Holidays and the Family Pet
Getting close to Christmas isn’t it? Are the kids wound up yet? Are your decorations still hanging or have the four legged members of the family done some undecking? Christmas is a time of great excitement for everyone, and can be enjoyed all the more with a few common sense tips, and a little imagination.
Got a poinsettia? Lovely, aren’t they? But they are not poisonous. Their sap is highly irritative but is not likely to kill a pet. If you catch someone chowing down on your plant, or find it in tatters after a shopping trip, don’t panic. Check with your vet, but chances are they will be just fine.
Tinsel is another problem. And a much more serious one. The fine, sharp edged strands are too much for most cats to resist. Static also makes them a rather non-stable trim for the tree. Every time you pass by, it seems some clings to your clothes or hair, then may drop off where the cat can get it. Consider alternatives, such as winding garland around the branches instead. The tinsel when consumed, can wrap itself around a section of bowel. If you find a pet with tinsel decorating either “end”, do not pull on it. Not only can it cut, it can cause much more damage if it has become entangled in their digestive system. In most cases, some oil and an extra large meal will help things along. If you know that some has definitely gone down the hatch, watch for its departure. Any time your pet exhibits unusual behaviour such as lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or other signs of illness, call the vet immediately.
As for the tree itself, short of an electrified security fence, you’re going to have to be vigilant with great grandmother’s blown glass antique ornaments. Dogs are not generally a problem, unless like us you have large dogs, with large, long tails. In that case, give the tree the “cat” treatment: put nothing but unbreakables on the lower branches. It saves the more priceless family treasures. Tie the tree up as well. This works particularly good in corners.
Not many cats actually do go into full attack on Christmas trees. You’ll get the adventuresome soul who will climb at least partway up, but the major damage is generally done to ornaments that look oh so inviting, swinging and twinkling in the coloured lights. If you are really going to be a spoilsport (or maybe save your sanity), you can purchase something called by various names, but popularly known as “scat mats”. These are the size
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