Holiday decorations can be harmful to felines
Are you dreading putting up the Christmas tree and the rest of the decorations because of your feline?
Has your cat demonstrated behavior in the past that has you convinced the only way to make sure your tree is still standing by Christmas is to secure it to the wall with cables and grommets?
This seems like a desperate measure, but those of us with felines know that, because of their agile jumping abilities, almost nothing can be placed high enough out of reach.
The only remaining options for feline caretakers is to avoid certain dangerous decorations altogether; make the tree less attractive; and condition our feline to avoid the decorations.
Once you have a feline in your home there are certain decorative items that should never be used, including tinsel, metallic garland, yarn, ribbon, cord-like metallic twine, pine cones, evergreens and poinsettias. Your feline will be attracted to all of these items and chew on them, which can be deadly if ingested.
If this list of items is too exhaustive and eliminates too many decorating options, your only solution is to watch the feline closely when you are home and limit the animal's access to the decorated areas. When you are not home, why not confine it to a spare bedroom, bathroom or study? The animal's safety is of paramount concern, so do not feel guilty about limiting his space.
You can also attempt to modify your feline's behavior. Every time he approaches the tree, decorations or a holiday centerpiece, reward him with a squirt of water in the face.
If the old squirt gun trick does not work, it's time to take a more serious approach. Try a flavor additive such as "No Chew" or "Bitter-Lemon." These items are available at most pet stores. When your feline chews on something and is greeted with a bitter taste, you can bet he will not be back for more.
Felines are attracted to electrical cords, electrical extensions and outlets. Placing a bitter flavor additive on these items is a good idea. If you want to be sure your feline is safe from harm, unplug all the outlets before you leave him home alone. Cat boundary sprays also assist to some measure.
Next, you can also attempt to make the tree less attractive to your feline. Try to avoid placing ornaments and lights close to the bottom of the tree. We only invite our felines to sit under it and bat at the ornaments when they are placed too low.
Lights should be plugged in only when you are home to supervise. Our feline friends are attracted to bright lights and will readily chew on them. Even a light crunch on the lights will sear your cat's tongue and will necessitate an emergency trip to your veterinarian.
Our feline friends are less attracted to an artificial tree than a freshly cut evergreen. Felines live to chew on fresh pine needles.
To survive Christmas with an evergreen and a feline, you must closely monitor the animal's behavior and learn that your vacuum cleaner is your new best friend.
If you choose the evergreen for your Christmas tree, you must also "cat proof" the tree skirt and stand. Our animals love to drink the tree water, so keep the water additive-free and avoid adding aspirin or products to extend the tree's life. Commercial products that extend tree life contain high amounts of fructose and chemicals.
If you secure a towel around the tree, this may further deter our animal buddies from drinking the water. The tree skirt should not be made of a material the cat can ingest.
Other holiday hazards include plants and treats. Keep chocolate and all other tasty toxins out of reach and in the cabinets. If you are not sure if a plant is toxic, check with your veterinarian before leaving it in an area your animal has access to.
The Buddy Foundation's last tip for enjoying a healthy holiday with your pet addresses the issue of adopting an animal as a present for someone.
First, the holidays are a busy time for everyone and a new pet will not get adequate attention. Second, to ensure the animal is truly wanted, the actual owner should be involved in choosing it. The Buddy Foundation will not allow its animals to be given as presents because we value the lives of the animals that are entrusted to our care.
An animal Buddy is adopted and becomes a loving and loved member of the family. We easily get bored with our new Christmas gifts, but our love for our animal buddies will never waiver.
The Buddy Foundation wishs the readers of The Buddy Beat, and their animal buddies, a healthy and happy "howliday" and a "meowy" Christmas, too.
Featured felines:
• Royal is a male Siamese (lynx). He is generally friendly and very playful. But when he is done playing he occasionally becomes somewhat aggressive. Royal would do best as an only cat with a cat savvy owner.
• Rosie is an orange and white tabby who lost her original home. When she first arrived she was angry, miserable and pretty unapproachable. Over time, and with some loving attention, she has learned to trust humans again and joined the cats in one of the rooms. She is generally friendly and out and about in her room, but occasionally will withdraw to her favorite corner and want to be left alone. In the right home she would be a loving companion.
Upcoming:
• Bring your pets and children for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Paws from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 12 and 19, at the shelter, 65 W. Seegers Road, in Arlington Heights. Your $7.50 donation per photo will help Buddy's animals. Also, shop the Holiday Boutique and bake sale. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.