Seasonal
Pets vs the Christmas Tree: A Seasonal Survival Guide
Tree engineering
Anchor the tree to wall or ceiling (cat owners know why), skip decorations on the bottom third, use shatterproof baubles where paws reach, and consider a pen or gate around it for the first curious week. Cover tree-stand water — additives and stagnation both cause stomach upset.
Tinsel and ribbon
Tinsel is the classic feline linear foreign body: swallowed strands saw through intestines and mean emergency surgery. Cat homes should simply not own tinsel; the same caution applies to curling ribbon and string from the turkey.
Lights, cables, candles
Chewed light cables burn mouths and worse — cable protectors and unplugging when out are cheap insurance. Snow globes can contain antifreeze; candles and wagging tails need altitude. Batteries in stocking gifts count as toxic hazards too.
Seasonal plants
Poinsettia is overhyped but irritating; holly and mistletoe are genuinely nasty; and lilies in festive bouquets remain the cat emergency. Check arrangements before they come inside — florists don't know you have a cat unless you say so.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
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