Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
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You've probably heard at least one story of a cat who toppled a Christmas tree over in their zeal to leap into it. While they may be a cute combination, cats and Christmas trees can also be a destructive force. If you celebrate Christmas or if having a tree is part of your holiday tradition, understanding how to build a cat-safe Christmas tree can help ensure that both your kitty and your tree stay healthy all season long.
While it might seem near impossible to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree — especially if they're a younger kitty — you can take steps to help keep your curious climbing kitty out of harm's way. A good place to start is knowing which aspects of your holiday tree pose potential dangers to your cat.
Those little needles that fall all around your Christmas tree can be toxic and otherwise unsafe for your kitty. According to Pet Poison Helpline, pine needles can cause nausea, vomiting, skin irritation or injury to the stomach if ingested. The sap from these trees is also toxic to your cat. The water your tree sits in may contain sap and harmful preservatives, so be careful your cat doesn't drink from the reservoir around your live tree as well.
If your kitty chews on your tree's needles and branches or drinks from the reservoir, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, cramping and drooling. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.
Keep the area around your tree swept and tidy, and always monitor your cat when they're around your Christmas tree. If your tree is in an enclosed room, shut the door to keep your kitty out while you're away. You can also cover the reservoir with netting or duct tape (sticky side up) to keep them from accessing the tree's water supply.
Electricity and cats don't make a great pair, and your cat can also get tangled in loose cords. Here are some ways to help protect your furry friend and still have a shining tree:
Always unplug the tree when no one is nearby to supervise your cat. If you believe your cat might have chewed a live cord, check their mouth for signs of burns and look for singed hair and whiskers. If you suspect they've been hurt by chewing on Christmas tree lights or wiring, call your vet immediately.
You can't fault your cat for loving ornaments. Those shiny, swaying objects look a lot like toys — your cat doesn't know that ornament they just knocked down from the tree is a third-generation family heirloom. So how do you get your cat to leave your precious ornaments alone?
Glass ornaments and ornaments with sharp edges can also harm your cat. For harmony between cats and Christmas trees, cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett suggests the following:
Johnson-Bennett offers several ways to keep cats and Christmas trees safe this holiday season. The best bet, she says, is to place your tree in a room that can be closed off when no one is home to supervise your fur baby.
If that's not possible, here are some other suggestions:
While you're preparing your home for seasonal safety, keep in mind that several poisonous holiday plants can be harmful to your cat. Take some time to make sure your holiday decorations are compatible with your kitty's health and well-being.
Cats and Christmas trees are what holiday memories are made of. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help protect your cat and your tree for a smooth, festive season full of cat snuggles and holiday cheer.
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.