The temperature is dropping, festivities abound and of course, there is an abundance of food to celebrate the end of a long year. While we humans are munching on Aunt Mary’s mash potatoes and turkey breast, we see our newly adopted shorthair kitten begging for a taste as well.
Your beautiful purebred cat that you just adopted is giving you her begging expression and you almost give in, but then you realize then you snap into your sense and realize that cats and kitties have different metabolic systems, so you stop yourself just in time!
So what foods are safe for cats, and what are the dos and don’t this holiday season. Let us jump right into it!
Holiday Foods That Are Not Safe for Purebred Cats:
Turkey – This is a great choice for your purebred cat friend, but just make sure it’s not heavily spiced and if you’re ever concerned give the pieces a little rinse before feeding.
Turkey grease - Cats and kittens love the taste of fat because their taste buds are primed for survival, however, cooked grease cause diarrhea and vomiting it is not recommended.
Garlic and onions - We love these spices; can you imagine life without it? You can’t but your cat friend can! It is not advised because it can cause digestive upset when eaten by cats, especially, purebred cats. Not that you would feed them onion but eating the root on a regular basis has been known to cause anemia in cats.
Raisins – Be careful of this ingredient that is ubiquitous in our favorite holiday desserts. Purebred Cats generally are not drawn to these sweet, dried fruits which is great because when consumed they can cause acute kidney failure.
Alcohol - Big no-no for your short hair or longhair kitty! Purebred Cats can suffer alcohol poisoning and liver failure. Keep those cups of glasses of mulled wine out of reach.
Poultry Bones - These small bones are usually digestible by purebred cats but only if they are raw. Cooked bones will splinter and may perforate your cat’s digestive system resulting in an emergency vet visit.
Chocolate - What is life sans cocoa? We, humans, love it, but it’s not recommended for your purebred cat and kitty. This sweet indulgence contains theobromine, a potent cardiovascular and nervous system stimulant that is eliminated slowly in cats.
TIP: Make sure to have this number handy just in case! Call animal poison control if you suspect your cat or kitten has eaten something toxic. The number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435
Of course, what is Christmas without decorations! Many of us love to decorate our homes with live plants during this time, but is it safe for our cats and kittens? Let’s break down the use of holiday plants in this next part!
Holiday Plants that are not safe for Purebred Cats:
Holly (Ilex) – When we hear the lyrics “deck the halls with bought of holly…falalala” we know the holidays are in full swing. It is important to keep your newly adopted cat and kitty safe, especially your purebred cat that might want to get its paws on it. Holly contains saponin which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Mistletoe – We are told to kiss under this mistletoe but keep your purebred cat and kitty away from this dangerous plant. If eaten the toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, and even cardiogenic shock.
Poinsettia – Common throughout American households are these beautiful flowering plants. Keep this away from your purebred cat and kitten, as it is especially easy for them to reach. Side effects include excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
Peace Lily – This is not so much reserved as a holiday plant, as many people like to keep this low-maintenance plant year-round. It is, however, one of the most fatal plants for your purebred cat and kitten and we recommend not even bringing it around your cat in passing. If components of this plant (or anything in the Spathiphyllum family is ingested) your cats and kittens can go into fatal kidney failure.
Fir Tree – Nothing can compare to the smell of this beautiful tree but be wary of the pines that your purebred cat and kitten might mistake for as toys. These sharp spikes if ingested, can perforate the gastrointestinal system warranting a visit to the local pet ER.
By this time, you should have a simple idea of the dos and don’ts this holiday. If your purebred cat or kitten has eaten possibly toxic food or is showing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or anything else out of the ordinary, contact your local vet. It’s a good idea to have the information for the closest 24-hour emergency clinic within arm’s reach. As always, if you have a question about a particular food, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-ANI-HELP or 888-426-4435.
From all of us at Queens Scottish Fold Cattery – we wish everyone cat and kitten a wonder holiday season! Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook - our DMs are always open. We look forward to helping you find the kitty of your dreams!
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