Easter Pet Hazards

Easter weekend is approaching so it is time for a few reminders.

During Easter celebrations, cats face risks from toxic plants like Easter lilies, chocolate, and potentially choking hazards from Easter grass and candy wrappers, so it's important to take precautions.

Here's a more detailed look at the potential dangers:

1. Toxic Plants:

Easter Lilies: These are highly toxic to cats, and even ingesting a small amount or licking pollen off their fur can cause severe kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Other Lilies: Many other varieties of the lily family, including tiger, day, rubrum, stargazer, and Japanese show lilies, are also toxic to cats.

Prevention: Keep lilies out of reach or in a separate room inaccessible to your cat.

2. Chocolate:

Theobromine:

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to cats and dogs, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and even death.

Prevention:

Store chocolate safely, out of reach of your cat, and supervise children during Easter egg hunts to prevent your cat from accidentally consuming chocolate.

3. Easter Grass and Candy:

Easter Grass:

The plastic in Easter grass is non-digestible and can cause intestinal blockages or perforations if ingested.

Candy Wrappers:

Candy wrappers can also be a choking hazard or cause blockages in the digestive system.

Prevention:

Remove Easter grass and candy wrappers immediately after the Easter celebrations and keep them out of reach of your cat.

4. Other Easter Hazards:

String and Ribbon: These can be ingested and cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.

Small Decorations: Small, decorative items can also be a choking hazard.

Prevention: Keep all decorations and potential hazards out of reach of your cat.

5. What to do if you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic:

Contact your veterinarian or Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital 902-703-2323 or Maritime Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Centre - MVESC 902-932-0838 immediately .

Have the name of the plant or substance your cat may have ingested on hand .

Bring your cat and the plant or substance to your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment .