Christmas is a cosy time with new decorations and flickering candles in the house, but it also adds a few hazards for your cat. Here is a list of some of the most common Christmas dangers, as well as some suggested solutions, all to help you enjoy a lovely and accident-free holiday season with your cat.
STRING
- Risk – Cats can swallow string. This can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
- Example – Present ribbons, tinsel, streamers
- Solution – Keep an eye on your cat when you’re wrapping or opening presents. Keep presents and string out of reach. Avoid tinsel on the tree or place it out of reach.
LEADS
- Risk – Your cat can bite leads and receive an electric shock.
- Example – Fairy lights
- Solution – Hide the cables as much as possible with the help of furniture and carpets, for example. Spray the leads with a natural bitter-tasting spray for cats.
PLANTS
- Risk –Poisoning if the plant is eaten or chewed. Lilies can cause poisoning via airborne pollen. Poisoning is mainly observed in the form of vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness.
- Examples – Amaryllis, hyacinth, Christmas rose, pointsettia, lilies, mistletoe, rhodedendron, tulip, angel trumpet
- Solution – Avoid poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your cat. Never have lilies in your home.
CANDLES
- Risk – The cat’s fur or whiskers catch fire, which can result in severe burns. There is also a risk of spreading fires.
- Example – All candles
- Solution – Use lanterns or place candles in places that are inaccessible to the cat. Always have an eye on lit candles.
