Christmas and Cats: Keeping Your Pet and Your Decorations Safe

Christmas and the holidays are exciting for everyone, but often the family cat gets overlooked in all the rush. At least until they start climbing the Christmas tree and eating the tinsel. Having pets does require certain sacrifices, but there are some things you can do to enjoy your Christmas decorations and still keep you cats safe.

The Christmas Tree

You think you just bought the family a 7 foot Douglas fir. Your cat thinks you just bought her a 7 foot cat toy. At first it's cute to watch the lit tree shake as she climbs the tree, but then you realize any kind of dangling ornament is impossible.

Christmas trees present several dangers to house cats. First, live trees, especially pine, can be deadly if ingested. Pine resin can cause disease in cats. Also, the pine needles with sharp points may cause internal damage to his organs if he eats them.

Artificial Christmas trees are safer, but you still need to keep on eye on your cat. Flame retardant chemicals are sprayed on most trees, live and artificial, and can cause thyroid issues in your cat (or yourself if you decide to gnaw on the limbs).

Beyond ingesting, the tree, cats may also chew on the electric cords for the Christmas lights. Nothing spoils Christmas like a fried cat hanging on the tree. Glass ornaments are shiny and dangly, two pluses for any cat toy, but may break and cut your cat's paw, mouth, or cause internal damage if swallowed.

Pet specialty stores sell bitter apple or lemon based sprays designed to keep cats away from furniture or rooms. The smell is a deterrent which works even when you are not there to shoo them away. Or you can make your own by diluting lemon juice. Spray the base, Christmas tree skirt and branches of the Christmas tree. You may want to spray again every few days to make sure the smell is strong enough to deter your cat.

If you have rambunctious cats and kittens, it is best to avoid glass and fragile ornaments completely. Wait until the kitten has chilled out to avoid breaking family heirlooms. Instead, use shatter-proof or plastic balls with less fragile ornaments. Leave the bottom branches free of ornaments to avoid tempting cats.

Skip tinsel altogether. This holiday favorite is shiny and crinkly and no matter how careful you are, pieces of tinsel always end up on the floor. Even older cats will have a hard time not playing with tinsel which can choke them or cause intestinal blockages. And you probably have better things to do with your holiday and money than make an emergency visit to the vet for some tinsel removable. The same goes for any metallic wrapping paper or bows. Also, clean up wrapping paper scraps as quickly as possible. The thicker coatings may also be hard for your kitty to digest.

Secure the base of the tree with weights so your cat doesn't turn it over which can cause lots of damage and possibly injure your children if they are near.

Other Christmas Decorations

Silk holiday plant decorations are the best bet for homes with cats. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are all poisonous for both children and pets. However, if you must use the real thing, keep them high and out of reach. Keep a careful check throughout the holiday for leaves, berries and petals, which may have fallen on the floor.

Be aware of real or artificial Christmas garlands throughout your home, which have the same health issues as Christmas trees.

Avoid using artificial snow spray, which, besides by tacky, can also be deadly if ingested by cats.

Parties

A good host never forces her pets on any guests, and neither should she force her guests on her pets. Be sure your kitty has an escape route if the bustle of the party frightens her or makes her nervous. Place her bed and toys in a side room and keep the lights off. If you need to, place a note on the door to deter exploring guests. If your cat enjoys the company, just advise your guests not to feed her any table scraps. Most cooked food contain preservatives unhealthy for cats, which at best will leave you will a mess or two to clean up later. Also, foods like chocolate can be deadly for cats and dogs. Be sure to give your cat a little cuddle time before and after the party so he feel secure and safe in the midst of the holiday rush.