Fall and Winter Holiday Plant Toxicity in Cats

Flowers and plants add beauty to any holiday, and they make great holiday gifts. But if your family includes pets, you may want to learn which plants are safe and which ones you need to avoid.

Remember that ingesting bulb plants often cause the most severe illnesses. Here are a list of some popular winter holiday plants and their potential toxicities.

• Holly (Ilex sp.). This plant, commonly found around Christmas time, can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea. Mental depression can also occur. 

• Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, tremors, drooling and abdominal pain.

• Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.). This plant, another Christmas plant, can also cause significant vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, this plant has been associated with difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, collapse and, if a lot is ingested, death has occurred. Some animals may even show erratic behavior and possible hallucinations.

• Poinsettia (Euphorbia). This plant can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting. It has a low level of toxicity and is overrated as a toxic plant. Many people consider it basically non-toxic.

• Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus). In dogs, if large quantities of this plant are ingested, vomiting, possibly with blood, diarrhea, possibly with blood and mental depression have been reported. With small ingestions, typically there are no signs of toxicity. These plants are considered low toxicity plants.
       

Some less common toxic winter holiday plants include:

• American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Ingestion results in weakness, vomiting and seizures.

• European bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara). Ingestion results in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, weakness, confusion and low heart rate.

• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling and lack of appetite.

• Christmas rose (Helleborus niger). Ingestion results in abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and delirium.

• Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicuni). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, seizures, mental depression, respiratory depression, shock and death.

• Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion of the bulbs results in mouth irritation, blooding vomiting, diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage and bone marrow suppression.

• Thanksgiving cactus (Zygocactus truncactus). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Cats also can develop staggering.

• Christmas palm (Veitchia merrillii). This plant is considered nontoxic.

• Christmas orchid (Cattleya trianaei). This plant is considered nontoxic.

• Christmas dagger fern (Polystichym spp). This plant is considered nontoxic.

• Mistletoes cactus (Thipsalis cassutha). This plant is considered nontoxic. 

• Burning bush (Euronymous alatus). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite.

Source: www.petplace.com

Fundraiser - Wrapping for Whiskers

If you live in the Fargo Moorhead area, and would like a little help wrapping your books from Barnes & Noble gifts... Stop on down to Barnes and Noble Thursday the 19th and get your gifts wrapped by CCS volunteers. Free will donations will benefit the shelter. 

 

Look at how cute little "Barnes & Noble" look in their new Christmas hats. By the way, they are both available for adoption and we are taking applications. They will be ready to go into their new home soon.

 

Holiday Stress…Does it Affect Your Cat Too?

Ah, the sights, the sounds and the smells of the holidays! The real question is...do cats experience holiday stress like we do? For some pets, the holidays are a cornucopia of joy. Dogs often like the hustle and bustle; new people, new things and, best of all, good food stream into the house. But the family cat generally views this as bedlam. She also sees it like a never-ending car ride. Her routine shattered and her peace of mind disturbed, she has precious few, if any, places to which she can escape.

Cat Holiday Stresses

The holidays put a lot of stress on everyone involved, some of it good and some of it bad. Cats have to withstand any number of unusual circumstances that are novel each year because they don't have the chance to get used to them. Do cats experience stress? We believe they do.

These are just a few of the situations cats have to deal with:

·  A constant stream of company. Friendly cats may go enjoy meeting new people that adore them. However, shy or fearful cats will see their once safe haven overrun with strangers.

·  Lousy eating habits. One of the side benefits to all that company is the chance to sneak some snacks often...on the counter or table. This usually isn't healthy. Or in the hectic days that lie ahead, your pet's feeding schedule may get disorganized. Either way, her nutritional balance may get thrown off track. Certain foods can also cause your kitty to have gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhea.

·  Less playtime. If you routine play with your cat and now you don't, this throws off their schedule and feeling of wellbeing. Depriving him of exercise is stressful. (Think about how you feel about it.)

·  Foreign objects. Your cat isn't going to understand just what the heck this tall green thing, sitting in the middle of the living room, is meant to do. Is it a toy? Food? Furniture to climb? Lacking your aesthetic tastes, your cat doesn't appreciate seasonal décor. Then there are the objects under it, as well as the other things around the house that mark the holiday season. (And let's not mention the consternation caused by the singing, swaying Santa Claus or Hanukkah Harry dolls.) Worse even, cats are often discouraged from exploring.

·  Frequent scolding. Many cats like being where the action is – which is you struggling to carry bags of gifts or groceries into the house. Cats don't understand your frequent scolding or cursing, not necessarily at them but at the fact that you had to drop the bag containing three dozen eggs. Your emotions can add to the stress level.

·  Frequent trips. Your cat prefers to sit on the the window sill. In fact, she demands it by yowling whenever you take her out to the car. The holidays often mean traveling for pets, which is a HUGE amount of stress for the whole family.

·  Kenneling. The other side of traveling during the holidays is putting our cat in a kennel. For cats, being moved from home to a strange place is like a catastrophe, no matter how nice the accommodations.
            

Easing the Holiday Stress on Your Cat

So what can you do to ease the burden? Three words: routine, routine, routine. Keeping as close as you can to your cat's normal schedule is the best antidote to holiday stress. Stay consistent with feeding times and amounts, and be on guard against illegal snacks. Maintain his waking, eating and playtime schedules.

Getting your cat used to crowds in the home also helps. Bring your friends or family over to get your cat used to it, and reward him if he behaves correctly. Learn more points of etiquette and safety by seeing the story on guests and pets.

It is important to reserve a room for your pet to retreat to, equipped with his favorite toys, a bowl full of fresh water, some food perhaps, and clothing or blankets with your scent on it. This gives your kitty a safe comfortable place to which he can retreat from the madness. Also, be extra careful around the door if you have an indoor cat only. Make sure he doesn't sneak out during all the companies comings and goings.

As for Christmas trees and holiday decorations, there are a lot of hazards your cat faces – it's important to know what to look for and how to secure your home.

Traveling during the holidays is stressful whether you bring a pet or not. Dogs usually travel better because they are by nature in love with car rides. Cats normally despise it, and who can blame them? Pre-planning is an absolute must, whether by car or by airline.

If you decide to put your pet in a kennel, don't try to find one at the last minute. Research the facilities in your area and ask around. A kennel should see to your pet's emotional needs as well as to his physical requirements. Be prepared to ask many questions when you visit a kennel in person.


Source: www.catplace.com

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Click on the link above for a holiday video. 
Happy Holidays to all of the Cat's Cradle Shelter supporters.

Holiday Traditions to Share with Your Cat

Do you have favorite holiday traditions you celebrate with your cats? Many of us do. Cats are an important part of our families and many of us include our cats in our holiday plans. In some cases, their cats are an integral part of the holiday.


1.Hang Cat Stockings.
Why not? If you have a stocking – your cats should too. Many of the cat lovers I know have stocking for each of their cats that are proudly displayed in their homes. Most pet stores sell some adorable designs.

2.Go See Santa.
How about a photo of your cats or you and your cats with Santa? This also makes a great holiday card. This works with cats that do well with going out.

3.Blessing of the Animals.
Find out if there is a local event in your area. Check your local paper or pet store bulletin board.

4.Make Some Cat Treats.

Make some cat treats and allow your cat to be the helper and master sampler. Make extra for your cats friend or your friend's cats.

5.Quiet Time.

Spend a little quiet time with your cat. Even an evening when you decorate the tree or just listen to some holiday music is often a welcome time for you and your cat.

6.Plan Something Special From Your Cat.

A very sweet tradition for many pet owners is to do something nice for people that are nice to your cat. You might send a special card or buy a small gift from the cats.

7. A Little Eggnog.

Maybe you can enjoy some wonderful holiday eggnog and you can treat your cat to some cat-approved creamer. There are different manufactures of products such as "CatSip".

And don't forget to put a little something from Santa for your cat under the tree or in his stocking.

Source: www.petplace.com

Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holiday Season

For many pet parents, the holidays are just as much for the pest in the household as they are for the humans.  But because pets can be mischievous from time to time, here are a few tips to keep them safe during this holiday season:

 

 

 
·         Christmas Trees: Make sure your Christmas tree is anchored securely so that it dies not tip over, and avoid decorations that might entice your pets to play with the tree.  This is especially true for cats, who like to play with the ornaments and in particular, tinsel, which can easily cause a choking hazard for them. Dogs should also be supervised carefully around the tree, as some find the ornaments a fun, new “toy”, and may decide to chew on them, which could cause a stomach obstruction.  And if you have a live tree, please remember that the water can be harmful to pets, as it often contains fertilizer or is full of bacteria.

 ·         Holiday Foods: Many of the yummy treats we snack on during the holidays are not good for our furry companions.  Most people know that chocolate can be toxic to pets, but there are also several other potentially toxic foods for pets, and even a piece of turkey or ham can cause a condition known as pancreatitis in pets due to the amount of fat in them.  Keep in mind this also means making sure the garbage can lids are on tight and securing any leftovers in the fridge right away to keep sneaky pets from stealing food from the table or counter.

 

·         Holiday Plants: Many plants like Holly can cause severe gastrointestinal issues with pets, and other plants, like many varieties of lily plants, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.  Make sure you check the toxicity of any plants, regardless of the time of year, before bringing them into a home with pets.

·         Electrical Cords: It may seem fare to tantalizing to pets with all the cords that accompany many Christmas décor.  Make sure that electric cords are secured and kept out of reach of your pets.  It’s very easy for a pet to start chewing on an unsecured cord and electrocute themselves, which could be potentially fatal.

·         Guests: If you have a lot of guests coming to your house during the holidays, make sure your pets have a room they can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed or where they can be safely housed so that they do not try to escape the house when there are a lot of people around.  Also remind guests to keep medications or anything else that a pet may want to chew on, safely out to reach or behind closed doors.

We hope both you and your pets have a safe and wonderful time during the upcoming holidays!

Source: Humane Society Fargo-Moorhead 12-12-12

 

Happy Holidays from the cats and volunteers at CATS Cradle Shelter!