Our pets love a routine and the holidays can seem like a very strange time for our cats.  Their usual environment is filled with trees, flowers and other decorations, plus, unfamiliar visitors popping in every day can be very unnerving.

This, teamed with crackers and fireworks, can result in an unhappy cat.  Be aware of these changes and try and provide a 'staff zone' for your cat over the festive season.

There are also additional hazards for our cats, so we have put together a list of things to be aware of, from toxic foods to poisonous plants and the dangers of antifreeze.

Food Hazards

Chocolate, onions, nuts, blue cheese, fruit cakes, puddings and mince pies can all be toxic to cats.  Watch out for turkey bones as these can cause choking, constipation or cause damage to your cat’s intestines. 

Christmas Trees and Plants

Most species are low toxicity but may cause a mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhoea) if chewed. Tinsel and decorations can cause intestinal blockages if eaten and your pet may get a nasty shock if they chew through the electrical cable for your Christmas lights.  Lillies, holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are all toxic to cats so keep them out of their reach.  Artificial snow is toxic so best avoided.

Antifreeze

Ethylene glycol (anti freeze) ingestion is very dangerous. It is sweet-tasting and very palatable. Even a relatively small quantity can cause serious kidney damage and can be fatal.  Unfortunately the longer the delay between ingestion of the anti freeze and initiation of treatment the less favourable the prognosis.

The key message is to act fast, do not wait for signs to develop, call a vet immediately.  We are open for emergencies 24 hours a day 7 days a week, please call the same practice number on 01363 772860.