-- Holiday Treats for Cats --
It ’ s November and already we are thinking about the holidays to come . So many ! And filled with traditional foods , reminding us of past Thanksgivings , Christmases , Hanukkahs , and more . We want -- need , to share these delights of the season with those we love , even our beloved furry family members . However , many of the special treats we enjoy can lead to emergency vet visits , or worse . So , can we give our cats and kittens anything ??? Yes , a few things in small amounts .
Some cats , like our big tuxedo guy Jasper , LOVE treats . He ’ s originally from the Midwest and had a hard start in life . He came here as the companion of a traveling nurse , who worked many overtime shifts . Because of that , he was alone , lonely , and afraid of most people . Food was his motivator . He is still the guy who wants to check out what you are eating and see if he thinks he would like some , too . With Jasper , we have to be careful with anything offered , as he would eat things that could make him very sick . Hector is less interested , except for a few special treats , and luckily , the things that give them pleasure are okay for cats , in small amounts . But Hector will sometimes take one small bite and walk away , leaving the rest of his treat for Jasper to gobble up .
This list contains things that cats can eat without fear of sickening them . Please note that this is in small amounts , occasionally - not a steady diet .
1 . Turkey , no skin , no bones . Unseasoned - NO onions or garlic for our furry friends . 2 . Ham , again unseasoned . No sauces , and remember that ham is very salty for all of us . 3 . Whipped cream . Many cats have lactose intolerance , but a bite is okay . This treat is a big favorite with Jasper and the only thing that he will insistently beg for ( he gets his small puff away from the table and not when he is begging . And he will steal Hector ’ s puff every time ). 4 . Squash , Pumpkin , and Sweet Potato . Veterinarians sometimes recommend pumpkin for animals that need a little bulk . That ’ s not usually cats , but we ’ ve had one or two over the years that needed it in some tuna . Again , unseasoned . 5 . Green beans . Jasper loves a fresh , steamed green bean without anything on it . 6 . Pears or apples . A tiny piece is okay . I ’ ve never had a cat do more than lick it , once .
There are some things cats ( and dogs ) should never have . These include chocolate , eggnog , peppermint , mashed potatoes , gingerbread , onions , garlic , raisins and grapes , and many nuts . Anything spiced or seasoned is bad for your beloved , and many of these can kill a pet , if enough is eaten . Sugar and butter are not good for your pet ( although I once had a big tiger tabby boy eat all the frosting off a cookie !).
All of us here at the bookshop wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with those you love .
- by Linda Roller , Bookseller , Writer , & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis , PA .
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
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Pawsitively Pets -- November 5