Holiday Hazards For Cats Nina Nandy
The feline mind is inquisitive and cats cannot resist the lure of holiday decorations and changes about the home. There are several holiday hazards for cats’ health. Fortunately, these can be avoided. Follow these tips to enjoy the holidays and keep the kitty safe and healthy.
CHRISTMAS TREE Christmas trees are irresistible to some cats. These trees, regardless of how sturdy the stand is, are not as solid as real trees with roots sunk deep into the earth. Cats often bring down Christmas trees. In the best of cases, this produces a mess. In the worst, broken legs, strains, and sprains may occur. The solution is simple: deny your cat access to the tree when unsupervised.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Decorations and ornaments that adorn Christmas trees also present a risk. Tinsel is alluring to many cats, with its dangling flash and shine. Unfortunately, felines do not stop at batting at the tinsel but consume it. This may simply result in sparkly feces, but it may also cause a problem known as a linear foreign body obstruction. Tinsel is not the only decoration that may be swallowed and pose this risk. Jingle bells have been removed from feline intestines. Holly and mistletoe are also toxic. Decorate with care.
WRAPPING PRESENTS Generally, the presents under the tree do not pose a hazard. The wrapping, however, may be dangerous. Bows and ribbons have the same risk that tinsel and decorations offer. Obstructions of foreign bodies in the digestive system are quite dangerous. Avoid dangly packaging.
CHRISTMAS TREE WATER A final note about Christmas trees is the water in which they sit. Cats are contrary when it comes to their sources of drinking water. If the source distresses humans, they seem drawn to it. Chemically treated trees may not have safe water for cats to consume. A fake tree is a solution to this problem, as it eliminates water.
FIREPLACE ASHES The yule log finally burns out, leaving behind piles of nice, fluffy ashes. While cats do not come to harm playing in cold ashes in the fireplace, they can get burned if they interact with the substance too soon. Even cold ashes produce a horrible mess if a cat decides to play in them.
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