Here are some tips for keeping your
cats out of danger during the holiday season.
FOOD ITEMS
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
- Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Salt
PLANTS
Lilies that may
be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types
of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa
Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested,
poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild
vomiting or nausea.
Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However,
mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which,
if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding
grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if
ingested.
Electric cords - Avoid pet exposure to electric cords. If they were
chewed, they could electrocute your cat. Cover up or hide electric cords, never
let your cat chew on them.
Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause
intestinal obstruction.
Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to
the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if
ingested.
MEDICATIONS
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the
reach of your cats, preferably in closed cabinets. Remind holiday guests to
store their medications safely as well.
Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins,
and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be
potentially lethal even in small dosages. Less than one regular-strength
ibuprofen tablet (200mg) could stomach ulceration in a 7-pound cat.
During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some
cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian's
advice. Never give your cat any medications unless under the directions of a
veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly
when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet
(325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7lbs.
Antifreeze has
a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as
one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat. Thoroughly clean up any
spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured
cabinets. If you think your cat has consumed antifreeze, contact your
veterinarian right away!
Liquid Potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Cats
are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or
spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the
potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures
result following grooming. Exposure of cats to some types of liquid potpourris
can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.
Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on
the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion
would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte
imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When
using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to
your cats.
ALWAYS Be Prepared!!!
Your cat may become poisoned in spite of your best
efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian,
a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center (1-888-426-4435) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your cat
has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.