Cats and Christmas decorations are old “enemies” and will probably always remain so. Most cat owners have already come to terms with the idea that the fluffy family member will act as a little Terminator as soon as the magic of Christmas begins to spread in your home. Of course, you should not let this ruin your holiday days but adapt to the situation by applying small tricks to avoid problems.
Cats vs. the Christmas tree
The incidents generated by the “interaction” with the Christmas tree are very frequent during the holidays and often cause emergency visits to the veterinarian.
Trees are extremely attractive to cats, but unfortunately, inside the house, they are not as stable as when they are in the ground, or in the garden. Most of the time, when they climb the tree, the cats manage to bring it down, causing injuries and quite a mess.
The solution: Try to make the tree as unattractive as possible to the cat. In this regard, you can use citrus essential oils, which are very unpleasant for cats, or a repellent spray, from the pet shop.
In addition, you can try to place a carpet made of aluminum foil at the base of the tree, a texture that the cat will definitely avoid. And last but not least, anchor the tree to something stable, from around it.
You might also like my articles on:
In general, do not allow the cat to access the tree, unsupervised, because ingesting tree needles can cause intestinal problems, whether it is natural or artificial needles. If the tree sits in a container of water, you should know that it is also toxic to your little friend.
Cats and decorations
Christmas tree ornaments and decorations, or other decorations around the house, are also very interesting for a cat to play with. Tinting is a risk in particular and can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
Strings of lights should be used carefully in a house with a cat, raising the risk of electrocution if they are gnawed, or suffocation if the cat manages to wrap itself in them.
Solution: Use such decorations in rooms where the cat does not have access or try to hang them in such a way that she cannot reach them.
Cats and festive plants
In addition to the Christmas tree, winter holidays are also associated with other plants that have been shown to be toxic to cats.
Christmas stars – Although they are very beautiful and decorative, these plants are toxic to cats and children. In very rare cases, ingestion is fatal and most often causes vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and nausea.
Another symbol of the festive period, the mistletoe must be kept away from cats and other pets, as it can cause digestive problems, nervous system problems, skin irritations, and nausea. If consumed in large quantities, the mistletoe can be fatal.
Cats and gift packaging
Packaging used to wrap gifts should be kept away from the curious eyes and paws of cats. Especially when it comes to bows, strings, and similar objects that can be gnawed and swallowed.
Cats and noisy guests
Holidays often mean a lot of new people in our homes, noise, and a lot of excitement. This combination is not at all beneficial for cats, who stress very easily in the presence of unknown people.
The solution: Do not forget to provide your fluffy little one with a safe, quiet room, away from guests, where they can take refuge when the party becomes too loud.
Cats and festive snacks
Besides decorations and the noisy family, another danger that seems harmless to our cats is actually the most delicious part of Christmas, the food!
Yes, you will be tempted to reward your furry friend with a snack from your table, but before you do, remember that digestive problems, during Christmas, are the most common medical cases.
Even though for us, the holiday is associated with plenty of food, our cats do not have to enjoy the same goodies, because most of them are harmful to them.
The solution: If you want to offer her a “festive meal”, stick to a wet bag of cat food. Never give her something from your table and make sure your guests know this too. In this way, you will avoid a trip to the veterinarian.
