Christmas decorations and pets… Well many have already started putting up the Christmas trees…so it may be a good idea to go over some safety aspects for our cats and doggies who invariably will find it very interesting…
If you have a live tree or fake tree…same things apply especially for mischievous kitties.
- Cats climb trees – especially the younger ones. You will have to secure your tree to prevent it from falling over should the little cats decide they want to climb or use it as a scratch post.
- Most of us know not to use tinsel as a decoration as cats and dogs eat it…it can block the intestines and have you running to the emergency room with your pet…in my books not worth it.
- Any Aluminum based tree decoration. Remember your tree looks like one giant toy area…with balls and strings and a large scratch post and flashing lights inviting them in. Aluminum is toxic so you don’t want your pet eating it.
- Really make sure the decorations are secured on the branches really well (wrap around the branch don’t just hang)…not only will you spend much of your time finding them all over the house but some are glass and can cause injury when broken or eaten. Dogs think some of these are balls to play with and may crunch down hard and break glass decorations.
- No fake snow sprays please – these are toxic to your pet.
- Chocolate or candy decorations. Again most of these type of decorations have a double whammy here…chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs as is sugar and the Aluminum foil it is wrapped in. Best to leave out the chocolate and candy canes in a bowl somewhere when it can be supervised.
- Probably should also mention Poinsettia plants. Now most cats and dogs will not eat these plants UNLESS they are looking for missing nutrients (cats or dogs that hoover and eat anything and everything) or want to find something that will mimic grass so any greenery will do! Best thing is to provide some cat grass to give them something they can actually chew on so they will avoid your plants. Poinsettia’s are only mildly toxic but some animals have worse reactions than others so better to be on the safe side.
Oh and once all these safety concerns are addressed as best to your ability – your kitty and doggie wanted me to tell you that they LOVE having their own presents under the Christmas tree…please don’t forget.