Holiday Safety For Your Kitten
Halloween:
With many people coming to your door, you may not be able to keep an eye on your kitten’s every move. Close your kitten into a quiet room with a favorite toy where it will not be stressed by the many voices and strangers, nor will it be tempted to escape out the front door. Your kitten will be safer and calmer through this evening’s mischief.
Keep candy away from your kitten.
Of course, your SPCA cat is kept indoors at all times. However, if you, or someone you know has an indoor/outdoor pet, keep it indoors on this frightful night. Cats are frequently the target for inhumane acts, and Halloween, in particular, makes cats a target. Black, predominantly black, and solid white cats are prime targets for groups practicing animal sacrifice.
Thanksgiving:
Restrain from feeding your pet rich holiday treats. It may upset its tummy or digestion, with unpleasant results from both you and your pet.
Christmas:
If you are having a holiday party, close your pet into a quiet room with a favorite toy where it will not be stressed by all the strange sights and sounds. Guests may not be as careful when coming and going as you are. Having a pet run away at Christmas time is a sure way to invite the Grinch for the holidays.
If possible, put your Christmas tree in a room that your pet does not have access to. If this is not possible, follow the guidelines below.
Do not use tinsel or foil garland if you have a young kitten in the house, or if your cat likes to eat everything it finds. Just as string and thread pose dangers to your pet, tinsel can tear up your pet’s intestine if ingested.
Make sure your pet cannot get to the water under your live Christmas tree. The sap from the tree, and the additives frequently added to the water to preserve the tree can make your pet ill.
Securely anchor your Christmas tree. Your pet may try to climb up the tree, toppling your work of art in the process. Consider putting an eye bolt in the ceiling and tying the tree to it.
You may want to use unbreakable ornaments during the rambunctious first 2 years of a cat’s life. The glitter of dangling glass ornaments is irresistible to a kitten.
Be prepared to find ornaments on the floor when you get home. Your kitten will bat them and play with them, despite your best efforts. It will try to climb up the tree.