It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year again already. Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
It’s a holiday to spend with friends and family, and that includes our cats. But some parts of our Turkey Day celebrations just aren’t safe for our feline friends.
Before you defrost the turkey and welcome guests, read these Thanksgiving safety tips all cat lovers should keep in mind this holiday.
Do you have any other holiday safety tips for cats to share with other cat lovers? How do you keep your cat safe on Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Cats And Cat Lovers
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Save Human Foods For The Humans
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There's nothing quite as delicious as Thanksgiving food. Those intoxicating smells and tastes are sure to have your kitty begging for a piece of the turkey.
But ignore those pleading eyes no matter what, because ingesting the rich meats, vegetables, and desserts of the holiday season can cause some serious health problems for your feline.
The fat content in Thanksgiving meats and sides are sometimes difficult for a human to digest, but can prove dangerous for your cat. Eating too much fatty Thanksgiving food, especially things like turkey skin and gravy, can not only cause severe stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting, it can also put your pet at risk for pancreatitis.
Dispose Of Bones Properly
Cooked poultry bones have been known to cause series health issues in pets. When ingested, bone fragments and splinters can break off and get caught in a pet's mouth or esophagus, causing them to choke.
Bone shards can also cause serious punctures in the digestive tract that can lead to a bacterial infection called peritonitis, a condition that can prove fatal.
Put bones in a secure trash can that kitty can't open.
Watch Out For Toxic Foods
Many commonly used ingredients in Thanksgiving food can be toxic to your pet.
Dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, mushrooms, onions, alcohol, and even some herbs and spices can pose a danger when eaten. Sage, an herb frequently found in Thanksgiving stuffing and dressings, can even cause damage to a cat's central nervous system if ingested in large quantities.
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Maintain Your Cat's Regular Schedule
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With loud gatherings, new people, hectic schedules, and emotions running high, it's easy to forget your four-legged family members might be just as stressed out as you this Thanksgiving.
The holidays can be a time of anxiety for you and your pet, so try to stick to their normal schedule as best as you can. If your cat is used to spending an hour on the catio in the backyard with you in the mornings, don't skip it just because it's Thanksgiving.
If your cat is used to eating at the same time every day, make sure to keep that same feeding schedule on Turkey Day, too. Sticking to your cat's daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and help to alleviate at least some of your kitty's holiday stress.
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Lay The Ground Rules For Kids And Other Guests
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Thanksgiving typically means welcoming people into your home, and sometimes, these people are completely new to your pet. If your cat isn't used to meeting new people or behaving calmly around large groups, you might want to put them in a back bedroom when the guests arrive.
Make sure your guests know that you have a cat. Ask them not to give the cat any scraps or treats and to make sure bedroom doors stay shut.
If there are children, make them aware of your cat and how to be respectful. Or you can tell them to leave the cat alone. Whatever works for you and your kitty.
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Provide A Quiet Place For Kitty To Relax
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Holiday gatherings can prove overwhelming for skittish cats, so provide a safe sanctuary away from the party for your cat. The spot should be quiet, calm, and set back from the flow of party traffic.
Provide some favorite toys for comfort, and place your cat's food and water dishes where they can be easily accessed.
Take time to check on your kitty throughout the day and evening, and give your cat some love.
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Keep Collars On And Make Sure Microchip Info Is Up-To-Date
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As guests arrive, step outside, and leave for the evening after your Thanksgiving feast, your cat might take the opportunity to make a break for it and run out the front door or escape through the back gate. The holiday season can put even the pets least likely to run away on edge. It's possible that your cat could get loose.
Before your guests arrive, make sure that your cat's collar is on, fastened, and secure. Check all identification tags on the collar for your current contact information.
And finally, if your cat doesn't have one already, a microchip is a great way to make sure that your cat can be identified, even if their collar has been removed. Contact your veterinarian about having a microchip implanted before the holiday season is in full swing.
If your pet already has a microchip, double-check that you've updated the information connected to the chip. It's better to be safe than sorry this holiday season.
