Thanksgiving meals can be toxic to our felines
Soon, it will be a time of thanks and reflection. Let's include our animal companion in our thoughts of thanks. However, let's not be so thankful that we treat them to table food.
If you think this cautionary concern applies more to dogs than felines, you are mistaken. Felines are capable of helping themselves and are not waiting for you to exercise bad judgment by offering table food. Our felines call this behavior "self-help."
Do not leave food out unattended to cool, especially the turkey. Felines will jump onto the counter to feed and they could ingest some turkey bones. Dressing, too, may lure some cats 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.
In fact, 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 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 everything with aluminum foil or bagging everything, guess again. Your feline will just have a slightly harder time to get to the contents since they have to tear the packaging. Of course, if felines are really frustrated, they may knock the entire package to the floor, hoping contents spill.
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 or traditional oven. Use your best judgment to try to outsmart your feline. The goal, besides keeping your feline in good health, is to avoid the emergency veterinarian clinic. Your regular vet may 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. Felines go absolutely crazy for it. You can usually only find this product in nonchain, privately owned pet stores.
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 and cranberry relish are also safe, tasty treats. Many felines crave fruit; 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, fish or meat protein are becoming increasingly popular in premium brand canned foods available only at specialty and 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 feline is in boarding, make sure you welcome your feline home with lavish attention and treats. Reward your feline for allowing you to have a good time without them.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.