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Holiday Cat Care Tips

December 15, 2021
Season’s Greetings! At this time of year, it’s probably safe to say that most of our feline patients are enjoying their favorite kitty holiday traditions, such as batting at ornaments, napping under the tree, and refusing to sit still for photos. This can be a fun time of year for Fluffy, but it can also be both dangerous and stressful. Read on as a local Rockwall, TX vet offers some advice on keeping your cute pet happy, healthy, and purring through the holidays.

Gifts

Don’t forget to put a few things in Fluffy’s stocking! Toys and treats are of course the classic kitty gifts. You can’t go wrong with classic options, like catnip mice. However, there are also lots of modern options, such as remote-controlled mice, ‘swimming’ fish, and other gadgets. Comfy pet beds are another failsafe. Kitty furniture, such as window seats or cat towers, will also get that little motor going. 

Decorations

This time of year really brings out Fluffy’s inner kitten. Keep that in mind as you decorate. Anything small or sharp is a potential hazard. That includes things like ornaments, ornament hooks, manger figurines, and many nic nacs. Plants can also be dangerous. Many holiday favorites, including holly, ivy, poinsettia, lilies, and pine, are toxic to kitties. Keep in mind that many cats are attracted to anything with ropes or strings. Tinsel, garland, ribbons, and lights can all entangle your playful pet. Keep these out of paw’s reach!

Food

Kitties definitely deserve a special holiday snack! Just be sure to only offer Fluffy things that are safe. Plain, cooked, boneless meat, fish, or chicken is a good bet. While most cats are pretty good about not eating dangerous foods, some will eat pretty much anything. They may also eat something that’s unsafe if coaxed to. Ask your vet for more information. 

Stress

Cats are pretty much creatures of habit. If you pay attention, you’ll probably notice that Fluffy sticks to a pretty set schedule for her meals, workouts, naps, meditation sessions, and beauty rituals. Major changes, such as visitors, decorations, and schedule disruptions, can take a toll on your feline friend’s mental and emotional health. Pay some extra attention to your kitty, and make sure she has comfy spots to retreat to if she wants. Have a wonderful holiday season! Please feel free to contact us, your Rockwall, TX animal clinic, anytime.