Ask a Vet with Dr. Sam: Is it okay to give my cat some of my holiday dinner as a treat?

We think cats deserve something special for the holidays too! 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 any holiday time).

If you want to feed your cat a special holiday treat, it is best to stick with the treats they are used to (some cat treats even come in festive flavors like turkey). Fatty foods can overwork your cat’s pancreas and it may become inflamed. This serious condition is known as pancreatitis and usually requires hospitalization and intensive medical treatment.

Also be sure that any string or packaging that was used during the preparation of roasts or turkeys is safely disposed of in a sealed garbage container (bones too!) Many cats cannot resist these scrumptiously smelling items and if ingested they can potentially cause an intestinal blockage. It’s a good idea to keep your pets away from the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season so they aren’t burned by any hot cookware or injured by being underfoot.

Happy Holidays to you and your pets – stay safe!

Do you have a question for Dr. Sam? Email yours to steph@mrfrs.org.