into a cage, think about different choices. Embellish an outside tree that you would be able to see from an image window in the home, or use a small, potted tree that doesn’t invite climbing. Get a sturdy base that received’t tip, should you go massive, as many cats will climb a tree. Keep away from breakable ornaments, as they are going to be honest sport.
4. Company…
Now, you might surprise, how are guests a hazard? They’ll imply doorways left open, on your cat to expire, or baggage with uncommon gadgets inside. I’ve even had feline sufferers that bought fleas, when friends introduced them from their very own home, on a vacation go to! (Perhaps that’s a great excuse to keep away from a vacation customer, or two?)
5. Feline pheromone diffusers.
Pheromone diffusers may be plugged in to assist launch calming alerts to cats, previous to the occasion. Have a secure, cat-only room or designated house on your cat to sit back in. For some cats, this may imply they spend an hour or two shut in that room. Higher than them slipping outdoors and going walkabout! (Dog versions additionally exist for our canine inclined readers!)
6. Loud, unusual noises
![Fireworks](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fireworks-600x400.jpg)
Noisy occasions like New Years’ celebrations and the Superbowl can imply a number of fireworks, parades, and different unusual noises, which may be distressing to many pets. In case your neighborhood is like mine, typically it begins a couple of week earlier than the precise vacation, and there are at all times a number of stragglers that proceed a day or two after, as nicely. Massive soccer occasions generally imply native stadium noise that may be heard round the home, or friends over cheering and throwing foam cheese on the TV (sure, it’s an actual factor). Take into account enjoying white noise, or once more, feline pheromone sprays and diffusers, to (ahem…) diffuse the scenario.
7. Sure vacation meals.
Valentine’s Day may carry candies (unhealthy for cats!), or fancy home-cooked meals oozing with garlic (relying in your courting model, although some could argue this can be counterproductive come V-Day)- so know what meals are secure for cats, and never. If doubtful, don’t provide them to your cat.
8. Sure vacation vegetation.
![poinsettia in a vase on table](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/poinsettia-on-a-vase_Ray_Shrewsberry_Pixabay-1-600x481.jpeg)
Poinsettias, many/most lilies, and different seemingly innocuous vegetation may be poisonous or outright lethal to cats. I’ve bathed many cats which have a vibrant yellow face after snuffling lily pollen, which for causes unknown, may cause kidney failure from even the smallest whiff. Plant proof the home, and beware the beautiful VDay bouquet that may arrive, innocuous as it could appear.
Closing Ideas
Winter is usually a pretty time- cozying up with books, cats and a scorching tipple of your selection, what’s to not love? However, it’s significantly better loved at house, moderately than a vacation journey to the vet’s. Keep in mind how we began this text: should you don’t assume they’ll eat/chew/swallow/get it caught/play with it, they’ll!
So, in the event that they do eat it…you’ll go…to the vet’s. Higher to be proactive, and take some easy steps to establish, and deal with, any house hazards earlier than they grow to be a (second ahem of the day…) cat-astrophe!