Thanksgiving With Kitties

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. We’re already anticipating relaxing with friends and family over some delicious home-cooked food. However, it’s also important to reflect on the things we are grateful for. Cats would definitely make that list! This can be a dangerous time of year for kitties, though, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep your furball purring and safe. Here, a Washington DC vet discusses spending Thanksgiving with Fluffy.

Just like people, cats all have their own unique purrsonalities. Some kitties are bold and friendly, and will spend the day hopping from lap to lap. However, not all cats are that outgoing. Shyer felines may bolt for their favorite hiding place as soon as the doorbell rings. If you have a scaredy-cat, consider putting Fluffy in a quiet back room with food, toys, treats, bedding, and, of course, a litterbox. Your timid pet probably won’t mind sleeping through the festivities.

Fluffy definitely deserves a special Thanksgiving treat! Your feline pal can have some cooked, boneless meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat. Kitties can also enjoy some canned tuna or chicken in water; sodium-free broth; cat milk; or shredded deli meat. Never give your cat milk; meat on the bone; raw dough, meat, or yeast; grapes, currants, or raisins; or anything that contains chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, garlic, onions, or xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

Before your guests arrive, give Fluffy a good brushing. We also recommend thoroughly dusting and vacuuming your home, and changing your air filters. If your visitors have allergies, set out tissue boxes, and pick up some OTC allergy meds. Don’t forget to change the litterbox!

As you may have noticed, kitties have a bit of a knack for getting themselves into mischief. Decorative items, such as candles, potpourri burners, wreaths, garlands, and anything small or sharp, are all dangerous to cats. Fluffy also has a way of getting underfoot. You don’t want your furball getting stepped on, or having her tail caught in the door. Keep a close eye on your cat!

When everyone is gone, spend some time with your kitty, and let her snooze on your lap if she wants. After all, a sleeping cat is the purrfect touch that makes a house into a home!

Happy Thanksgiving! Contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, anytime!