As the days get shorter and the cooler fall weather arrives, it will once again be the perfect time to get cozy with delicious-smelling candles, incense, fireplaces, simmering potpourri, and essential oils. These are safe—when monitored—for us humans, but unfortunately, cats are also drawn to these items of comfort, creating potentially dangerous situations. If we are not cautious and careful, our furry companions may play with what they shouldn’t, but if we follow these tips, we can ensure that our cats are safe, comfortable, and still able to play freely.
- Keep open flames out of reach: Make sure that lit candles and incense are out of your cat’s reach on stable, elevated surfaces, and to never leave them burning unattended. Remember that most cats can jump quite high, so leaving these items on a table is usually not enough.
- Create a barrier around fireplaces: Prevent your cat from getting too close to flames, hot embers, or heated surfaces by using a secure fireplace screen or closed glass doors. Leave these barriers up and keep an eye on your cat even after the fire is out, as fireplace materials can remain hot.
- Never leave simmering pots, bowls, or diffusers unattended or in reach: Ensure that these are out of your cat’s way so that they cannot access the heated liquid. Additionally, some ingredients and essential oils may be harmful to cats if they are ingested or exposed to them, so it is important to consider pet-safe alternatives.
- Offer a safe cozy spot instead: Cats are drawn to warmth in any form, so creating an alternative for them, such as a comfortable bed or a placing a favourite blanket in a warm, safe part of the room, can distract them from flames and hot liquids and surfaces, encouraging them to settle somewhere safer.
With cats being naturally adventurous, playful, and needing warmth just as much as we do, protecting them during the fall and winter months can be a challenge. However, remembering to use this guide can keep us and our furry friends comfortable, warm, and out of harms way.
Story by Robin Cummings