The big Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a time many of us spend with family and friends, and one of the centerpieces of the holiday for most families is the big Thanksgiving dinner.
Your cat may have varying opinions about this.
Ashton: When do they serve the turkey?
Newton: Forget turkey. I want to dive into the whipped cream!
Pierre: Does this mean visitors for dinner? Tell me when they’re gone.
Cats like Pierre are mostly immune to Thanksgiving dinner hazards, but cats like Newton and Ashton will put on their holiday best to be able to share in your Thanksiving feast. Is it safe to share with them?
A little taste of boneless, well-cooked turkey is safe for your cat, but hold the stuffing! Stuffing usually contains onions, which aren’t safe for cats. Sweet potatoes are safe, but don’t share them if you don’t know what they were prepared with, the essential oils in some herbs and spices can cause gastrointestinal upset. Similarly, pumpkin, which vets recommend for feline constipation, isn’t the same thing as a pumpkin pie full of spices. Consider holding a little pumpkin aside when making your pie if you want to share with your kitty.
The most important thing is moderation. A little taste of your mashed potatoes is all right, but your cat doesn’t need a meal of them. Kitties may love the novelty of interesting food smells at the holidays, but share sparingly and keep up their regular diet to avoid upset stomachs.
References
The Health Benefits Pumpkin Provides our Pets, PetMD
Thanksgiving Safety Tips, ASPCA
