Keeping the Holidays Happy and Safe – Part Two!

This week, we continue our exploration of holiday safety hazards. In case you missed last week, click here!

Christmas Trees

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how careful we must be. Christmas trees and their decorations can create hazards for pets. Place Christmas trees in a stable stand and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fishing line. We have known people who have hung their tree from the ceiling! To keep pets away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. Even though you are taking precautions, make sure your cat is always supervised when in a room with a tree.

Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees can pose a problem. Be sure you cat is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.

Tinsel’s shininess is attractive to pets. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.

Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. Try decorating with something less likely to cause a problem.

Chewing on electrical cords can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock, to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot and cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop. Cats may knock glass ornaments off of trees, which can cause cuts on paw pads and a trip to the emergency clinic.

Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet’s mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom. Decorating trees with food is asking for problems.

Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your pet as they are to children. We know of a diabetic dog who ran into some problems with regulating her disease because she was stealing candy canes off of the tree; cats may try this too.

Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.

Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to pets) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria. Fertilizers, insecticides, and flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.

Visitors

Some pets love visitors and behave very well; Others may be fearful and aggressive. Plan for how your cat will react to visitors. A quiet room away from the commotion with water, food, and a litter box available will help fearful cats be more comfortable. Brushing up on obedience training before the holidays may help a pet who has become a little rusty. Be sure to inform your visitors of any household rules or problem behaviors concerning your pets, e.g. sneaking out the door, jumping up on the couch, getting food from the table, etc. For pets who may not behave or could be aggressive, placing them in a separate room, using pet gates, or having them stay at a friend’s house during a party may be necessary. Sometimes boarding a pet in a kennel is the safest alternative.

Cleaning products such as disinfectants get a lot of use during the holidays as we spiff up our homes for visitors. Remember, many of these products can be toxic to your pets. When inviting visitors, make sure they know you have a pet. If these people have allergies, you could help them by using a product such as Allerpet to decrease the dander in the house. If you are traveling during the holidays and need to leave your pet(s) at home, start to make accommodations for your pet(s) early. Many boarding facilities fill up very fast. Responsible pet sitters are a good alternative. If they are unfamiliar with your house or pet(s), have them come over and get acquainted before you leave.

New Pets

New pets are not good holiday gifts. If someone is thinking about getting a new pet, give the new prospective owner a variety of cats toys, food, or books on cat care. You may also wish to give a gift certificate so the person can choose his or her own pet after the holidays. Similarly, if thinking about getting a new pet for yourself, remember, pets need routine and time to bond with you. With its noise, commotion, and special hazards, the holiday season is anything but routine. Think about getting your new pet after the holidays. We guarantee you will not have an after-holiday let-down!

While you’re at it, why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets? Contact your local animal shelter to see if you can donate food, kitty litter, toys, or time.

Pet Gifts and Treats

When choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, make sure it is safe — no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy treats for your cat and give them in moderation. Spending quality time with your favorite companion during the holidays will help keep your pet calm. With all of the festivities, do not forget to relax and spend some quality time with your pet. Your cat will think that is the best gift of all.

Holidays are a time to be joyful and thankful. We hope all of yours are beautiful!

This blog post was adapted from a newsletter article originally written by Marty Smith, DVM and Holly Nash, DVM, MS, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Want to Drive Your Kitty Crazy? Learn to Make Your Own Catnip Toys!

All cat lovers can concur that catnip is attractive to cats. Though the response of the cat depends on the breed, the ones that do enjoy catnip are sent into a state of kittenish friskiness by the mere smell of it.

Catnip (Nepata cataria) is a member of the mint family. It is a perennial herb with square, erect, and branched stems that are very leafy. The leaves are heart-shaped, toothed, and covered with a soft, close down (especially on the undersides). The clusters of white or pale lavender tubular flowers with purplish spots are in bloom from July to September. The plant secretes an aromatic oil to ward off insects that would otherwise eat its leaves. The primary active compound in this oil, nepetalactone, is not toxic to pets. This aromatic oil has a fascination for cats, who often destroy the plant with their ecstatic rolling and rubbing. It is easy to grow and is self-sowing. It will die back close to the ground in cold weather, but, if well established, it will be fine over winter, and you will have a fast start in the spring.

Catnip is commonly incorporated into cat toys. It may be applied to the surface of scratch posts to attract a cat’s interest (rubbing fresh picked leaves and stems works especially well). Catnip may be grown in indoor gardens, providing a fresh supply to distract cats from chewing ornamental houseplants.

To Preserve by Drying

I like to use the leafy portions of catnip (the small stems are good as well).

Strip an inch or so from the bottom of the stem and hang upside down, secured with a rubber band or string, away from heat, light, and moisture (or hang upside down in a paper bag). 

You can also fan the leaves out in single layers on a cookie sheet and place it in a barely warm oven. Chop for larger quantities. When the leaves crinkle between your fingers, they’re dry. Volatile oils stay intact until you crush them. Store the catnip away from heat and light. Herbs hung in bunches, dried naturally, usually turn a grayish green.

My preferred method is to lay the cuttings out on top of my picnic table on a hot summer day. They are usually dry within two days or less. I then gather the leaves and small stems into a Ziplock bag for later use. 

Easy-to-Make Catnip Toys

The easiest non-sew toy makes use of an old or orphaned sock. Stuff the sock with a small wad of batting (the size you would like the toy to be, ideally), add a heaping teaspoon of dried catnip, take the upper portion of the sock, and tie it into a simple knot.

If you don’t care to sacrifice a sock, a rectangular piece of non-fraying fabric (such as fleece) will work as well. Take a scrap that is 12 inches long by 3-4 inches wide. Place a small wad of batting in the center with a teaspoon of dried catnip. I like to wrap the batting around the catnip, fold the fleece in half lengthwise, then carefully tie a knot with the catnip wad in the center. Pull tight. Trim off the ends. 

Voilà! Simple cat toys!

This post was adapted from a newsletter article written by Susan Magels.

Your Cats Should Be Indoor Cats

While you may feel guilty about keeping your adventurous outdoorsy felines inside your house, it will actually benefit them in the long run. At Pacific Siamese Rescue, we recommend that your cats be 100% indoor-only. This might seem extreme, but give us a minute to explain our reasoning.

Cats that are allowed outside are at risk for getting hit by cars, being attacked by predators, contracting parasites, and being infected by diseases such as feline AIDs (FIV), for which there is currently no vaccine or cure. On top of the effects on your cat, though, are the effects your cat has on the outside environment. Cats are natural predators and, even if they are sweet snugglers with their humans, they have a prey drive that cannot be suppressed. Too many outdoor cats in one neighborhood can lead to a diminishing population of birds and small rodents, something that will eventually affect the way the habitat functions as a whole.

But don’t indoor cats get bored with their limited space? Not necessarily! You can create a

Tobi loves his feathered wand!

home that is absolute kitty heaven with a few simple steps.

The place to start is, of course, with toys. You cannot have too many cat toys, and the more mentally and physically challenging they are, the better. This will help stimulate your cats’ prey drive and lessen their need to go outside and hunt down live animals.

In this same vein, think about getting your kitties a scratching post. Cats naturally crave scratching things up as a way of removing broken claws and marking their territory. Giving them an approved place to scratch satisfies that itch and saves your furniture. Just remember to replace the cardboard inserts every once in a while to keep the scratching post attractive!

This cat tree is the perfect perch for Sweetie!

Another way to keep your home cat-friendly is investing in plenty of places for your furry friends to perch. Cats love having spots where they can jump and walk around the perimeter of the room. Providing them with this will keep them happy and make them feel like they have somewhere to go when they need to get away from their humans. Bonus points will be awarded if you put a couple spots near a window. Cats love love loooooove stretching out and taking a good, long nap in the sun.

It might take some adjustment at first, but your cats will thank you when they live longer, healthier lives; And if you follow these simple kitty-approved steps, you will have a content indoor-only feline in no time.