Don't share holiday feast with your cats

Soon it will be a time of thanks and reflection. Let's include our animal companions in our thoughts of thanks, but not in our feast.

If you think this cautionary concern applies more to dogs than cats, you are mistaken. Cats are more than capable of helping themselves, not even waiting for you to exercise the bad judgment by making an offering yourself. Our felines call this behavior "self-help."

Do not leave food out unattended to cool, especially turkey. Cats will jump onto the counter to feed and they may ingest bones. Dressing may lure some felines to the counter, especially if chicken broth is an ingredient. Dressing is way too spicy for our feline friends and it could make them ill.

If you have onions and garlic in the dressing it is even more toxic to our felines. Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells. If you have made dips that contain these ingredients do not leave them on the counter. The sour cream or cream cheese bases are irresistible to our pets.

Do you have nuts in your stuffing? Some nuts can cause tremors in felines, especially Macadamia nuts.

If you think you have planned to outsmart your feline by covering food with aluminum foil or bagging everything, guess again. Your feline will just have a slightly harder time enjoying the contents after the packaging is torn through. When felines are really frustrated, they are apt to knock the entire packaging to the floor.

Suggested safe places to hide food until it can be refrigerated are an empty microwave, the top of the refrigerator or an empty, cool convection oven or traditional oven. The goal, besides keeping your feline in good health, is to avoid the emergency veterinarian clinic. Your regular vet will not be available on the holiday.

What can you safely feed your feline without a problem? If you plan ahead, you can purchase a tasty treat called Kitty Caviar. You can usually only find this product in non-chain pet stores (privately owned).

If you want to stick to traditional holiday fare, try canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin filling is a well-known cure for constipated felines, so do not offer more than a teaspoon or two unless your animal suffers from this condition.

Cranberries or cranberry relish are also a safe, tasty treat. Many felines crave fruit, and cranberries are a commonly found ingredient in premium, all natural cat foods. If you opt for pumpkin pie filling make sure you buy the unseasoned variety.

Pumpkin and fish or meat protein are becoming increasingly popular in premium brand canned foods available only at specialty pet stores and "big box" pet stores. Pumpkin foods can be served as a treat and to keep your feline's system regulated.

If you are not home and your cat is in boarding, make sure you welcome your cat home with lavish attention and treats. Reward your feline for allowing you to have a good time without them.

Featured Felines

Ed White is a male domestic shorthair who needs to be an only cat. He's around 9 years old and is front-paw declawed.

Mousee is a male domestic shorthair. He'll be 5 years old in January.

Puma is a female domestic shorthair. She's around 2 years old.

Santa and Friends Holiday Photos

Yes, its is again time for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and all of their helpers to visit The Buddy Foundation for holiday photos. Join The Buddy Foundation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13.