Fourth of July celebrations are almost here. This means enjoying the day with friends and family, watching the fireworks, enduring the hot weather and feasting on good food! This all sound just great but what about little Meow? Here are a few tips to keep your cats safe and happy during the celebration.
Hazard #1- Human Food
Poisonous food for cats- ONIONS, GARLIC, CHIVES, GRAPES, RAISINS, CAFFEINE, CANDY and CHOCOLATE.
Hazardous foods for cats- BUTTER, EGGS, DAIRY, BREAD, HOT DOGS, ALCOHOL, BACON, BONES, and FAT TRIMMINGS.
Your kitty will be curious about all the extra tables and places that you will be putting food and condiments before the party and willing to try anything that might hit the floor while everyone is having a good time. Toxic and hazardous foods can cause serious illness and/or death. Your veterinarian’s office will not be open on July 4th. If you kitty eats something they should not and shows signs of illness like vomiting and/or diarrhea, seizure, or disorientation, rush them immediately to the closest emergency veterinary facility. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
HAZARD #2- Hot Grill or Stove
The smell of cooking meat is more than enticing for everyone and this includes your kitty. Keep your grilling under constant supervision so kitty does not jump up to grab a hamburger or steak and likewise for your stove. We have a smoothtop cooking surface and one of our cats stepped on a hot burner that we had just removed the pan from and she suffered second degree burns on her pads. We felt awful! We now cover any hot burner with a stainless lid until it is cool.
HAZARD #3- The In Ground Pool
Pool parties are so much fun! With lots of people, splashing, and loud music and noises, kitty can panic and fall or slip into the pool. Floaties, mats and other pool toys can look very inviting to a curious cat. A long haired cat will sink like a rock and short haired cats can swallow water and drown quickly. Please keep an eye on your precious furkids during all the action. Be sure your pool level is up so it will be easier for kitty to climb out.
HAZARD #4- Getting Loose and Getting Lost
Lots of guests, fun music, loud noises, pool parties, busy getting the food out and put away means lots of doors open and closed. Way too many opportunities for your loved kitty to escape out the front door, garage door or lanai door. If your cat is not microchipped, make it your priority. That microchip can make all the difference in your chances of getting your beloved fluffy back if they are lost outdoors. Cats lose a collar pretty quickly and without any ID, they have very little chance of getting back to you. On a brighter note, if kitty does get out the door, they do not run like dogs. They cower under the closest bushes and can stay frozen there for days. We have lots of tips on finding cats that get out but that will keep for another blog post. Know where your kitty is all the time during your festivities and alert your guests so everyone is aware of how easy it is for kitty to slip out the door.
HAZARD #5- Fireworks and Other Loud Noises
Fireworks can be very scary. Cats may hide, cower, shake, pant, drool, pee or have dilated pupils. Have a dark small space ready for them- a closet or back bedroom for them to run into. Sometimes, a Thunder Shirt, can be helpful if you know kitty panics with fireworks, storms and loud noises. Talk to your veterinarian about medications and other help for kitty.
BEST SURVIVAL SOLUTION FOR KITTY ON JULY 4TH
MOVE YOUR FURKIDS INTO A BACK BATHROOM OR BEDROOM ALONG WITH THEIR FOOD, WATER, TOYS AND LITTER BOX. CLOSE THE DOOR AND KEEP IT CLOSED UNTIL THE PARTY AND FIREWORKS ARE OVER! Put a “Do Not Open” sign on the door. Be sure the windows are closed securely and the blinds/drapes are drawn to help muffle the loud noises. Turn on a radio or TV to help with the noise of the party and the fireworks. Kitty will thank you for keeping her safe!!