Keep your cat safe this winter by avoiding these hazards
It’s a little-known fact that Christmas is a more dangerous time for our pets. Their usual home environment is filled with trees, unusual flowers and other decorations and cupboards are jam-packed with lots of tempting but potentially toxic food and drink.
Here at Vets Now, emergency call volumes increase over the festive season, and it’s often a result of cats swallowing or chewing some of these unfamiliar things. Our handy infographic below gives you the lowdown on what to keep out of your cat’s reach this Christmas – and some interesting statistics that show why.
Click on the image below to read. From here you can also download a printable PDF or embed the infographic on your blog or website.
Accessible text version of Winter Hazards for Cats infographic
Winter Hazards for Cats
Keep your cat safe this winter by avoiding these hazards.
Out and About
- Road traffic
During darker months, our emergency vets see a proportionate increase in road traffic accidents. Try to keep your cat indoors around the morning and evening rush hours.
- Antifreeze
Ethylene glycol, as it’s officially known, is highly dangerous. Even a tiny quantity can cause potentially fatal kidney damage.
- Ice, snow & grit
Ice and snow may get caught in the space between cats’ toes which can cause frostbite. Salt and other chemicals used to grit roads and pavements can also be an irritant to your cat’s paws, especially if they have any minor abrasions.
- Freezing temperatures
Short-haired breeds can feel the cold and you may find they sit as you let gas settle as they start to feel the cold more. Cats are just as sensitive to cold weather as people, and hypothermia is a risk if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures.
Food and Drink
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, that’s poisonous to cats.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is significantly more toxic to cats than humans and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and even death.
- Christmas pudding and mince pies
Apples, and sultanas contain substances and food that contain them are toxic to cats.
- Artificial sweeteners
One sweetener in particular, xylitol, is found in many foods, including some cakes. Ingestion can lead to potentially fatal liver failure and hypoglycemia.
- Macadamia nuts
Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia within 12 hours of ingestion.
- Onions
Can cause stomach irritation and lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia.
- Cooked bones
Once cooked, bones become brittle and splinter easily. They can pierce your cat’s digestive tract or cause serious injuries.
Festive Decorations
- Christmas trees
Pine needles can cause mild stomach upset, cuts to the mouth and, in severe cases, even perforation to the intestines.
- Fairy lights
Cats often try to eat cables, including fairy lights. There are several electric shocks if chewed.
- Glass baubles
These tend to smash into shards when eaten, causing internal injuries.
- Snow globes
Some versions can contain antifreeze, otherwise known as ethylene glycol, which, as little as one tablespoon, can be fatal to cats.
- Tinsel
Can cause blockages or, even worse, work its way into the intestines, which can be extremely serious.
- Candles
Popular around Christmas, candles can burn curious paws and noses and can fall over when brushed against.
Presents
- Toys
Some cats will steal low-hanging things that catch their eye, including children’s toys, even if it’s likely to put them at risk.
- Wrapping paper
While toxicity is low, eating a large amount of paper may cause an obstruction in the stomach.
- Batteries
Ingestion of batteries is more common at Christmas and can cause chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning.
- Silica gel
Commonly found in packaging and typically non-toxic, these can cause blockages in the gut.