Cats
2. Ensure that the base of the tree is as sturdy as possible just in case your cat decides to have a mountaineering adventure when your back is turned!
3. Avoid glass baubles which can break; and tinsel which can get stuck in cats’ throats and tummies
4. If you have a real tree, cover up the base so your cat can’t get at it. The water may contain preservatives which are poisonous to cats
5. Vacuum around a real tree frequently as pine needles can hurt your cat’s feet
6. A number of festive plants are potentially fatal to cats, including mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, ivy and Christmas roses so choose carefully and keep them out the way. Find out which plants may be harmful here
Tasty grub
8. Some rich foods like chocolate are poisonous to cats so should be off the menu
- To Tree Or Not To Tree...
That is the question that I had been asking myself all month! I think it is terribly unfair to put up all these sparkly, dangling decorations then not let the cats play with them so I was really stalling when it came to our tree (I had...
- Christmas With Cats
I would never opt not to have cats in my life, but my gosh sometimes they are a challenge! I was just wondering how Christmas will play out this year with both Archie AND Jimmy experiencing it for the first time. We always have a real tree...
- Behaviour Focus: Introducing Cats
In this week’s behaviour focus post, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why two cats may not get along and how to gradually introduce them to one another. I’ve got a new cat. I introduced them to my other cat really slowly...
- ‘why Do My Cats Attack Each Other?’ And Other Behaviour Faqs
It’s that time again: our Behaviour Manager, Nicky Trevorrow took to Facebook to answer your cat behaviour queries. The questions below are just a few that she answered in our most recent Q&A: Question: I have three cats: one mother and two daughters....
- Fireworks Frighten Cats
Fireworks season can be a scary time for our pets, so we’ve put together this infographic which explains how to keep your cat safe and calm. Keep your cat in after dark and provide them with a litter tray if they’re used to outdoor access. Make sure...
Cats
Top tips for a cat-friendly Christmas
Christmas is on its way which for us means fun times aplenty. But for our pets, the arrival of trees, fancy food, toys and guests can have an impact.
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| Photo courtesy of Clay Shonkwile via flickr.com |
Here is a checklist to ensure your cat’s festive season is a safe and happy one:
Tree safety
1. If your cat is tempted to climb the Christmas tree, discourage them from doing so – and never encourage them to play with decorations
2. Ensure that the base of the tree is as sturdy as possible just in case your cat decides to have a mountaineering adventure when your back is turned!
3. Avoid glass baubles which can break; and tinsel which can get stuck in cats’ throats and tummies
4. If you have a real tree, cover up the base so your cat can’t get at it. The water may contain preservatives which are poisonous to cats
5. Vacuum around a real tree frequently as pine needles can hurt your cat’s feet
6. A number of festive plants are potentially fatal to cats, including mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, ivy and Christmas roses so choose carefully and keep them out the way. Find out which plants may be harmful here
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| Photo courtesy of Rosana Prada via flickr.com |
7. Restrict any turkey you give your cat to a small amount of cooked boneless meat for his Christmas dinner and take account of any treats like this in your cat's daily food ration
8. Some rich foods like chocolate are poisonous to cats so should be off the menu
Giving gifts
9. Ensure any toys you buy for your moggy are suitable for cats
10. After opening presents throw away the wrapping – string and ribbon could be dangerous if your cat eats them
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| Photo courtesy of Quinn Dombrowski via flickr.com |
Welcoming visitors
11. If there are friends and relatives visiting, this could be quite stressful for your cat, so provide a quiet place for them to hide with access to their food, water and a litter tray – party bangers, Christmas crackers and the general hub bub can all be disturbing to a cat
12. Try using Feliway, a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone that helps to support and comfort cats. Pheromones are important for cats to recognise safe and familiar parts of their home – they do this by rubbing their cheeks against objects and areas to leave the pheromone behind. They regularly top these up as they go around the home. Feliway provides this pheromone during times when they are not able to mark for themselves due to stress or changes in environment. We are currently offering 25 per cent off Feliway products in our online shop (see offer details at www.cpshop.co.uk)
- To Tree Or Not To Tree...
That is the question that I had been asking myself all month! I think it is terribly unfair to put up all these sparkly, dangling decorations then not let the cats play with them so I was really stalling when it came to our tree (I had...
- Christmas With Cats
I would never opt not to have cats in my life, but my gosh sometimes they are a challenge! I was just wondering how Christmas will play out this year with both Archie AND Jimmy experiencing it for the first time. We always have a real tree...
- Behaviour Focus: Introducing Cats
In this week’s behaviour focus post, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why two cats may not get along and how to gradually introduce them to one another. I’ve got a new cat. I introduced them to my other cat really slowly...
- ‘why Do My Cats Attack Each Other?’ And Other Behaviour Faqs
It’s that time again: our Behaviour Manager, Nicky Trevorrow took to Facebook to answer your cat behaviour queries. The questions below are just a few that she answered in our most recent Q&A: Question: I have three cats: one mother and two daughters....
- Fireworks Frighten Cats
Fireworks season can be a scary time for our pets, so we’ve put together this infographic which explains how to keep your cat safe and calm. Keep your cat in after dark and provide them with a litter tray if they’re used to outdoor access. Make sure...