I Love Easter, Spring has arrived, the sun is shining and the garden is coming to life. It's the perfect time for that Easter egg hunt in the garden with the children and getting outside. Easter may be fun for us but it can be fraught with dangers for our beloved cats and dogs.
Easter eggs and Chocolate
We all know that chocolate can be harmful to dogs but did you know that it is also harmful to cats?
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, it is this substance that makes it toxic to both cats and dogs, with darker chocolate being more dangerous than milk chocolate.
If you think your cat has consumed chocolate, even a small amount, please ensure you contact your vet immediately for their advice.
Hot Cross Buns
I love a hot cross bun, there are so many varieties to choose from these days, salted caramel, chocolate, strawberry, but I like the good old basic raisin hot cross bun, lightly toasted and smothered in butter. Just remember to keep them away from your pets and don't be tempted to offer them any.
Raisins are extremely toxic to cats although it is not known why. Just a small amount of raisins (or grapes) can be fatal to both cats and dogs. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten some raisins, don't wait for ill effects to show as it may be too late by then.
Flowers
Flowers are beautiful, our gardens are full of them. Unfortunately, there are many plants and flowers that are also toxic to cats.
Lilies
There are many varieties of lilies that are toxic to cats, the Easter Lily being one of them.
You may think that the cats will not be interested in the actual flowers, they probably aren't, but they could get close enough for the pollen to get on their fur. There is then a risk during grooming that the cat will then ingest the pollen and therefore become poisoned.
All parts of the lily are poisonous, they even contaminate the water they sit in. The only way to be sure your cat is safe is to ensure you don't have lilies in your house, or your garden for that matter, if your cats are free to roam. Daffodils, Iris and Delphiniums, amongst many others, are also poisonous to cats.
Stay Safe and have a lovely Easter
There are plenty of cat safe treats you can give your cat this Easter, how about a new egg shaped toy filled with catnip, some cat grass or a special meal that they particularly enjoy, sardines maybe? My daughter hates the smell of them but our cats love them!