As the holidays close in and decorations adorn homes inside and out, our pets feel the excitement in the air along with us. This is a time to be mindful of hazards and safety for our four-legged companions.

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it is so easy to become distracted. Dangerous items can be left around the house as you decorate, cook, entertain and wrap gifts, things that your ever curious cat (or dog) might find irresistible.

As always, the first thing that comes to mind is tinsel and ribbon, two potentially lethal “toys” that especially appeal to felines. The tongue of a cat has barbs on it, all facing backwards. It is designed that way to help hold prey and also to aid in swallowing chunks of food. It is also one reason why stringy items are so dangerous.

Have you ever observed a cat shaking her head, trying to spit out a hunk of hair she has just groomed off her body? Because of the tongue barbs, a cat is unable let go and she ends up swallowing it causing the dreaded hairballs to form within. The same thing happens when she “tastes” tinsel, ribbon and string; the cat slowly ingests a long piece whole. When this happens, it can become wrapped around the intestines.

For this reason, tinsel is banned from my home and I have become quite creative when wrapping gifts in non-traditional ways to avoid the dreaded narrow curling ribbon. It is also the reason I always caution people to put away wand-type cat toys after interactive play sessions.

If you find your cat with something long dangling from her mouth, hold the cat firmly and very carefully give the item a gentle pull. If it moves easily, continue pulling slowly until it has been removed completely. The same goes for something hanging from the “other” end of the cat. However, if resistance is felt, do not attempt to pull anything further but get your cat to the vet, especially if there are any signs of stress.

Examine all pet gifts for small pieces which may come off and be subsequently swallowed. Spend the extra bucks if you can to ensure a sturdy toy and always remove the hanging strings and anything else that looks dangerous before offering it for play.

Other seasonal dangers include plants and foods. Among the most common are amaryllis (and other bulbs), turkey bones, chocolate, holly, poinsettia, mistletoe, and Norfolk Island pine. For a comprehensive listing of toxic items, go to the ASPCA website and search for “toxic plants.”

Open flames are especially frightening as the coat of a pet can go up in an instant. Never leave candles burning within reach of an animal or where they may be tipped over.

And don’t forget to watch the door. With all the comings and goings it is all too easy for a frightened indoor kitty to dash out and become lost.

In general, always keep a mindful eye on things around the house, just as you would were there a toddler in residence.

Wishing all of you two- and four-legged friends a very safe and happy holiday season.

Catalyst for Cats has been selected to be the beneficiary of a local author’s book signing party on December 21st at the Book Loft in Solvang. Lee Wardlaw, award-winning author of the delightful children’s book, Won Ton, A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, will be present from 4-6pm for autographs. There will be free catnip mice and Won Ton bookmarks and a raffle for a large Cat Care gift basket. I will be there and hope you will be too.