Keep Your Cat Safe During The Holidays

There are several items that are hazardous to cats, especially during holidays, special occasions, and major get-together.

Foods Hazardous to Cats

• Raw meat (including poultry) - may contain parasites, E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria

• Poultry bones - fragile and can splinter in the throat and intestinal tract

• Raw egg - may cause biotin depletion; often harbors salmonella and other bacteria

• Macadamia nuts - contain an unknown toxin that can damage the cat's digestive system

• Uncooked yeast - can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture

Decorations and Wrapping Hazardous to Cats

• Ribbon/Yarn/String - can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine

• Candles - burning/fire hazard

• Fireplace - shooting sparks and intense heat can harm your pet. Consumption of ashes can lead to burns (if still smoldering) as well as digestive problems and possible intestinal impaction

• Tinsel and Glitter - it can make your cat choke and possible cause intestinal obstruction

• Low-hanging ornaments - fragile and small ornaments, if ingested, can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested

• Christmas lights cords - can cause pet strangulation and electrocution hazard

• Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people) - varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems

• Ribbons and bows - can cause choking and bunching or obstruction of the intestines

Christmas Tree and Decorations - Potential Hazardous to Cats

• Unstable tree - in addition to ingesting small and broken ornaments, fallen tinsel and needles, and exposure to wires and other hazards on the tree

• Artificial snow - mildly toxic, however larger amounts can cause intestinal blockage

• Ornaments - deep lacerations can occur from playing with ornaments; ornaments may be made of toxic materials

• Tree Water - sap, insecticides, flame retardants, and fertilizers can seep into the water - bacteria can form over time; to prevent your cat from drinking it, be sure to use skirt to cover basin

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, be sure to contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.