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.
The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for us can be dangerous for your pet. We do not want this blog post to dampen your holiday spirits, but we do want you to be aware of the dangers and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards.
causing bacteria, such as E. coli, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii. These uncooked foods should not be given to your cat. For your own health, as well as your pet’s, wash utensils that have been in contact with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.
We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both cats and dogs. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. When you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your cat’s reach, or use imitation holiday plants.
Pacific Siamese Rescue 