``Four Taboos'' When It Comes To Christmas With Cats: There's A Risk Of Death...What Are The Absolute No-nos And How To Enjoy It Safely?

Christmas is one of the most exciting events. The activities and decorations that are meant to liven up a wonderful day can end up being dangerous for cats. In this article, we will explain four taboo things when enjoying Christmas with cats.

1. Poisoning by plants such as poinsettia
poinsettia
Poinsettia, which is said to mean "holy night" during the Christmas season, contains a toxic component called "phorbol."

If a cat ingests a poinsettia leaf (the red part), it will experience poisonous symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and if it touches the white sap that comes from the cut end of the stem, it will cause blisters and dermatitis.

In addition to poinsettias, other plants such as cyclamen and lilies are also poisonous to cats.

If your cat accidentally ingests one of these plants, contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions on what to do.

It is best to research poisonous plants in advance and avoid displaying them, but if you really want to display them, make sure to display them in a room where cats cannot enter.

2. Accidents caused by Christmas trees
stuffed cat and christmas tree
Many people enjoy decorating their Christmas trees with various decorations.

Christmas trees and tree decorations seem to be a source of curiosity for cats, and cats may play with them and cause unexpected accidents.

Fall down a tree and get hurt
Falling while trying to climb a tree and getting injured
Accidentally swallowing or ingesting small decorations, parts, cotton, etc.
Get an electric shock by chewing on the cord of a light fixture
It's more dangerous than we think.

Leave the tree undecorated or place it in a room or place where your cat can't reach it.

In the worst case scenario, if the decorations are accidentally ingested or swallowed, it can cause intestinal obstruction and be life-threatening, so please avoid using decorations or lights that are large enough for cats to swallow or that they can chew on.

3. Unwell due to human food
cat interested in cake
Many families prepare luxurious foods such as cake and chicken for Christmas, but feeding cats human food can lead to poisoning or poor health.

Even if you are careful, your cat may end up eating spices and seasonings used in cooking, and drinks such as juice and alcohol when you are not looking, or may end up ingesting something spilled on the floor. there is.

In addition to causing symptoms such as acute alcohol poisoning, vomiting, and diarrhea, there is also the risk of injuring the mouth and digestive tract with chicken bones, so be careful.

I understand that you want to feed your cat delicious food, but to avoid harming your cat's health, please make sure not to feed your cat human food, and only feed your cat food and treats that they can eat.

4. Stress caused by visitors
cat biting hand
Depending on your cat's personality, they may become highly stressed by frequent visitors or by strangers staying with them for long periods of time.

Cats are highly territorial animals, so if they sense that an unfamiliar person is invading their territory, they become fearful and anxious.

As problem behavior caused by stress,

panic and become aggressive towards visitors
run around suddenly
loss of appetite
Excessive grooming
Symptoms may occur.

If you have visitors, it is safe to isolate your cat in a separate room or cage after making necessary preparations such as water, food, and a toilet.

If you don't have a cage or can't separate your cat's room, make sure your cat has a place to hide so he can stay calm.

summary
cat wearing a christmas hat
This time, we introduced four taboos you should know to safely spend Christmas with your cat.

Poisoning by plants such as poinsettia
Accidents caused by Christmas trees and decorations
Poor physical condition due to ingestion of human food
Stress caused by guests staying
Just being aware of the dangers can lead to countermeasures, so make sure to research the effects on cats in advance and make sure you spend your time safely so that Christmas, the once-a-year anniversary, doesn't become a sad day.