Cat-Proofing Your Home for the Holidays

Households are often hectic during the holidays, and while all the presents and parties make it a happy time for people, it can be an anxiety-ridden and even perilous time for pets. HomeAgain offers some Christmas-time precautions and tips to help make this a cool Yule for your cat.

Avoiding Festive Food Pitfalls

• Don’t let you cat nom on nosh meant for your holiday get together. Human holiday treats are high in fat and salt content and are not meant for kitty consumption.
• Keep chocolate cookies and cakes covered! They contain theobromine, which is toxic to cats.
• Keep garbage can lids shut and keep kitty away from the kitchen as you prepare and serve your holiday feast.

Create a Cat Haven at Home  During the Holidays

• An over-abundance of home visitors may cause your cat vexation. Try to maintain your cat’s usual schedule and keep the litter box away from high foot traffic areas.
• Mellow music will help to muffle the sounds of unfamiliar voices, so turn on a radio or play a CD while guests are visiting.
• Keep plenty of your purring pal’s favorite playthings close at hand.

Enjoy a Feliz Navidad with a Feline-Friendly Tree

• Do not trim the tree with tinsel. The shiny strands of foil would quickly foil your feline friend’s festive fun if swallowed..
• Breakable ornaments belong high on the tree, away from the curious claws of your cat companion.
• Cover your tree’s water supply to stop your cat from lapping up fertilizer or bacteria.

Photo courtesy Home Again