Keeping Your Cat Safe at Christmas

by Lisa Selvaggio

Updated: December 15th, 2022

The holidays are full of fun and cheer for people, but they can also pose some hazards for cats.

Sharomka/Shutterstock

As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of those hazards so you can keep your furry friend safe throughout the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Holiday Trees and Decorations: Things to Consider

If you’re planning on putting up a tree to celebrate the holidays, keep in mind that your cat is likely going to be interested in it, and might be so curious that she ends up trying to climb to the top. Whether you go with a real or artificial tree, you don’t want your kitty chewing on it – and in the case of a real tree, you definitely want to prevent your pet from drinking the water too. Also, setting it securely in place can help ensure it won’t get knocked over by an excited kitty.

Ornaments, ribbons, tinsel, garland, and other décor that you use on your tree and throughout your home can also pose a threat to your cat if she ends up chewing on them or ingesting them. Plus, ornaments that can shatter could lead to injuries. So, in addition to figuring out ways of keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree, carefully consider how you’ll decorate it to keep your pet safe. For example, you might opt to avoid certain decorations, such as tinsel, and you might switch from glass ornaments to plastic ones.

Avoid Toxic Holiday Plants

You might be tempted to bring home some holiday plants to decorate for the season, but if you have a cat, you need to consider whether those plants are safe for your pet.

Your kitty might be tempted to chew on petals, berries, and leaves, and if a plant is toxic, you might find yourself taking your pet to the emergency vet. So, it might be best to stick with artificial plants to get the look of your holiday favorites without the danger, or just leave plants out of your decorating plans altogether.

Some holiday plants that are toxic to cats include:

· Holly

· Mistletoe

· Poinsettia

· Amaryllis

Holiday Lights: Electrical and Natural

Holiday lights add beauty to your home during this festive time of year, but you need to be sure your kitty won’t end up chewing on the wires. In addition to keeping the wires out of reach and organized (don’t leave them loose and dangling), using cord covers can help keep your kitty safe.

If you prefer the natural glow of candles, you don’t want your kitty knocking them over and you don’t want her to hurt herself by getting too close to the flames. Be sure to keep candles out of reach, and only burn them while you’re there to keep an eye on things.

Keep Your Cat Away from Toxic Foods

Finally, a lot of your favorite holiday foods and sweets aren’t good for your cat, so you need to take steps to ensure your kitty won’t end up eating anything toxic. In addition to the various everyday foods that cats shouldn’t eat, your pet shouldn’t ingest holiday foods and drinks like eggnog, chocolate, and, of course, alcohol.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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How to Keep Your Cat Safe When Traveling by Car

Have cat, will travel. It’s a lot easier to travel with your cat by car. Make sure the journey is a safe one with these cat-friendly car tips. Are you planning on taking your cat for a car ride? Whether your journey will be a short one or a long one, taking steps to keep your kitty safe along the way is a wise move. Check out the tips below to discover a few ways to maintain your pet’s safety while in a moving vehicle. It’s All About Restraint If you’re thinking about letting your kitty sit in your car, or even roam around your RV, without being restrained, you might want to reconsider. Experts recommend properly restraining your pet while the car is in motion because doing so can help ensure your kitty will remain safe at all times. Related: 7 Road-Trip Essentials That Make It Easier to Travel with Your Cat When your cat isn’t restrained, the odds are higher that she could get hurt or even killed during an accident. And properly restraining your feline during the car ride can also prevent her from distracting the driver and potentially causing an accident as a result. Plus, for cats that feel stressed in a car, being in a carrier might help them feel more relaxed, and it will prevent your kitty from frantically moving around the car while you’re driving. Choose from a Variety of Products to Keep Your Cat Safe To help keep your cat as secure as possible during any car ride, there are a variety of high quality pet travel products available. One thing you can do is let your cat sit in a hard- or soft-sided carrier or crate that has a comfortable blanket inside. You can opt to use a carrier that can be placed on your car’s seat and then secured with the seat belt for extra stability, but just be sure to gather information from the manufacturer, including crash test videos that prove the carrier won’t be crushed by the seat belt during an accident. Related: Product Review: Gen7 Traveler Portable Pet Bed When choosing a carrier for your cat, make sure that it’s big enough for your pet to not only sit and lie down comfortably, but also to turn around in and stand in. If multiple cats are traveling in the car with you, a carrier or crate that’s big enough for all of them might be a good way to help them feel at ease; otherwise, you can use a separate carrier for each pet. A booster seat that’s designed for kitties is an alternative option if you think that your pet would prefer being able to look out the window during the ride. With the booster seat properly set in place, and your feline held securely with a harness, you can rest assured that your cat could be safer if you have to stop suddenly or you end up in a collision. The Safest Place in the Car for Your Kitty According to Pam Johnson-Bennett, a hard-sided kennel style carrier is considered the safest choice for a traveling cat. And, when it comes to where in the car to place the carrier, the front seat isn’t the best idea because, if the airbag were to deploy during an accident, it might put your pet in danger. So, if you’re placing your kitty in a carrier, you can simply set it behind one of the two front seats, on the floor. Enjoy the Ride! Keep the tips above in mind as you work on developing a plan to keep your cat safe and comfortable when traveling by car. And don’t forget that you should never leave your kitty alone in a parked car.

How Safe Is Your Cat From His Favorite Toys?

It’s all fun and games until someone eats a toy. There are certain toys you should be wary of letting your cat get his paws on. There are a variety of cat toys to choose from, but are there some that can be dangerous to your kitty? Check out the list below to see what toys you should avoid or only let your cat play with while you’re there to supervise. String Even though you’ve probably seen adorable pictures of kittens playing with a ball of yarn, the truth is that strings are dangerous toys that should only be around cats when you’re there to supervise their play. A cat who is left alone with a string may begin chewing on it and swallowing it. Related: Why Playtime Is So Important For Your Cat Strings can lead to strangulation, and they can also wrap around your cat’s intestines, causing the intestines to become pulled, torn, or blocked up. At that point, surgery may be the only option that your vet could offer to save your kitty’s life. To prevent accidental ingestion of string, as well as choking, keep items like yarn, ribbon, sewing thread, tinsel, rubber bands, etc. away from your cats. If your cat enjoys chasing a string, make sure you play with him without leaving the string behind. In the event that your cat swallows a string, don’t attempt to pull it out of his mouth and throat, or out of his rear end if it’s coming out that way, as doing so could cause more damage. Related: Quit Spending Money on Expensive Cat Toys and Go DIY If you know that your cat has swallowed string, contact your veterinarian to determine what you should do to ensure your cat’s wellbeing. Laser Pointers A lot of cat owners get a kick out of watching their pets chase a tiny red laser dot on the floor. Obviously, you shouldn’t shine the laser directly into your cat’s eyes, but could this toy actually do more harm than you thought? Basically, laser pointers increase the potential that your cat will get worked up because he will never be able to catch his “prey.” Because the cat plays but never wins the game, the frustration can take its toll. Imagine being a natural born hunter but never being able to catch prey. Some cats may end up transforming this frustration into negative, aggressive behaviors towards themselves and/or others. To avoid this problem, you can switch toys after playing with the laser pointer for a little while. Let your kitty catch the toy, which he’s imagining is prey, so that he has the satisfaction of ending the hunt/game as a winner. Other Toys to Avoid Below is a list of other toys that you should avoid in order to ensure that your kitty will have fun playing without being at risk of injury. Don’t let your cat play with toys that are small enough to be swallowed. For example, when it comes to balls, stick with those that are larger than ping-pong balls.Avoid toys that aren’t securely sewn or sturdy, especially if your cat will be chewing on the toy and scratching at it with his claws. You don’t want the toy to easily fall apart, exposing small parts or hazardous stuffing that can be swallowed. If a toy is coming apart at the seams, replace it.Don’t purchase cat toys that have sharp edges, loose parts, or small items that are glued on that can be removed quite easily and ingested by your cat. When purchasing pet toys, check labels to determine what they’re made of, and consider removing any parts that are glued on or that can easily become loose and fall off while your cat plays with them. Also remember that interacting with your cat is a great way to bond with him, as well as a great way to be certain he’s not hurting himself during playtime.

Stress-Free Tips for Keeping Your Christmas Tree Safe From Your Dog

You’ve decorated the Christmas Tree and it looks fabulous… that is, until your dog spots it! Make sure your tree survives the holidays with these stress-free tips. There is just something about decorating the tree that makes it feel like Christmas. If you’re going to spend the better part of a day decorating your tree, you want to make sure your efforts aren’t wasted. Unfortunately, many dog owners deal with the struggle of keeping their dog away from the tree. Keeping your dog away from the Christmas tree is only half the battle – you also need to make sure the tree is pet-safe. Keep reading to learn more about creating a pet-safe Christmas tree and for keeping it safe from your dog. Related: 7 Sparkling Safety Tips For A Dog-Proof Christmas Tree Simple Tips for Dog-Proofing the Tree If you’re worried about your dog knocking over the Christmas tree, one solution is to simply not have one. But what is Christmas without a Christmas tree? If you simply can’t bear the thought of skipping out on this holiday tradition, here are some tips for dog-proofing your tree: Choose an artificial tree rather than a real one. Artificial trees usually come with sturdy stands for greater stability and, if it does fall over, it won’t be as heavy as a real one.Make sure your tree is anchored to prevent it from tipping over. If you really want to do it right, screw a bolt into the wall behind it, wrap a loop of twine around the tree, and tie it to the bolt.Set up your tree and leave it bare for a few days before decorating it. This will give your dog some time to get used to having the tree – he’ll be more likely to leave it alone later once it’s decorated.Bundle and tie up all of your electrical cords. Not only do you want to prevent your dog from chewing on them, but you’ll be reducing the risk that he’ll trip on them or get tangled in them.Be smart about where you place your ornaments, It might be a good idea to leave the lower branches bare and to place fragile ornaments closer to the top of the tree.Don’t put any edible ornaments on the tree that might tempt your dog. Candy canes, cookie ornaments, and even popcorn could cause problems for your pet.Wait until Christmas morning to place your presents under the tree so your dog doesn’t get into them – you don’t want to wake up to find your dog ate every last gift. Other Holiday Safety Tips for Pets In addition to making sure that your Christmas tree is dog-proof, there are some other simple things to keep in mind. Avoid purchasing any kind of holiday plant that might be harmful to your dog – this includes lilies, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias. If you’re using real pine garlands, be careful where you place them so your dog doesn’t end up covered in sap. As always, you should be careful about keeping potentially toxic food and beverages out of your dog’s reach. You should also keep the phone number for the Pet Poison Helpline handy, just in case. The holidays are a joyous season, so make sure you do everything you can to keep it that way! Take the steps described above to keep your Christmas tree safe from your dog and vice versa. Happy holidays!

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Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

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Can Dogs Get Melanoma?

Melanocytes are special pigment cells that are responsible for a dog’s coat color. Without these cells, canines simply wouldn’t be as diverse and beautiful as we know them. But even though melanocytes can be viewed as a source of a dog’s uniqueness and lovely appearance, they can potentially be harmful as well. Just like humans, dogs can also be affected by melanoma, a type of cancer that originates in the melanocytes. In dogs, however, melanoma can develop in various locations, including the skin, mouth, eyes, and nail beds. While it can be benign in many cases, melanoma can also be malignant and can metastasize to other parts of the body. While all breeds of dogs can get melanoma, it is important to know that certain breeds are more predisposed to melanoma, including Scottish Terriers, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds. What is more, the sex of the dog is not a factor, as both males and females are equally susceptible to this illness. However, age is a very important factor that owners need to keep in mind. Research shows that most dogs who develop melanoma are 9 years or older, which means that seniors are those predominantly affected by this type of cancer. Still, it’s important to note that dogs of any age can have melanoma, even if it’s less frequent in younger canines.Types of Dog MelanomaIt is also important to know that there are several types of melanoma, and each one affects a different part of the dog’s body and is presented with different symptoms. Skin (Cutaneous) Melanoma: This type of melanoma is found on the skin, often appearing as a dark, raised growth. Look for lumps or masses that might be pigmented or non-pigmented. Oral Melanoma: This type occurs in the mouth and can be particularly aggressive and fast-spreading. Initial symptoms include bad breath, excessive drooling, bleeding, and difficulty eating.Ocular Melanoma: As the name suggests, ocular melanoma affects the eyes and may impair your pet’s vision. Changes in eye color, visible masses, or vision problems are possible symptoms.Subungual Melanoma: A rarer type of cancer, subungual melanoma develops in the nail bed and can be very painful for the dog and prohibit walking. As it progresses, it may cause swollen, deformed, or discolored nails.Can You Prevent Melanoma in Dogs?While there are no guarantees, there are certain steps you can take to minimize your pet’s chances of being affected by melanoma in their lifetime. In addition to regular vet visits and thorough checkups for any changes in skin or fur, the most important thing you can do is minimize sun exposure. This is especially true for dogs with light-colored or thin coats, as they are more susceptible to UV radiation. 

Does My Cat Have a Urinary Tract Infection?

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Rare Six-Month-Old Puppy With Five Legs Gets Adopted

Bella is no ordinary dog. This six-month-old pup is the first five-legged dog brought to the Wisconsin Humane Society in its 145 years of operation. The extraordinary puppy was recently surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society in Kenosha. One thing stuck out from the start - the pup’s right back leg was wider than the other three legs and her paw had extra toes. “I’ve never seen anything like this in a dog,” said Nancy Weiss, the shelter’s medical director. “Her radiographs are extraordinary.” Bella’s X-rays revealed that she suffers from an extremely rare congenital condition called dimelia, which causes the duplication of bones. Because of this congenital anomaly, Bella has what some might consider an extra leg. Typically, a dog’s hind leg consists of one femur, one tibia, one fibula, and four or five toes. In Bella’s case, her right back leg consists of two femurs, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes. Basically, it's like Bella has an extra leg inside her right hind leg. “There’s only a few documented cases in veterinary literature of [dimelia] being found in dogs. It’s more primarily seen in cattle. It’s also a condition humans can have as well,” said Angela Speed, the vice president of marketing and communications at the Wisconsin Humane Society. During their research, the organization only discovered one other case of dimelia in a dog. But while Bella’s whole leg is affected, the Cocker Spaniel, the organization found, only had dimelia in their paw. “There may be other cases that we’re not aware of, but it’s exceptionally rare. She’s like a unicorn of a dog. She's also beautiful and playful and wonderful.”This condition causes Bella to have an abnormal gait while she walks or runs but it wasn’t the reason why the pup was surrendered to the shelter. Even though Bella technically has an extra leg, she is still active and likes to play and run, just like any other puppy.The Wisconsin Humane Society consulted with a specialist to see if Bella could benefit from surgery or amputation. The veterinarians determined that since Bella doesn’t seem to be in any pain, the leg can stay as-is. “Because she gets around just fine, she uses that leg when she runs and plays, and the risks of surgery like that, we are not pursuing amputation,” said Speed. Bella is a one-of-a-kind dog, and it’s hard to say what her future will look like. “But we know that today she’s a happy, otherwise healthy girl,” added Speed. Once she was deemed healthy Bella was put up for adoption and has found her furever home. Bella’s new owner, Mellisa, went to pick up Bella wearing a sweatshirt that read “Adopt the Special Ones”. The sweatshirt’s message references Bella’s unique physical appearance which sets her apart from other pooches. Interestingly, Bella wasn’t surrendered to the shelter because of her rare condition, but because she was very boisterous. This friendly pup will make an active and loving companion and fit right in her new family.The Wisconsin Humane Society staff hopes that Bella’s adoption story will encourage other people to consider adopting a shelter animal looking for a furever home. “We’re hoping that Bella’s story does shed a light on the fantastic animals who are available at animal shelters. Across the country, shelters have been experiencing really high dog intake but slower dog adoptions and we’re feeling that same pressure right now so we’re hoping that this inspires people to consider adopting a shelter dog,” said Speed. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do Cat Colors Affect Personality?

Have you ever wondered if your new kitten’s fiery ginger coat is a warning sign that you are bringing home a sassy whirlwind? Does your black cat’s sleek coat give off the vibes of a mysterious loner?There are many theories regarding the possible connection between a cat’s coat color and their personality traits. However, this leaves many cat lovers curious whether it’s all folklore or a connection exists.Let’s look at the science (or lack thereof) behind the relationship between a cat’s appearance and their personality. Plus, we’ll share the most common traits associated with each fur color and pattern so you can see if it describes your cat.What Determines the Color of a Cat Before discussing the connection between fur color and personality, let’s examine what actually causes different cats to have different coat colors and patterns.Like your hair or eye color, the appearance of your cat’s fur is a reflection of their genetics. This includes the color of the fur, how bright or diluted those colors appear, and any patterns their coat displays (like tabby stripes or calico patches).What is the Rarest Color for a Cat? The Most Popular? As with any genetic trait, some fur coats and patterns are more common than others. The rarest color is a solid-white coat. Less than 5% of the cat population is estimated to be completely white and void of any color (no additional marks or patterns). On the other end of the spectrum, the tabby is the most common cat coat pattern. While most people associate tabbies with vertical stripes along their body, the pattern can also present as splotches, circles, spots, or any combination of these markings.

Viral TikTok Video Shares the Joy of a Rescue Dog Reunited with Friend

Adopting a rescue dog can be a challenge at the best of times. Having gone through multiple homes/environments, sometimes without the attention to training or socialization that helps to create that “ideal pet,” rescue parents find themselves trying to navigate various challenges and obstacles. Not that it takes away from the benefits of being a rescue pet parent – having only ever rescued our dogs and cats, I can attest to just how much love these amazing pets have to give! One struggle many rescue pets will need to overcome is leaving behind the other pets they have previously connected or bonded with. This could include pets that they are housed with in shelter environments or those that they live with in foster homes. While some become SO incredibly bonded that organizations decide they can only be adopted together, others try to increase their chances of being adopted by offering the pets individually. This was the situation with Celeste, a beautiful and loving rescue dog that was adopted by TikTok user goosegooseduckling. However, they never could have predicted how this story would unfold… A few months after adopting the pup and bringing her into their Indiana home, Celeste’s new mom, Michelle, decided to introduce her to the neighbor’s dog. However, a short conversation with the neighbor revealed something amazing… Celeste and her new neighbor were best friends in the shelter before they were adopted! Offering even more insight into the incredible situation, Michelle wrote: “What a small world! Today we found out that our next door neighbor’s dog was adopted from the same shelter, nearly 2 hours away from where we live. They were both rescued as young pups, and each spent 9 months at the shelter… with a 6-month overlap. This was their first time seeing each other since being adopted.”The video of the two dogs running and playing has now gone viral on TikTok, with over 300 comments and 7.6K likes. It’s a reminder of the many emotions a dog in the shelter system can experience—from meeting new friends to leaving them behind for their new forever home. However, Celeste would come to enjoy the best of both worlds!

How Do I Keep My Pet Comfortable During a Power Outage?

Power outages can be stressful for everyone, but have you ever considered what this experience may feel like for your pet? Imagine witnessing the lights flicker and then go out, leaving you in darkness while unable to understand why it happened.While we can’t sit down and have a conversation, explaining what they are experiencing, there are steps we can take to keep them comfortable.This article will explore some easy strategies to keep your pet safe during a power outage, including reducing stress levels and keeping your pet cool (or warm) until the power returns. Plus, I’ll give you a list of must-have supplies to ensure you’re prepared for the next power outage.Let’s get started…Do Pets Get Scared When the Power Goes Out?Whether your dog or cat will be scared or anxious during a power outage will depend mainly on their personality. Some pets will find the experience frightening, while others will carry on their day as if nothing has changed. The best way to predict how your pet will respond is by observing how they act in other new situations.There are a few potential triggers for stress and anxiety that you may want to take into consideration:Alarm systems, smoke detectors, and other similar items in the home may beep to alert you that the power has gone outA power surge could cause a “pop” or “boom” sound if it impacts electronics in the homeThe loss of a comforting white noise, like a fan, can increase stress in some petsPower outages often coincide with storms, which can be a source of stress and anxiety for some petsStress or anxiety felt by human family members as a response to the power outage can influence the stress levels of our pets

What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?

Nothing beats taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water when the temperatures skyrocket – and your dog knows it. Most pooches will take any chance to take a splash, be it in a pool, a river, or a small pond. However, not all water sources are safe for our canine companions to swim in or drink from. Contaminated water can harbor a variety of pathogens, and it can potentially lead to serious illnesses. That’s why all dog owners should be familiar with the dangers that grimy water brings – here’s what you need to know.What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?In the dog days of summer, your pooch will seek out any chance to quickly cool off, and drinking or taking a swim in cool water is the best way to do so. A swimming pool, the river, the pond, or even the sea – most doggos find these bodies of water irresistible for a quick dip or a little sip. But these waters are not always safe. The bacteria that they possibly carry can lead to all sorts of very serious illnesses that affect our canine friends. Here are just a few of the most common ones:#1 LeptospirosisThis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria species. Dogs can contract this disease by drinking, swimming in, or coming into contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney or liver failure, and even death. Vaccination and avoiding stagnant and dirty water sources are key preventive measures.#2 GiardiasisThis illness is caused by Giardia, a protozoan parasite. Dogs typically become infected by ingesting water contaminated with feces from infected animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. While not usually fatal, giardiasis can cause significant discomfort and requires treatment with specific anti-parasitic medications. Good hygiene and clean water sources are essential to prevent this infection. Don’t take a dip just anywhere!#3 CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium, another protozoan parasite. Dogs contract cryptosporidiosis through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The disease is often self-limiting but can be severe in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. #4 BlastomycosisBlastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. Dogs can contract it by inhaling spores from contaminated soil or water, particularly in areas with moist, decaying organic matter. Symptoms include coughing, fever, weight loss, and skin lesions. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial for recovery. Avoiding known endemic areas can reduce the risk of infection.In order to avoid these water-borne diseases, all owners are advised to take necessary precautions. Naturally, you will want to avoid all suspicious bodies of water and prevent your pet from getting close or taking a swim. These include swamps, stagnant pools, visibly dirty water, forest ponds, and so on. Next, always provide clean drinking water. Fail to do so, and your pet will often try to drink from random pools. To make things easier when you are out and about, carry a special portable dog water bowl filled with fresh, drinkable water. That way you can rest assured that when your pooch is hydrating on a hike, he’s drinking only the safe stuff.

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