Special thanks to our Moderator Amy Marie Filbert for her work on this blog!
Good Afternoon Weirdos! Today’s topic may have been covered before or you may have heard it before, but it does no harm in repeating. Our cats love to be nosy and join in the festivities no matter what we do. While we are in quarantine getting ready to celebrate Easter/Passover this weekend, remember the items that are definitely NOT cat friendly. My top four warnings about this holiday are: Easter Lilies, Easter Grass, Chocolate, and crafting items! Read on here on our blog to learn more about each item and the dangers they pose. If you suspect your cat has gotten into any of these toxic items I urge you to call the Animal Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435! Easter lilies is a big one. Since, according to Dr. Justine A. Lee DVM of www.pethealthnetwork.com warns, “all parts of this beautiful plant are toxic to your furry friends.” Even one innocent nibble on a petal can send you to the emergency vet with a cat who is drooling, pawing at its mouth, foaming at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty breathing. This is not just the Easter Lily, but every part of the lily family tree. Some examples are Tiger lilies and Day lilies so you really can’t swap one for the other and stay safe. As always, when enjoying the time with little ones remember that Easter grass (the plastic type) that come in pre-made baskets or can be bought at the discount store is shiny and crinkly. It will inevitably draw your cat in if he/she is the curious type. Lucky for us now a days, we have paper Easter grass as a safer alternative. Paper Easter grass is recyclable, and best of all won’t slice or stricture your cats' intestines. Most importantly, if you see plastic Easter grass coming out of an animal, NEVER EVER PULL OR TRY TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF. Doing so would cause more harm; never take the chance and wrap up your cat and take it to the vet immediately. Next, chocolate we all know in large doses is bad for cats. If a child has left it out on the floor, or unwrapped it and wandered away, be extra careful. Remind them to clean it up and put it where Mr. Buttons or Shelly Cat cannot get to it. We have a ceramic candy dish in the kitchen that is off limits and has a lid. Last but not least is a reminder about crafts. Decorating eggs is always my family’s favorite. Vinegar and water may keep the cat away but we have a chonky fellow that will always try to dip his paws in any open cup he sees us with. Now what am I really getting at? The dye for the eggs, mostly it’s food coloring and human grade. But, if you opt for the fancy glittered ones, paint pots, and/or galaxy swirl eggs that might be a problem. Be aware of what ingredients are listed on the box. Keep your cat off the table or put them in another room until the dyes are dumped and eggs are fully dry. The ASPCA lists the animal poison control hotline as (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your feline has gotten into some chemicals. Note, on their website they say a consultation fee may apply. I remember when my curious cat decided to eat my daughter’s ADHD medicine. Since it’s handled like a poisoning by the emergency vet they would not intervene until I called animal poison control first. Keep this number handy and call it on the way to the emergency vet to ensure timely service for your cat. (Ours was such a low dose our cat was back to himself within 2 hours and my daughter now takes her meds in the bathroom and doesn’t leave them on her breakfast plate). You never know what a cat might think is tasty even if you think they wouldn’t go for it. Have a safe and Happy Holiday from the Cleveland Weirdos, everyone!
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