In the chaos of decorating eggs, visiting with family, and preparing dinner, the last thing you want to worry about this Easter is your cat’s safety. The traditional Easter gathering can pose many threats to cats, some of which may be fatal. Fortunately, there are still ways you can keep your Easter tradition alive while making your Easter cat-proof. The following common Easter decorations and delicacies can be dangerous to cats, so be sure to replace them with kitty-safe alternatives this spring.
Flowers
Lilies are toxic to cats and should be removed from your home. Even though Easter lilies are a popular springtime decoration, they can cause kidney failure in cats, treatment for which is very complicated and expensive. Even if your cat does so much as chew on lily petals or groom lily pollen off its paws, she will require immediate veterinary attention including IV fluids, medications, and possibly even renal replacement therapy in the most serious cases. If your cat consumes lilies in any form, an emergency trip to the vet is necessary.
Cyclamen is another popular yet dangerous springtime flower. Cats that eat the roots of cyclamen could suffer from vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat consumes a greater amount of cyclamen, she could suffer from heart failure and seizures that may result in death.
Amaryllis can also be toxic to cats. If consumed, amaryllis can cause vomiting and abdominal pain in cats. In more serious cases, cats’ blood pressure and breathing may be affected.
For safer flower alternatives, go with floral arrangements consisting of non-toxic flowers such as roses, daisies, and orchids.
Decorations
Easter grass, which is typically used to line Easter baskets, is usually made of plastic material that is hazardous to cats. If ingested, Easter grass can damage your cat’s digestive system, requiring emergency surgery. Line baskets with colorful tissue paper as a safer alternative.
Colorful dyes used to stain Easter eggs could make your cat sick if she consumes too much dye by licking the eggs. Avoid the risk by using a natural food coloring to dye eggs, like spinach, beet, and other vegetable juices.
Candy & Foods
Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid of the cacao plant, which poisonous to cats.
Sugar-free candy is also toxic to cats, containing the synthetic sweetener, xylitol.
Easter eggs, if raw or uncooked, may contain salmonella and other bacteria, which could cause vomiting or diarrhea in cats.
Ham and pork roasts are traditional Easter dishes that many people do not think of as dangerous to cats. However, these have high fat and salt content, which can make cats sick. In addition, these meats may be held together with twine that, if ingested by your cat, can cause choking or digestive problems.
Cats may try chewing on or licking chocolate and other candies, so be sure to keep these away from your cats, and no matter how much Kitty begs for a piece of that Easter roast, don’t give in to her mews. It’s best to consider her health and safety first and decline her pleads.
Remember that cats are curious creatures and may get their paws on hazardous or toxic Easter goodies. Keep Kitty in mind this Easter when you’re putting together floral arrangements and setting up decorations, and try cat-safe alternatives so you and your fluffy friend can both have a safe Easter!