Category: Cats

Cat information

Brushing teeth… not in my house.

I get dental for kids but brushing is not one of them. I adopted Rudy and started playing with his ears, holding and rubbing his paws and putting my finger in his mouth. The first two are 50/50 the last is a hard NO! He doesn’t like dental sticks or hard treats he won’t even eat kibble. His teeth are good according to the dentist but obviously he doesn’t like hard things. Trixie eats all hard treats kibble etc. the dentist says the damage is from her playing ball. It’s frustrating

The article gives examples of what to do in place of brushing. I hope you find it helpful.

Have a great day/week. Until next time Tricia, Rudy and Trixie

How Often Should You Brush Dog Teeth and Cat Teeth?

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

By JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM. Reviewed by Veronica Higgs, DVM on Jan. 5, 2024

close-up of someone brushing a brown tabby's teeth

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Brushing Dog and Cat Teeth Is ImportantView 3 More +

Many of us can remember our parents telling us that we should brush our teeth twice a day and go to the dentist. We probably didn’t know it as little kids, but taking care of our oral health was an important part of taking care of our overall health.

Just like people, dogs and cats need healthy gums and teeth. Proper oral care for our pets includes brushing their teeth at home and taking them in for professional dental cleanings.

Why Brushing Dog and Cat Teeth Is Important

Poor dental care can cause many health problems. In dogs, studies show 80–90% of dogs 3 years of age and older have dental disease. Meanwhile, in cats, 50–90% of cats 4 years of age and older may suffer from dental disease.

Dental disease can lead to painful and swollen gums and tooth loss. Left untreated, severe periodontal disease can result in other health problems including kidney, liver, and heart damage because the bacteria found in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs.

How Often Should You Brush Dog Teeth and Cat Teeth?

To prevent serious dental disease, it’s recommended to brush your pet’s teeth at home at least two to three times per week.Along with consistent at-home care, you’ll need to take your pet for a professional dental cleaning once a year.

Tips for Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your pet probably isn’t going to willingly let you brush his teeth the first time you stick a toothbrush in his mouth. Follow these tips to make the process easier.

Use the Right Tools

Human toothpaste can upset a pet’s stomach—and it can even be toxic. Pet toothpaste works great for cats and dogs. Toothbrushes for pets are smaller than a human toothbrush and have softer bristles. The product you use should be approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Mentioned in this Article

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Petsmile Professional Dog & Cat ToothbrushRated 4.5882 out of 5 stars17Reviews$14.00Chewy PriceVirbac C.E.T. Dog & Cat Toothbrush, Color VariesRated 0 out of 5 stars0Reviews$7.49Chewy PriceVetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Dog & Cat ToothbrushRated 4.4091 out of 5 stars330Reviews$7.49Chewy Price

Because cat teeth are so small, square gauze or cotton swabs could work to brush cat teeth if you don’t have a cat toothbrush.

Begin When Your Pet Is Young

Begin acclimating your pet to tooth-brushing when they’re young. Brushing a puppy’s teeth or a kitten’s teeth helps them become used to the routine easier than starting with an adult dog or cat.

Keep Cleaning Sessions Short

Once your pet has gotten acclimated, you can move forward with actually brushing his teeth. The process for brushing cat teeth and dog teeth is largely the same.

Your pet probably won’t tolerate you cleaning his entire mouth at once. Stop every 5-10 seconds and give your pet some positive reinforcement, like petting or cheerful talking.

In total, it should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute to brush your pet’s teeth. Remember to keep the teeth-brushing session light and fun.

Teeth-Brushing Alternatives

Some pets, no matter what you do, will not let you brush their teeth. Fortunately, there are other dental care products that help keep a pet’s mouth healthy.

For example, you could try a food and water additive like the Bluestem Oral Care flavored additive. You could also try dental chews for dogs and cats. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure which teeth-brushing alternative to try.

Above all, do your best to make brushing your pet’s teeth an enjoyable experience, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you’re having trouble with it. Remember that the better care you take of your pet’s teeth at home, the healthier your pet will be.

Featured Image: Adobe/New Africa

References

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

WRITTEN BYJoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer. She is the owner of JPen Communications, a medical communications…

And for our cat folks…

I hope this helpfully and/or interesting. I like cars and dogs but I haveIf had one since I was 19. I don’t even remember cheese being a option. Anyway, let me know if this was something you want to read. Leave a comment. ~Tricia, Rudy and Trixie.

We often think of cats and milk together—and cheese is only a small step away from milk from a nutritional perspective. And you might have noticed that your kitty is interested whenever you have cheese out; but can cats have cheese?

Yes, cats can eat cheese—with some guidelines in place. For example: Many cats experience lactose intolerance, limiting the cheeses available as options. Here’s what to know about safely sharing cheese with your kitty.

Is Cheese Bad for Cats?

Cheese, in moderation, can be a very nutritious treat to share with your kitty. It’s not toxic to cats, and it’s considered high in protein as well as calcium.

However, many—perhaps most —cats either have lactose intolerance or an allergy to dairy products. This means that quite a few adult cats will experience gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas after eating only a small amount of milk or cheese. Unfortunately, this means that these cats shouldn’t be fed any dairy products at all. 

The other concern with cheese is that it’s very high in calories. In fact, a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is somewhat like a human scarfing two and a half cheeseburgers! So, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week.

What Cheeses Can Cats Eat? 

If you would like to share a small amount of cheese with your cat and know that she isn’t allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, there are some cheeses that are better for cats than others. Look for firm cheeses that are plain with no additives. Some to consider include:

  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Parmesan
  • Provolone
  • Gouda
  • Goat cheese (though, because this is higher in fat and lower in vitamin D than some other cheeses)

Cheeses to avoid include the softer cheeses, which often are much higher in lactose. Stay away from:

  • Cottage cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Brie
  • Blue cheese
  • Camembert
  • American cheese (this is a processed food that’s very high in carbohydrates)

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is one of the cheeses on the no-no list. As a softer cheese, cream cheese has more lactose than many other varieties and is likely to trigger an episode of vomiting and diarrhea.

Cottage Cheese

Much like cream cheese, cottage cheese is relatively high in lactose and may cause gastrointestinal distress in kitties. As tempting as it might be to share the carton once it is empty, cottage cheese is best avoided by cats.

String Cheese

Most string cheeses are made of mozzarella (a soft cheese), sometimes mixed with firmer provolone. Whether raw (like in string cheese) or cooked (like on pizza), mozzarella is high in lactose and likely to upset the sensitive kitty tummy. Provolone is better tolerated by many cats.  If your kitty musthave a bite, keep the portion small. But overall, it’s best to just say no to sharing your string cheese.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is not safe to share with cats. Not only does it contain soft cheese (often cream cheese or ricotta), but it also has additional ingredients that may make your kitty sick—or are even toxic to cats.

Cheez-Its

Cheez-Its and other cheese crackers are also on the no-go list. These baked treats have tons of additional ingredients that may not be healthy for cats. Also, being high in calories, fats, and carbs, this treat is really nothing but “empty calories” for your cat and is best avoided.

My Cat Ate Cheese. What Should I Do?

If your cat manages to steal some cheese, you might be wondering what to do. If your cat is otherwise healthy and only a reasonably small amount of cheese was eaten, it’s likely safe to simply monitor the situation at home. Most healthy cats who eat a small amount of cheese of any variety will be fine, aside from perhaps a bit of gastrointestinal upset.

But if you notice your kitty isn’t feeling well, her appetite is reduced, or she’s vomiting and/or has diarrhea, call your veterinarian.

For cats with any underlying health conditions, it’s better to be proactive and call your veterinarian before any symptoms develop. This is especially true for cats with:

How to Safely Feed Your Cat Cheese 

If you would like to share a cheese snack with your kitty (and know she doesn’t have a dairy allergy and isn’t lactose intolerant), look for hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss. Cut a small cube (no more than the size of a dice!) and break it down into smaller pieces so your cat doesn’t gulp it all in one bite.

The amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week.

Remember that moderation is the key. Don’t give out a second serving, and only offer cheese once or twice a week as a special treat. Always keep an eye on your kitty for a few days to make sure that no vomiting or diarrhea develops.

Featured Image: Adobe/Yulia

Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

WRITTEN BYSandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Veterinarian

Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…

Best Dog Food Container

Our friends at Dog Food Advisor has sent a short note with links to buy food containers at Chewy and PetCo (He is honest that they get a little something for purchasing through the links so if you purchase let’s support them). P

ersonally, I have the spin top containers for dry but I’m going to look into wet food containers because I use the containers we use and let’s face it, their food is human grade but it is still their food. I want something that stands out. I’ll leave it here so I can go shopping!!

Have a great read and a great week. Until next time. ~Tricia

Image

Hey,

Happy Wednesday!

I went for a hike on the weekend. It was most enjoyable, full of Spring colors, sunshine and scents. That is, it was enjoyable until I opened my backpack to find the wrapper of my now-melted chocolate bar had been opened and its contents had made good their escape, leaving the adjacent white t-shirt looking like a soiled diaper. 

It was my fault for failing to put the bar in a suitable container. But my foolishness was not without its benefits.  

It made me think about how we should store dog food (pretty much everything that enters my head somehow comes back to dogs and dog food these days). It turns out it’s not quite as simple as you might think. 

Storing food properly is a really important part of looking after your dog, after all. It keeps it good to eat and, from a dollar-in-your-pocket point of view, does so for longer.

 Deal of the day: Nom Nom 

50% off first orders if you click through from this link.

This is why we, as very helpful people, have written a new article on the Best Dog Food Containers. 

It looks at the best storage solutions for dry dog food and wet dog food, which includes raw food and fresh food. But here are some ‘top line’ things to note.

  • Plastic containers should be ‘food-grade’.
  • Airtight lids are king.
  • Keep the original packaging for info/expiry dates.
  • You can double-layer with the original packaging and a container.
  • Wet food should be stored in the fridge.
  • Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place.
  • I have to repeat the airtight lid tip — it’s a must.

That’s a very brief summary, so I do recommend reading the full article here. We also have some links here to buy dog food storage solutions on Petco and Chewy.

You can buy dog food storage from Petco here.

You can buy dog food storage from Chewy here.

Full disclosure: we may receive a small referral fee if you use these links to purchase dog food containers, which goes towards funding and growing the Dog Food Advisor and keeping our work free to the public.

Anyway, I’m off to buy some stain-remover and pray to the laundry gods for my t-shirt.

Until next time,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

It’s about cats!!! Plants and Cats

Reviewed on March 19, 2020, by Dr. Jennifer Grota, DVM

Did you know that certain plants and flowers can actually be dangerous for your cat? 

“While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are much more dangerous,” says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

It’s also important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly for cats. “Members of the Lilium (true lilies) or Hemerocallis (day lilies) can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs,” says Wismer.

If you’re considering an eco-conscious revamp of your home décor, check this list to find out which flowers and houseplants are safe for cats.

Flowers That Are Safe for Cats 

Avoid bringing dangerous flowers into your home with this list of safe flowers for cats:

  • Alstroemeria
  • Asters
  • Freesia
  • Gerber Daisies
  • Liatris
  • Lisianthus
  • Orchid
  • Roses
  • Snapdragon
  • Statice
  • Sunflowers
  • Wax Flower (Madagascar Jasmine)

Air-Purifying Plants That Are Safe for Cats

Houseplants cleanse the air we breathe from toxins found in many household products—formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, just to name a few. 

Here are some air-purifying plants that are also safe for cats:

  • Areca Palm
  • Bamboo
  • Basil
  • Boston Fern
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Dwarf Date Palm
  • Friendship Plant
  • Hens and Chicks
  • Lady Palm
  • Lemon Balm
  • Old Man Cactus
  • Painted Lady
  • Reed Palm
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Shrimp Cactus
  • Spider Plant (Spider Ivy)
  • Venus Flytrap
  • Zebra Haworthia

Even Safe Plants Can Pose Dangers to Cats

Wismer suggests that you keep these plants and flowers out of reach of curious cats even though they are considered safe, because there are other dangers to watch out for. 

Most cut flowers come with a powdered flower food to keep them fresh, and this can be toxic to cats. Even the vases could pose a problem. “Cats especially like to drink from vases, so make sure the cat cannot overturn heavy vases and hurt themselves,” Wismer adds. “Breakable vases can also be a hazard for your pets…and you, when you have to pick up the pieces.”

Karen Lawrence, director of The CFA Foundation and manager of the Feline Historical Museum, suggests using hanging planters as a way to keep plants out of the reach of your pets.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Plant That Might Be Poisonous

If your cat nibbled on a flower or plant, and you are unsure whether it may be toxic, call your emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

You should call even if you just suspect that your cat might have eaten part of a plant or flower. 

By: Cheryl Lock

Head Pressing in cats

How to Treat Head Pressing in Cats

An article from our friends at PetMD

Profile picture for user Dr. Katy Nelson
Katy Nelson, DVM
Updated: January 22, 2021
Published: June 02, 2015

By Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM

If you’ve noticed your cat exhibiting a behavior called head pressing, it’s important to visit your veterinarian immediately to determine the underlying cause of the problem.

Head pressing is the compulsive act of pressing the head against a wall or other surface relentlessly, for no apparent reason. It is different than head butting, a perfectly normal behavior where a cat rubs or bumps its head against a human or inanimate object as a sign of affection. Head pressing is generally a sign of damage to the nervous system, which may result from a number of underlying problems.

Medication, Surgery or Diet: The method of treatment for this behavior is dependent on the veterinarian’s diagnosis of the underlying cause of the behavior. Treatment should not be performed until a diagnosis has been reached.
What to Expect at the Vet’s Office

In order to determine the underlying cause of the head pressing behavior, your veterinarian will likely perform a fundic examination of the retina (the layer of the eye that receives and processes images) and other structures in the back of the eye. This may reveal irregularities in the brain, or infectious or inflammatory diseases.

Other helpful tests include blood pressure (the amount of pressure applied by the blood on the arteries) measurements to determine if your cat has high blood pressure, and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain.

Your veterinarian will also perform bloodwork and a urinalysis, which could reveal a problem with the metabolic system, or help determine if there are any toxins in the system.

You should be prepared to provide a comprehensive history of your cat’s health, including when the symptoms began and what incidents may have preceded the condition. Be sure to inform your vet of any other symptoms that accompany the head pressing. Common symptoms include abnormal vocalization, compulsive pacing and circling, changes in learned (trained) behavior, seizures, damaged reflexes, disorientation, and visual impairment. These symptoms may lead to physical problems such as sores on the feet from compulsive pacing, or injuries to the face or head from pressing the head against a surface for an extended period of time.

Once your veterinarian has performed the appropriate tests and analyzed your cat’s symptoms, he or she will make a diagnosis. Some of the common problems that could be causing the head pressing are:

prosencephalon disease (characterized by damage to the forebrain and thalamus (the part of the diencephalons that is responsible for the transmission of sensory impulses)
toxic poisoning
metabolic or glandular conditions
a primary or secondary tumor (one located in the brain or elsewhere in the body)
an infection of the nervous system (such as rabies or a fungal infection)
acute head trauma (such as from a car accident)
What to Expect At Home

The next steps for treatment and care are dependent upon your veterinarian’s ultimate diagnosis of the underlying cause of the head pressing. Each disease or ailment will require a different method of treatment. In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend follow-up neurological examinations to monitor the progress of the condition.

Questions to Ask Your Vet

With neurological conditions, symptoms that seem unrelated may be linked to one another. Be sure to ask your vet about any and all unusual behaviors or symptoms your cat exhibits, as they might play a critical role in making the diagnosis.

Possible Complications to Watch For

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s condition or symptoms.

Image: Katerina Maksymenko / Shutterstock

Kitty food recall

Found on PetMD

Copy and paste below link

https://m.petmd.com/news/alerts-recalls/voluntary-recall-specific-lots-special-kitty-wet-canned-cat-food-has-been-issued

A Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of Special Kitty Wet, Canned Cat Food Has Been Issued Due to Health Concerns

Arthritis prevention

By Paula Fitzsimmons, PetMD

I really like the articles from PetMD. The articles are helpful to what we face with our fur babies.

Arthritis in dogs may be common, but that doesn’t mean your pup has to be resigned to a life of pain and discomfort. While genetics plays a role in dog arthritis, so does good preventative care.

“There are various habits pet owners can develop earlier rather than later to help delay onset of—even if it is not possible to entirely prevent—arthritis in dogs,” says Dr. Jo Ann Morrison, a board-certified veterinary internist with Banfield Pet Hospital in the Portland, Oregon area.

From proper diet and exercise to fish oil and glucosamine for dogs, learn how to prevent arthritis in your pup.

Keep in mind, however, that any conversation involving diagnosis, treatment and how to prevent arthritis in your dog should, of course, begin with your veterinarian.

1. Start a Nutritionally Sound Diet Early

A puppy’s joints and skeletal system benefit from a slower rate of growth through nutritionally complete diets, says Dr. Morrison. “Some developmental orthopedic diseases may be exacerbated by growth that happens too rapidly, so a slow, steady growth rate is recommended.”

According to Dr. Elizabeth Knabe, a veterinarian with Wildwood Animal Hospital and Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, “Owners that feed too much or feed too rich a diet can make the puppy gain weight faster than the bones can handle,” which can lead to orthopedic problems that can result in arthritis.

By feeding your puppy a dog food specifically designed for him, you can help keep your puppy’s development on the right track. For example, Hill’s Science Diet puppy healthy development dry dog food is a complete and balanced diet that is formulated for supporting proper puppy growth.

Holiday safety from pet md.

Winter holidays are especially exciting, with all the sparkly lights, delicate ornaments and brightly colored garlands—and don’t get us started on the candies and treats! All of these things are great fun for us, but they’re also intriguing to our pets.

Putting up a Christmas tree is one of the best parts, and pets agree. So, before you set up the tree and start lining up the decorations, take a few minutes to consider these Christmas tree safety tips. 

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS

It can be very difficult to keep a young, still-in-training pet away from the Christmas tree, particularly if this is his first Christmas. Even for an older pet, who may have learned not to jump on the tree, you will still need to be cautious.

Here are a few pet safety hazards along with some precautions you can take.

BRANCHES AND NEEDLES

A live tree can be especially hazardous. Dogs and cats like to chew on the limbs, and the fir tree oils can be irritating to the mouth tissue, causing such symptoms as drooling and vomiting. Also, if your pet is chewing on the branches, there is a good chance he is also swallowing some of the needles.

When ingested, pine needles can get caught in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction. Both can have deadly consequences. You should be careful with artificial trees as well, because they can cause the same kind of obstruction, and pets are likely to chew those crunchy needles, too.

The best solution is limiting your pets’ access to the area where you are setting up your Christmas tree. In some cases, this can be achieved with a dog pen that surrounds the tree.

FLOCKING

A popular tree decoration called flocking, or imitation snow, can also cause serious problems when significant amounts of it are swallowed. If you are going to have a tree in your home, it is best to at least get a non-flocked tree.

CHRISTMAS TREE PRESERVATIVES

In addition, some trees are treated with chemical preservatives to keep them fresh longer. These chemicals leach into the water in the tree base, making the water poisonous to drink. And pets will definitely drink the water if the base is left uncovered. You can cover it with a festive tree skirt, or you can use a towel, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS

Christmas lights should be positioned away from the very bottom of the tree, unless you are sure that your pet has been successfully trained not to chew on the cords. Electric cord injuries are very damaging to the mouth tissue and can lead to long-term problems with eating, amongst other issues, including difficulty breathing and death. Check the electric light cords frequently for signs of chewing (also a fire hazard).

ORNAMENTS

Hang your delicate and most treasured ornaments on the uppermost branches of the tree, and secure them to the branches tightly. In general, it is easier on the whole household if you select tree ornaments that are not likely to shatter. For delicate, glass or priceless ornaments, you might consider creating an area where they can be displayed that is out of reach for your dog or cat. You can hang these from a garland that is placed across a mantel or over a doorway or window, or you can hang them in shadowboxes on the wall, for example.

TINSEL

Tinsel, for all its glittery prettiness, is one of the most dangerous tree decorations you can choose. If your pet ingests even a few strands of tinsel—and pets do this more often than you might guess—she is highly likely to suffer the ill, and even deadly effects, of an intestinal obstruction. The same goes for edible ornaments, such as popcorn and cranberry strings and candy canes. The strings can tear the intestines, endangering your pet’s life. Leave these things off your tree, or your pet will be climbing the tree to get to them.

Other tree decorations that can be hazardous to pets (and children, for that matter) include angel hair, a spun glass or plastic decoration; garlands; lit candles; mistletoe; poinsettia plants and holly berries; advent calendars that hold candy (often chocolate); and liquid potpourri, which can be spilled or ingested.

When you can rest in the knowledge that you have done everything to make sure your pet cannot be harmed, then everyone can share in a happy, healthy holiday season together.

A great article to keep our pet babies safe

Reviewed and updated for accuracy on November 12, 2019 by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD

During the holidays, plants play a prominent role in festive decorations.

However, there are some types of decorative plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. In some cases, only mild indigestion and discomfort will result; in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems, and even fatalities.

If you are planning to bring holiday foliage into your home this season, you will need to know which plants are safe, which should be kept out of your pet’s reach, and which should be avoided entirely.

POINSETTIA PLANTS

A lot of people have been led to believe that the poinsettia plant is deadly for pets and children, but this is actually an unlikely occurrence.

The poinsettia plant’s brightly colored leaves contain a sap that is irritating to the tissues of the mouth and esophagus. If the leaves are ingested, they will often cause nausea and vomiting, but it would take a large amount of the plant’s material to cause poisoning, and most animals and children won’t eat such a large enough amount because of the irritating taste and feel from the sap.

However, if the plant has been treated with a pesticide, your pet could be at risk of becoming ill from ingesting the pesticide. The size of your pet and the amount of ingested plant material will be the determining factors for the severity of the poisoning. Young animals—puppies and kittens—are at the highest risk.

Severe reactions to the plant or to the pesticide it has been treated with include seizures, coma, and in some cases, death.

That being said, it is still best to keep poinsettias out of reach of pets.

HOLLY AND MISTLETOE

Holly and mistletoe are also popular holiday plants. These plants, along with their berries, have a greater toxicity level than the poinsettia.

Symptoms of illness form ingesting these plants include intestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drooling and abdominal pain.

Mistletoe contains multiple substances that are toxic to both dogs and cats, including toxalbumin and pharatoxin viscumin (lectins, phoratoxins). It’s well-known for causing severe intestinal upset as well as a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, breathing problems and even hallucinations (showing up as unusual behavior).

If a large enough amount of these plants are ingested, seizures and death may follow.

The leaves and berries of holly and mistletoe plants, even the dried plants, should be kept well out of your pet’s reach, or better yet, kept out of the home altogether.

LILIES AND DAFFODILS

Both popular gift items at this time of year, the lily and daffodil can be toxic to pets.

In cats, Lilium and Hemerocallis genera lilies are the most dangerous. Eating even a small amount of the plant will have a severe impact on a cat’s system, causing severe symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, arrhythmia and convulsions.

Daffodils are also toxic to both dogs and cats. The bulbs are the most toxic; however, even a few bites of the flower can cause kidney failure and even death in cats.

Any lilies and daffodils you buy or receive as gifts might be better used for decorating your desk at work to keep your pet safe (unless there are pets in the office).

AMARYLLIS (BELLADONNA)

The beauty of the flowering Amaryllis is only matched by its toxicity. The Amaryllis contains lycorine and other noxious substances, which cause salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and abdominal pain), lethargy and tremors in both cats and dogs.

The bulb of the plant is reputed to be even more dangerous than the flowers and stalk.

The Amaryllis also goes by other names, including Belladonna, Saint Joseph Lily, Cape Belladonna and Naked Lady.

Amaryllis, by any name, should be kept out of the house.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

Fortunately, the Christmas Cactus (or its relative, the Easter Cactus) plant is not toxic to dogs in either its parts or flowers. The same applies for cats. However, fibrous plant material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.

Curious cats and dogs, especially kittens and puppies, may be injured by the spines, so these plants should still be kept out of pets’ reach.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

There are other dangers to consider with the Christmas treethat go beyond lights and ornaments.

The oils produced by fir trees can be irritating to a pet’s mouth and stomach, causing excessive vomiting or drooling. The tree needles, meanwhile, may cause gastrointestinal irritation, obstruction and punctures.

Additionally, the water used to nourish Christmas trees can be noxious. Bacteria, molds and fertilizers can cause your pet to become extremely sick with only a few laps of water. Keep the water covered and blocked off to prevent pets from accessing it.

Curious cats may climb the tree and/or knock the tree over, injuring themselves and damaging heirloom ornaments. Best practice is to keep your Christmas tree blocked off and out of reach of your cats.

PLAYING IT SAFE

If you do choose to bring any of these plants into your home, be very careful about where you are placing them. Cats especially need to be considered, since they can jump to high shelves.

If your cat is a known plant chewer, you will probably be better off choosing artificial plants over the real things.

But if your dog or cat does manage to ingest any part of these holiday plants, call your veterinarian or poison control immediately to find out what you should do to minimize the damage.

The phone number for the ASPCA Poison Control is 1-888-426-4435, 24 hours a day.

The holiday season brings potential dangers for our pets, but with a little effort, you can keep them safe.

Happy holidays to all of you.

-Tricia and Rudy 🐾