Easter Safety Tips For Cat Owners

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Easter is on the way and many families celebrate by getting together for food, gifts, and fun, but the holiday can present a few dangers for cats. Our kitties are part of the family, and we don’t want to exclude them from the good times, but it’s important to be extra cautious and vigilant during events where there are a lot of people and distractions. Easter is no exception. While you’re enjoying your Easter feasting and fun, keep these safety tips in mind when it comes to your cat, and spread the word to help other families keep their cats safe, too.

1. Keep The Chocolates And Candy Out Of Reach

Easter baskets are often loaded with candy and chocolate bunnies. Little kids can sometimes drop these on the floor or leave half-eaten sweets where cats can get them, so make sure they know the rules and keep an eye out for any discarded candies or wrappers. If you plan on serving desserts, make sure sweets are put away where they can’t be reached by any hungry kitties. Chocolate is toxic for cats, and candy can be loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is also toxic for felines. Make sure your cat sticks to treats specifically for cats only.

2. Alcohol And Caffeine Are For Humans Only

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A lot of people drink wine or enjoy a good cup of coffee at Easter gatherings. Any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages should be kept in hands or stored away from anywhere cats can get to them. The sweetness of these drinks can be attractive to kitties, but alcohol, caffeine, and the sugar or sweeteners that often accompany them can quickly lead to illness and an emergency vet visit.

3. Cooked Bones Are Dangerous

If you’re planning to serve dishes that have bones, make sure that they are kept away from cats and disposed of quickly. If you have a kids’ table that is lower to the floor, make sure your cat is not able to sneak bones off of plates when kids aren’t looking. Cooked bones can splinter into sharp pieces that cause internal damage, and these bones are dangerous choking hazards.

4. Guests Can Cause Anxiety

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If you’re having a lot of guests over, ringing the doorbell and going in and out, it can cause anxiety in cats that aren’t used to all the commotion. The strange faces and odd smells of new people entering their territory can be frightening and cause cats to engage in nervous behavior or even bolt if the door is left open. Make sure your cat is secure and that doors that lead outside are always shut when not in use. Inform your guests not to let your cat out. If your kitty is especially anxious, it may be best to keep them safe in another room with a radio or television on. Make sure they are comfortable and have plenty of water, and don’t forget to provide a litter box.

5. Keep The Trash Secure

With every feast, there is bound to be a lot of waste. The trash bin might get full of food products and interesting-smelling garbage, and that can be very tempting for cats. Make sure the trash is secure and out of reach. If your cat gets to it, they may be able to swallow choking hazards, items that cause intestinal blockage, or toxic food. Put something heavy on the lid if you have no other option and tell guests to keep the trash blocked off.

6. Don’t Let The Food Out Of Sight

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Any leftover food should be quickly put away or kept where it can’t be reached by your cat. Easter food can be very attractive to cats, but it can also be full of things that are toxic. Grapes and raisins, for example, are toxic to cats, as are and several other foods. Greasy, salty, and fatty foods can cause diarrhea, upset stomachs, or more severe conditions if eaten in high quantities. Keep the human foods for humans.

7. Small Toys And Plastic Eggs Can Be Hazardous

If you’re giving Easter baskets to the kids at your gathering, chances are good that they will have plastic eggs, fake plastic grass, stuffed animals, small toys, or other fun items. These items, however, may not be so fun for cats who swallow them or chew them into shards. Not only are they choking hazards, they can also break apart into sharp pieces and do internal damage, or they can cause gastrointestinal blockages. Keep them out of reach of cats, and when kids are done playing with them, put them away. If you hide plastic eggs, make sure they are all accounted for when everyone is finished searching for them.

8. Easter Lilies Are Toxic To Cats

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Easter lilies are beautiful and people love to see them on Easter, but these plants are toxic for cats. Many of the substitute plants that people use in place of Easter lilies can also be toxic to cats. Make sure that guests know not to bring these flowers as gifts and keep them out of your home during the holiday. There are plenty of other pretty flowers to choose from, but do your research and make sure they are safe for kitties to be around before you bring them home.

What other Easter safety tips do you have for fellow cat owners? Is your cat going to be a part of your Easter celebration? Let us know in the comments below!

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