Tips for a Cat-Safe Easter Holiday

Last Updated on May 19, 2022 by Holly Anne Dustin

The Easter holidays are right around the corner. You want to enjoy the holiday with your cats but also keep them safe. Luckily it is possible to plan a great day for Kitty without putting him at risk. Choosing your plants, decor and food carefully with your cat’s safety in mind will let you both have a cat-safe, happy Easter holiday.

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Plants

Lilies are the number one danger.

Are Easter Lilies safe for cats is an often asked question. The answer is a definite no, not at all. Every part of the lily is toxic, even the water in the vase can kill. The “true lilies”, including the classic Easter lily, Day Lilies, Tiger Lilies and Asiatic Lilies like the beautiful Stargazer, are exceptionally poisonous for our feline friends. The simple act of a tail brushing against the flower and picking up a few grains of pollen and ingesting it when Kitty grooms her coat can send her to the ER with acute kidney failure. 

According to Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies and PetMD, lily poisoning can lead to death within 3-7 days, depending on how much of the plant your cat consumes. Treatment is expensive and positive results are not guaranteed.

Click here for more about lily poisoning in cats

Easter Plants Safe for Cats

Unfortunately many of the plants used in place of lilies in Easter displays are also toxic for your cat. Avoid bringing home bouquets of daffodils, hyacinths, or tulips. Leave the cyclamens in the store. But you don’t have to give up all the springtime beauty to keep your furbaby safe. Easter flowers that are safe for cats include roses, orchids, and gerber daisies. Sunflowers make a bright, show stopping, display that would be safe around your cat.

Decor

Is Easter grass toxic to cats? 

The biggest risk posed by Easter basket grass isn’t toxicity, it is obstruction. Easter grass is what vets call a “linear foreign body.” When cats eat the grass it balls up in their intestines and causes an obstruction. Surgery to remove the foreign body is the result. Skip the grass, you can make your Easter baskets look pretty without it. Try a piece of spring patterned fabric, shredded paper, or best of all, grow some cat grass and use the real thing.

Plastic Eggs

Properly supervised, plastic eggs make great treat-dispensing toys. Drill and smooth some holes into the egg and add kitty’s favorite treats. He can bat them around and enjoy the treats as they fall out. Throw the toy away if the egg gets cracked or Kitty bites pieces off it. These aren’t a risk for all cats. If your kitty is hard on his toys you might want to skip these or buy an egg-shaped, food dispensing toy intended for cats. 

Food

Chocolate is a well-known danger for dogs. Turns out it is also poisonous to cats. Keep the candy away from Kitty. Xylitol also poses a danger to cats, though it is more dangerous to dogs.

Your Easter dinner is only as cat-friendly as you want it to be. Limit Kitty’s intake of rich food. You don’t want her to end up with a case of pancreatitis from over indulgence. Lamb,chicken or turkey won’t hurt your cat if it isn’t highly seasoned and the fat is trimmed from Kitty’s portion. Ham should probably be off the table for Kitty. It is very salty and fatty. Avoid onions and garlic on the sides. Never, ever let Kitty have access to cooked bones.

Click Here for Tips on Cat Safe Holidays

Baked goods, yeast breads, and hot cross buns don’t belong where Kitty can reach either. Raisins are toxic. Yeast breads proofing for baking are dangerous if Kitty eats the raw dough. Dairy-based treats can give your cat a case of diarrhea. 

The traditional Easter egg hunt has a risk for cats. And dogs and children for that matter. Make sure you account for all the eggs you dye and hide for your children to find. Use cat safe food dyes and practice proper food handling standards for eggs. Spoiled eggs can give anyone a bellyache.

Ideas for Cat-Safe Easter Treats

You can provide your furbaby with a cat-safe happy Easter without giving up all the things that make the holiday special. 

• Buy her favorite treats or try out something new.
• Add something special to her dinner. Toppers and broths are usually popular with cats. My cats love these gravies from TikiCat at Chewy.
• Fill Kitty’s basket from the spring themed cat toys at Chewy or your favorite retailer. Have a good play session.
• Let her have a catnip party.
• Take a holiday photo with Kitty. If she doesn’t mind dressing up, add a cute outfit or a bandana.

Keep the chocolate for yourself and leave the lilies elsewhere. Enjoy your cat-safe Easter holidays.