Cat Expert Shares Tips To Avoid A "Cat Catastrophe" This Holiday Season
Malorie Thompson
With the holiday season in full swing, it's important to start thinking about our furry friends. Cat owners, especially, need to be careful this time of year as certain holiday decorations and foods can be disastrous with cats in the house.
Cat expert Jackson Galaxy shared a video to offer some tips and pointers to prevent a "cat catastrophe" this holiday season.
Photo: He started the video off by saying, "So, let’s talk about the potential problems that you face during the holiday season if you have cats and the hacks that I can provide to get you through it without winding up at the ER at three o’clock in the morning with your cat."
He went on to that having a cat in the house is like having a "toddler that can reach the ceiling," which is a pretty accurate description in my books! With that description in mind, it's no wonder that the holiday season can be so perilous for felines in the home. After all, there's so much to get into.
Photo: Pexels/Jenna Hamra
For starters, there's the Christmas tree. It's a classic decoration that adorns many homes and if you've ever had a cat and a Christmas tree together, you probably realize the problems that can arise. Cats often take any opportunity they can get to climb the Christmas tree which poses the risks of knocking it down, spilling water, ruining presents, and shattering ornaments to name a few. Not only does that leave a huge mess for you to clean up, but it can also put your cat in harm's way.
Beyond dealing with cats climbing the Christmas tree, owners also need to be conscious of pine needles, tree water, tinsel, and flocking which can all be toxic to cats if ingested.
Photo: Pexels/Marcus Pinho
Jackson Galaxy advises bolting the Christmas tree to the wall or otherwise ensuring the tree won't go anywhere when the cat decides to jump all over it. Any ornaments that are hung on the tree are securely fastened to the limbs so they don't fall off when swatted. Getting a plastic tree free of flocking and tinsel is a safe bet, but even then, it's best to try and deter your cats away from the tree. According to Jackson, you can create a barrier or deterrent around the tree and/or offer your cat its very own "Catmas" tree so it doesn't feel left out.
Cat owners should also be aware of popular holiday treats that can be toxic to cats, including chocolate, spices, cooked bones, milk and dairy, and alcohol. Leaving cookies and milk out for Santa may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have cats in the house, you'll want to think twice.
Photo: Another important thing to keep in mind is that holiday plants can be lethal if ingested by cats. Popular Christmas plants like holly and mistletoe may look beautiful but they're toxic for cats and can end in a trip to the veterinarian.
If you want to see Jackson Galaxy's full video of holiday dangerous and tips for cat owners, be sure to check it out below:
