How to keep your feline companions safe and content during the holiday season

Let your cats play with things that won’t hurt them, like plastic ornaments, and they won’t (or at least might not) be so interested in playing with them after they are on the tree or walls.  Make allowances for their curiosity ahead of time and there will be less catastrophes after everything is up and the holiday is in full swing.  All they want to do is check things out and play so why not give them that opportunity right up front?  One note of caution:  I have let my cat play with the thick ribbon which is too large for them to eat (usually); however, the thinner ribbon, like the curly ribbon can be eaten and then may get stuck in their intestines.   Click here at WV Cats for more information on cats and ribbons, as well as other items that might be dangerous (or beneficial) to your cats.

When putting up your decorations, be sure all wires and dangling items are well out of reach of the felines.  Be sure to let them smell the items first and they won’t be as attracted to them once they are up.  If the items do dangle, be sure to anchor them well and try to keep them well above feline level.  While the lights are on, keep an eye on the cats (especially kittens) to be sure they don’t chew on the live wires.  Keep all Christmas flowers (especially poinsettias) out of the reach of the cats because the flowers are poisonous to the cats.  Try using fake flowers instead, but be prepared for your feline to nibble a time or two until they realize that the flowers are plastic.

Click here for a complete list of plants that are poisonous to cats via the ASPCA.  If your cat should ingest a plant that is poisonous to them, call your local vet immediately!

If you have large parties during the holidays, be aware that the cats will be curious about the drinks, food, and new people at the party.  Try to keep them in a secure place during such events with plenty of food, water, toys and litter boxes.  Also, try to ensure that all containers are covered, secured, dumped, etc. once the party is over to avoid the cats licking items that could be dangerous to them or spilling items on the floor or on your nice decorations.  Be sure things that are dangerous to the animals are put safely away (chocolate and alcohol are good examples) so the animals won’t get sick from tasting them.

The ASPCA can help you with a list of foods that cats should never ingest.  Click here for more information.

During the Christmas morning rush of opening gifts and tossing ribbons and wrapping away, try balling up the wrapping paper and tossing it towards the cats.  The bright colors will attract the cat who will have a ball tossing the ‘ball’ of paper around (sorry, couldn’t help the pun).  Just be sure that all ribbons have been removed and placed out of reach first.  Also, the pre-made ribbons give the felines hours of exciting fun because they are large, bright, and move about.  However, be sure to take the paper and ribbon away once the feline begins to tear it up and or chew it apart so they don't swallow any of it.

Large boxes and containers are great fun for the cats so let them play in the empty ones until it is time to clean up.  They will hide, climb, jump and scratch a box to death (so to speak).  If you wish to keep the containers, however, I would suggest you put them away immediately because there won’t be much left if the cats play with them.   Also, be careful to check inside a box before throwing it away or storing it.  Cats love to climb into the boxes and go to sleep.

However, you might want to be careful about how and what you choose.  For instance: bright red, sparkly and glittery items will attract them faster than other items (and you will need to attract them from all the excitement and color of the holiday activities).  Also be sure the items are non-toxic and won’t fall apart easily.  I found a trick that my cats have always loved and it keeps them busy for hours.  Take a clean sparkly pipe cleaner (red is best-the one pictured here is red and green) and wrap it loosely around your finger.  Toss the wrapped cleaner on the floor in front of your cat.  The cat will go crazy with the pipe cleaner and it will keep him/her busy and out of your hair.  Just one note of caution, though, be sure to check the cleaner now and then and toss it out once the cat begins removing the outer covering and exposing the wire inside.  

Another is the red sparkle balls you get at craft stores (I have one pictured up above).  These items come in multiple packs and are relatively cheap but will occupy the cats for a long time (at least until they get buried under the stove or something).

If you are not sure about anything that might endanger your cats, please contact your local vet, your local vet hospital, the National Humane Society, or the ASPCA for more information.  Also, many cat shelters can answer questions or put you in touch with someone who can.