A Safe and Stress Free Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, it’s important to remember a few tips to keep our kitties safe during the holiday. 

Many people may not realize that our centerpieces can be hazardous to our furry children.  Lit candles can be a big danger to you cat as well as your house.  If you’re planning on lighting candles please make sure your cat is locked safely in another room.  And please don’t forget that certain flowersand plants are toxic. 

Another thing to be mindful of is the packaging for the turkey and other food wrappings. Strings from the turkey can be very tempting, and dangerous as well.  Foil, wax paper and other wrappings can cause intestinal blockages.  It is important to make sure these items are securely thrown away in the garbage and kitty has no access to the garbage can.  

The smells of the turkey wafting through the house may cause kitty’s mouth to water, but all the fixings that go with it should be off limits.  It’s OK to give your cat a piece of turkey (with no skin and definitely no bones), but please hold the stuffing.  Stuffing often contains onions and garlic, both of which contain a substance that destroys red blood cells, thus causing anemia.  And hold the fatty foods, too (such as gravies and rich sauces.) These can cause sever gastro-intestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea. 

You should watch the desserts as well.  Chocolate and raisins can be toxic, and nuts and dairy can cause digestive upset.  If you’re unsure is your cat ingested something that can cause problems, the ASPCA has a poison control hotline that you can call. 

If you're cat doesn't like strangers, expected changes in their environment, or noise, give her a little bit of zen by setting her up in a quiet room with her litter box, food and plenty of water.  And don't forget her favorite toys and bed or blankie. And make sure the room is off limits to company. (We don't want kitty trying to make a run for the front door because she's been spooked.) 

I don’t usually cook Thanksgiving dinner at home, but I’ll make sure Lola and Lexy get turkey and giblets Fancy Feast. And of course I’ll smuggle some turkey from Will’s mother’s house for them.

Are you having company for Thanksgiving this year? Do you have any plans to make the day stress free for your furry friend? 

Dawn

References: 
ASPCA
Banfield Pet Hospital
Pet Wave
North Shore Animal League

Photo Credits: 
Anna Maloverjan via Shutterstock
Michael Pettigrew via Shutterstock
Olesya Kuznetsova via Shutterstock
Steve Maskell via Flickr