CommunityNews
Holiday Safety Tips for Cat Owners
By Anne Dagner, DVM; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM
During times of celebration, friends and family often gather in our homes. At these times, it is easy to overlook potential hazards to your cat’ s health and safety. To prevent mishaps for your cuddly companions, it is important that you recognize these potential dangers.
MY CAT ENJOYS PLAYING WITH RIBBONS, TINSEL, AND OTHER DECORATIONS. IS THIS OKAY?
Most cats enjoy playing with ribbons, string, and tinsel, especially if they are shiny or moving. Kittens and young cats tend to be more curious and playful and appear to see these items as toys that need to be chased, pounced upon, chewed, or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing are healthy physical activities for cats, chewing and swallowing ribbons, strings, or tinsel can be harmful.
When swallowed, these“ linear foreign bodies” can become entangled in the intestinal tract, leading to bunching of the intestines as the body tries unsuccessfully to pass the string or ribbon. With each intestinal contraction, the rough or abrasive material rubs against the walls of the intestines, causing inflammation.
Eventually, the material can even cut through the intestinal wall: a life-threatening emergency requiring surgical intervention. If you notice ribbon or tinsel making its way out of your cat’ s anus, do not pull! Take your cat to see your veterinarian for professional intervention. Pulling a linear foreign body can be dangerous, but your veterinarian can address the issue safely.
“ WHEN SWALLOWED, THESE“ LINEAR FOREIGN BODIES” CAN BECOME ENTANGLED IN THE INTESTINAL TRACT.”
If you want to let your kitten play with string or ribbon, only allow it to play while under your direct supervision. Better yet, do not even encourage this sort of play – use toys specifically designed for games of chase and pounce.
DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY CAT PLAYING IN THE CHRISTMAS TREE?
Your curious cat can bring down the tree, so make sure it is set up securely and cannot fall if your cat decides to climb it. Be sure to block off access to the tree’ s watering dish. Tree water can contain harmful fertilizers, pine oils and can contain bacteria that cause stomach upset should your cat decide to sample this new water bowl. Pine needles can cause skin irritation, nausea and intestinal obstruction.
I LOVE THE GLOW OF CANDLES IN THE HOLIDAYS. DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THEM?
Candles should never be left unattended, as cats can burn themselves or knock them over with a flick of their tail. Battery-powered candles are a safer option.
MY CAT LIKES TO CHEW ON CORDS. CAN THIS BE HARMFUL?
Dangling cords of various types are tempting to cats that like to play with string, or kittens that are teething, and are interested in chewing. Cats have extremely sharp teeth that can easily penetrate the insulation around electric light cords or extension cords. If your cat bites through an electrical cord that is plugged in, it could cause severe burn to the tongue or an electrical shock that could damage the lungs or heart. This is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
I’ VE HEARD THAT CHOCOLATE IS POISONOUS TO ANIMALS. IS THIS TRUE?
Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison when eaten in large amounts, even to people! Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which has caffeine-like activities. Theobromine is used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and a smooth muscle relaxant.
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