When gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holidays, it’s natural to want to include our pets in these occasions. And while it’s important for our pets to be part of the family, this shouldn’t include sharing in the holiday feast. Keep in mind that sudden changes in diet can upset your cat’s stomach and lead to vomiting and diarrhea (common medical problems that veterinarians see during the holidays).
While a small amount of plain, cooked turkey might seem relatively safe for cats to eat, holiday recipes usually call for the turkey to be brined or seasoned. These processes add hefty amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs to the meat, making it unsafe for pets to consume. Also, recipes that contain onion or garlic are extremely toxic to cats because they cause oxidative damage to their red blood cells. For these reasons, it’s safer to avoid giving your feline friend any of your human holiday dinner.
If your cat should ingest something they shouldn’t and they start to show signs of toxicity (i.e., vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, or loss of energy) – or they eat anything containing garlic, onion, chives, leeks, chocolate, or alcohol – immediately call one of the following:
- Your veterinarian or an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic
- Pet Poison Helpline®: 855-764-7661 (an $85 consultation fee will apply)
Stay safe this Thanksgiving and share only a post dinner nap with your cat – that’s something you can both enjoy!
