Festive and Feline-Friendly: How to Cat-Proof Your Holiday Decorations
The holiday season is upon us, full of tinsel, string lights and tree ornaments. While we love to show our cheer by decorating our homes with holiday spirit, your curious cat might see your decorations as fun, new toys on their playground. While it may seem innocent, some holiday decor can pose serious risks to your feline friend. We’re sharing a few tips and tricks on how to keep your cat safe while still being able to hang your favorite decorations worry-free this holiday season.
If a big tree has plans to enter your living space anytime soon, it’s time to take the proper precautions to ensure your cat won’t get up to no good. Holiday trees have a plethora of trinkets that can be dangerous to your pet — string lights, glass ornaments and even the fertilizer used and bacteria in the water if you plan on getting a real tree. Our cats are naturally curious and love to climb — for this reason, we encourage all pet owners to secure their tree properly in order to avoid it falling from climbing or swatting. Tinsel, garland and electrical cords can all cause serious blockages or shocks and burns to your pet. Here at Dr. Elsey’s, we highly encourage that pet owners do not use tinsel to decorate for the holidays due to the risk it poses to cats. If you plan on using it to decorate your tree, we recommend placing it higher up so your cat can’t reach them. If you prefer glass ornaments, we encourage the same tactic of sticking them higher on the tree — try filling the bottom with soft felt ornaments so there’s less risk to your pet.
Trees aren’t the only area you should take precautions in when it comes to your holiday decorating. Many holiday plants, such as mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and lillies, are all toxic to cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet ingests any harmful plants, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. Similarly, any holiday-scented candles can be harmful to your pet. Not only do they hold the risk of toxic fumes, but our curious cats are always intrigued by a flame. Your cat could walk away with some singed whiskers, or even worse, starting a house fire. Opt for flameless LED candles to create a cozy vibe without putting your household at risk.
Overall, the holidays aren’t just stressful for us — they can also put a lot of strain on your furry friends when it comes to large crowds and loud noises. Ensure that your cat feels comfortable and cared for by offering them a quiet room away from crowds and keeping their litter box a safe space. If your cat still wants to be around the jolly atmosphere of the holidays, set up a little hiding spot for them in case they want a little bit of alone time. For optimal stress reduction, fill their litter box with Dr. Elsey’s Stress Protection litter to keep them happy and healthy this holiday season.
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