Holiday meals good for us, dangerous for pets
Soon it will be a time of thanks and reflection. Let’s include our animal companions in our thoughts of thanks. But, we should not be so thankful that we treat them to table food.
If you think this cautionary concern applies more to dogs than cats, you are mistaken. Cats are capable of helping themselves and not waiting for you to exercise bad judgment of offering them table food. 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 some turkey 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 cats. Onion 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 cat by covering everything with aluminum foil or bagging everything, guess again. Your feline will just have a slightly harder time tearing through the packaging before enjoying the contents. When cats are really frustrated, they are apt to knock the entire package to the floor so they can enjoy what they have their senses set on.
Suggested safe places to hide food until it can be refrigerated are an empty microwave, the top of the refrigerator, an empty, cool convection oven or traditional oven. Use your best judgment to try to outsmart your cat. The goal, besides keeping your feline in good health, is to avoid the emergency veterinary clinic. Your regular vet will not be available on the holiday.
What can you safely feed your cat without a problem? If you plan ahead, you can purchase a tasty treat called Kitty Caviar. Cats go absolutely crazy for it. You can usually only find this product in nonchain 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 cats 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 cat’s system regulated.
If you are not home and your cat is in boarding, make sure you welcome your feline home with lavish attention and treats. Reward your cats for allowing you to have a good time without them.
AdoptablesThis week#146;s adoptables are mostly all black. These cats have been waiting more than a month to grab some attention because of the annual ban on black cat adoptions for October.Magic is a 3-year-old black, spayed cat that was abandoned at the shelter without even a note of information. She craves attention and gets along well with other felines. She would be a great family cat.Misha is a 7-year-old spayed feline that also gets along with other cats. Misha has a tuxedo to take her out of the category of totally black. She lived in a home with too may cats and, as a result, none of the animals were properly cared for. A Chicago police officer drove her to us to get a second chance at getting a proper home.Waddles is an 11-year-old spayed black feline that came to The Buddy Foundation as a four-paw declaw. Her previous owners lost their home to foreclosure and could not bring her to the new apartment. She is outgoing and loves attention.Name The Dog ContestBuddy has a new statue of a dog to greet all who enter our door. We asked the readers of the Daily Herald to name our new buddy. Kate Checuga of Arlington Heights earned that distinction when she picked the name #147;Chance.#148; Kate#146;s logic was as follows: Every animal has a chance. The Buddy Foundation increases the beliefs, love, friendships and chances of these innocent animals getting adopted.Katie won a $50 gift certificate to our gift shop and a brick with her name on it in our shelter pathway.Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers, Arlington Heights, or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 36492433Misha 36492433Waddles