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| Home > Cat Chat > A Safe and Extremely Happy Holiday |
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This month Bogey fills us in on the hidden dangers of the holidays—and we thought it was all fun and games and food. Well, he's also got some recommendations for gifts you might enjoy—and your people, too! |
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| A Safe and Extremely Happy Holiday |
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The holiday season is upon us-and Tabby and Spot, too! Time to climb the tree, swat the candle flames and eat way too much
of things we would otherwise never get! Why not, when our humans aren't paying much attention and are apparently feeling a little indulgent?
Well, because it's just not good for you two kids. We don't want you to think we're taking all the fun out of your holiday by
being hypochondriacs. Since you two do what you want anyway, we'll give your people a little information on the hidden dangers
of the holidays so you can all welcome the new year with good health.
BEHAVIOR
Because we're all a little extra-busy this time of year with social engagements, shopping, cooking, kids home from school
and visitors, it's most important to just keep an eye on Tabby and Spot for any changes in behavior and personality. Some cats
are fine with chaos, but Tabby doesn't handle changes in daily schedule very well, and Spot is upset because he just isn't getting
enough attention. They're considering leaving their "opinions" on the carpet in the dining room. Before it gets to this, try
to spend a little "quality time" with them at the same time every day, just to reassure them of their exalted position
in the household.
This daily visit with your cats also serves a purpose for you, as their caregiver. While their behavior may be simply a reaction to the
changes in their world, it may also be an oncoming illness or evidence that they've eaten something they shouldn't have. This would
be easy to miss while you are otherwise occupied. If it seems Tabby isn't eating right or Spot is a little lethargic or aggressive, take some
time to observe for other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, irregular breathing, obvious discomfort, salivating, or straining in the
box, any of which could signal that the problem isn't all in their head. A persistence of any of these symptoms would call
for an immediate trip to the veterinarian.
UNUSUAL TOYS
Cats will sometimes eat seemingly inedible and unappetizing objects, and under stress are even more likely to indulge. Tabby prefers
string-like objects like tinsel and garlands, but they can be deadly if they wrap around her tongue or bunch up in the stomach
or intestines, often requiring surgery. The abundance of new extension cords to accommodate lights on the tree and otherwise
can likewise be a temptation to a bored cat lacking human attention. The tree itself, meant to be climbed, chewed and knocked over,
is Spot's favorite. It also harbors lots of little objects meant to be swatted onto the floor and broken, then possibly stepped
through and chewed on. Observe their behavior as you decorate. If they are irresistibly drawn to something don't assume you
can dissuade their interest, especially when you're away. If you find they've been at it when you get back, take it seriously-the
decorations are pretty, but Tabby and Spot are more precious.
PLANTS BITE BACK
Several plants traditionally displayed at the holidays are toxic to cats, including poinsettias, mistletoe and holly, and Tabby
and Spot are indoor cats who consider any greenery fair game for a snack. While an adult cat in good health can often nibble
these plants to no obvious ill effect it's not wise to take chances. For a kitten or an older cat or one that may have a compromised
immune system the experience can be fatal. Consider also cut flowers in vases-most lilies cause kidney failure in cats, and
flowers grown from bulbs, both of which have tempting grassy foliage, can be fatal to young and old cats.
For more information on plants toxic to cats, see the "Green Party?" feature in the Aug 2004 edition of
Cat Chat.
INDIGESTION
If we tend to overindulge, we can bet that Tabby and Spot won't miss a chance, and sometimes with our encouragement. While we
can treat our swollen stomach and raging bowels with various medications, our cats cannot, and overeating can develop into
a life-threatening condition; be reasonable with your handouts, whether they be treats or some forbidden human food. On that
subject, Tabby and Spot could probably polish off a whole turkey themselves. Plain old roast turkey is something their digestive
systems are capable of handling-in normal amounts. However, it's best to keep other foods out of their reach, and be especially
aware of alcohol, chocolate, macadamia nuts and walnuts, caffeinated beverages, onions, raisins and seeds and pits from many fruits.
These contain compounds or cause reactions which can affect organ function or slowly poison the cat.
MEDICATIONS
Because of the general disorder in the household during the holidays and Spot's propensity to play with any small portable object
that's fallen on the floor, be especially careful of even over-the-counter medications. Cats don't metabolize medications like most other
animals, even dogs, and a small white pill dropped on the floor or swatted off of a counter can become a deadly session of feline hockey.
SOMEBODY'S SLEEPING IN MY BED
Now that Tabby and Spot are totally fed up with your antics, you invite your loud, obnoxious great-aunt and uncle to spend
the holidays with you. Aunt Millie just LOVES kitties and wants to HUG and SQUEEZE Tabby and Spot while Uncle Harold yells at
them to SCAT whenever he sees so much as a whisker of one of them. Tabby and Spot are now considering moving their
"complaint" site from the dining room to Millie and Harold's bed, or perhaps their suitcases, and they're sharpening their
claws for an encounter. It just may be time for the final solution.
A ROOM OF OUR OWN
Especially with all the hazards of decorations, scissors, tape, ribbons, cooking utensils and who knows what else, setting up
personal quarters for Tabby and Spot might be the best idea to keep them safe over the holiday season, at least for some periods
during the day or during times when visitors are present. For indoor cats with formerly no intention to go outside and work
for a living, everything has changed. It looks like a really silent night out there, not like this madhouse, and no one may
notice if they scoot out the door as a guest arrives or you come in the door loaded with packages.
And as a last but important thought, don't accept or give an animal as a holiday gift. Adoption and transition are stressful
for humans and cats at any time, but during the pandemonium of the holidays a cat can get off to a bad start, and don't kid
yourself that Tabby and Spot would welcome competition at this point in time. Instead, give the necessary items to welcome a
new cat to the house in preparation for the adoption when things quiet down.
Plenty of references are available for the full list of toxic plants, foods and substances so we won't list them here, but many
local shelters have comprehensive lists, plus the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) both have lists posted on their website. Information for this article
was obtained from various academic sources, including the Tufts University newsletter "Catnip" the Cornell University
newsletter "Catwatch" and their websites as well as the websites of the University of Pennsylvania, the ASPCA and the HSUS.
NOW FOR THE FUN PART
To make up for all the neglect and abuse you've heaped on Tabby and Spot while you've been having a good time, you can at least
shower them with treasures. Here are a few toys and treats that have been subjected to real household tests that we're sure they'll
like, as well as a few things for the humans belonging to Tabby and Spot's friends.
Catnip Candy Cane is a sure hit with its real organic catnip in a bright holiday pattern for the
human's enjoyment. And don't miss the Catnip Banana and Yeowww Fruit Crate
for breakfast or anytime during the holidays! Tabby can discover instinctual hunting urges by chasing Da Bird Wand Toy,
and order several refills to replace the ones your fierce hunter shreds. And if you need to keep them out of the kitchen,
or fill the lonely hours while they are in their safe room, the Cat Sitter DVD is sure to transport Tabby
and Spot to a place far away filled with small animals and their sounds. Give your cat the gift of comfort, (they sleep an average of 12-16 hours a day) with a
Cat Igloo or Comfy Cat Bed
For their humans, Tabby would consider getting Cat-opoly,
if for no other reason than that they could run across the room and leap onto the board and get everyone's attention. Spot suggests the
Wysocki Totes to carry home the feline goods, and they both noticed that the
Laurel Burch Handbags, Jewelry,
Scarves and Mugs get an extra click
when Mom browses the internet.
Here's to a nice warm bed with a sound roof overhead, food and water in every bowl, and no extra trips to the veterinarian in 2007!
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