For most people, a festively decorated house is part of Advent. But despite all the glitter and shine, there are countless dangers lurking for our pets. Learn what to look out for to protect your pets and how you can do something good for your furry friend. And: We’re giving away three new books by cat coach Petra Ott, including a cat toy fishing rod.
Advent is associated with many beloved customs and traditions. It starts with the festive decorations and ends with an often lavishly decorated Christmas tree. At the moment there is a lot for our curious pets to discover in the apartment, but it can quickly become dangerous!
Read here what to look out for and avoid:
Houseplants such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are particularly popular during the Christmas period; they are poisonous to dogs, cats and birds. This also applies to cyclamen, amaryllis, begonia, honey locust, dieffenbachia, ivy, coral tree, beautiful lily and desert rose. If anything is nibbled or swallowed, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Chocolate is particularly dangerous to cats and dogs because of the theobromine in cocoa and can cause death. Also be careful with Christmas baking or cakes that are baked with the sugar substitutes xylitol or erythritol. These have liver-damaging or even fatally toxic effects on some mammals. Raisins and nuts are also pure poison for our four-legged friends.
Domestic cats like to play with gift ribbon. If the animal swallows it or wraps the decoration around its neck, it poses a danger to life.
Mieze and Bello have pulled down many a Christmas tree. If the tree falls, it is not only an ugly gift, but animals can also be injured. Horror scenario: If there are candles burning on the Christmas tree, this can have terrible consequences for the entire house! To ensure that the four-legged friends cannot knock over the tree, it should be placed in a corner and additionally secured (hooks on the wall).
Nowadays, most people avoid the thin silver wires on the tree at Christmas because the lead content actually makes tinsel poisonous. Equally dangerous for our pets are metal Christmas tree hooks and various decorative sprays that invite licking.
That sounds like a lot of forbidden things. As a cat owner and author of this article, I asked cat coach Petra Ott how you can make the Advent season even sweeter for a domestic cat.
“Kron”: What do our velvet paws think about the run-up to Christmas?
Petra There: Some cats love the hustle and bustle of Advent, for others it means pure stress. It is important that these velvet paws get enough rest and security. Contemplation means sitting back and letting your mind relax. Our cats show us this every day and are happy with every stroke and every time they cuddle together. If the cat likes it, a gentle massage will also induce a pleasant purr.
What alternatives are there for the banned gift ribbon, sweets, etc.?
For example, serving different delicacies in different shapes. Sometimes wrapped in paper or in a paper bag (without a handle) or filled in small gift boxes and scattered around the apartment. Do you like to drink valerian tea to slow down? Put an (unused) tea bag in a cat toy, so you and your cat will benefit from it.
Christmas music instead of fragrance oils?
It doesn’t have to be ‘Last Christmas’. But cats actually like classical music. Pay attention to the volume! The area that cats can hear is about three times the area that humans can hear. And although that may sound strange, it has been confirmed to me many times: when cat owners meditate, their cats also become more relaxed.
Play along and win
Attention cat lovers! We are giving away 3 x 1 copies of the book “Cat Felosoph Merlin tells…”, based on the content of “aCATemy – Petra Ott’s Cat School for People”. And each comes with a cat toy bar with an animal welfare symbol. Just fill out the form below and you’re in.
Do you want to increase your chances of winning? Then subscribe to the animal corner newsletter “Krone” and not only double your chance of winning, but also receive weekly updates on animal welfare. The conditions for participation can be found here. The deadline for participation is December 16, 2023.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
