I have two cats, Henry and Fiona. While Henry is chill and is not easily impressed, Fiona loves new things and the shinier, the better; particularly flashing Christmas lights.
Every holiday season we always take precautions when decorating our home as there are some things that can be dangerous for your little fur baby.
ARE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SAFE FOR MY CAT?
Christmas lights can be a real danger to cats if they decide to chew on the electrical wiring. Use battery-powered LED lights. LED lights are cool to the touch and are a safer option around pets
Check the wires frequently for damage from your cat's teeth or claws
Unplug the lights when you are not around to supervise your cat
ARE THERE ANY PLANTS/FLOWERS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR MY CAT?
Poinsettias-poisoning is mild
Lilies- all parts of the plant are poisonous
Holly and Mistletoe-the berries are the most toxic
Amaryllis plants-the bulbs, stalks and flowers are all toxic
DECIDING ON THE RIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE:
The most common types of real Christmas trees (pine, fir, and spruce) have needles that can mildly toxic and can cause the following:
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Skin irritation
-Gastrointestinal upset
-Blockage or puncture in the intestinal lining
The water in the tree can be poisonous to cats because many trees are treated with preservatives, fertilizers, pesticides, and even aspirin
Artificial trees are generally safer for cats than live trees, but they can still pose a risk:
-Cats can accidentally break off pieces of the tree and ingest them, which can cause choking
-Ingesting the needles or branches can cause bowel obstructions and stomach issues
-The plastic could cause poisoning if your cat eats a large enough piece
We have had both real and artificial trees and neither one of our cats got sick. To make the best decision for you and your family should depend on the type of cat that you have. If you have a kitty that likes to chew and get into things, I think artificial would be the best route.
Meowy-Christmas!
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