With Easter celebrations around the corner, it’s time to open the windows, break out the cleaning supplies, and embrace the spring season in full force.      

Just like us, our pets can sense the fresh feeling in the air and they often get excited when the warm weather hits. You may notice your kitty feeling more energetic, frisky, or wanting to spend more time outdoors! Springtime doesn’t just bring warm air and much-needed sunshine; it also comes with some pesky obstacles for our feline family members.     

Here are 5 quick tips to keep your cat happy, safe, and FELINE fine this spring!    

1. Secure your windows and screens

Spring fresh air is a must! It feels so good to open your windows more to get that fresh breeze flowing through your home. Of course, our cats love getting cozy in tight spaces like window ledges - and can we blame them for wanting the perfect sunny spot to lounge?     

Make sure your screens are locked and they are sturdy (especially second-story windows and higher) so that your kitty doesn’t fall through when they are enjoying some spring sunshine. Also be mindful of blinds and curtains that your cat could get tangled up in while trying to find their perfect perch, particularly when they will be left home alone.    

2. Keep your spring cleaning products out of reach

Spring cleaning is one of the most common rituals of the season, and it feels good to freshen up your space. Keep in mind that many cleaners (even natural ones) can be extremely harmful to your fur-baby if ingested. Seek out pet-safe cleaning supplies when possible, and always be diligent with products that contain chemicals of any kind.    

Here are some spring cleaning safety tips to keep your furry friends safe:     

  • Lock your kitty away from the room you’re cleaning.
  • Avoid distractions and multi-tasking. Focus only on cleaning to reduce the chances of accidentally leaving cleaning supplies out where your cat can easily access them.
  • Always rinse! Splash some water on your floors after cleaning to rid the surface of any excess chemical residue.
  • When you’re done, let your surfaces dry before allowing your cat back into the room (so they don’t try to lick at any excess chemicals).
  • Remember to put all cleaning products away in a locked cabinet or closet where pets cannot get into them.

3. Be mindful of Easter baskets and décor 

Easter baskets are filled with pretty colors and yummy treats for humans, but for your feline family members these fun-filled baskets may be packed with dangerous ingredients for pets. Treats that include chocolate, raisins, and candies with artificial sweetener should always be ‘paws off’ for your kitty. Remember that xylitol (often called ‘birch sugar’) is a highly toxic ingredient for pets that can be found hiding in many human treats.     

Shredded Easter grass can be very tempting to your cat’s eye - it may look like a fun toy to them, but it’s not to be played with! This decorative grass could get stuck in their digestive tract if swallowed. If your cat is particularly curious and playful, consider skipping the fake grass altogether. No one wants to spend Easter at the emergency veterinary hospital. Make sure to place all human Easter baskets in a closed-off or out-of-reach area to avoid curious paws and mouths. Be sure to give your kitty plenty of safe cat toys they can play with, to help keep them occupied and release some of that spring energy!    

4. Read up on your plants, flowers, and garden supplies

April showers bring so many happy flowers, but it’s important to be aware that some springtime flowers can be highly toxic to pets if ingested. This includes outdoor and indoor plants and flowers. There are a number of household plants that present risks for kitties, particularly cats who are fond of chewing on plant leaves. Check out this helpful guide to toxic and non-toxic household plants for your cat.     

For many people, this is the season to break out the gardening supplies. Be mindful of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides which may keep your garden looking green and healthy, but can be fatal to our pets if eaten. If your kitty likes to spend their spring days outside investigating and going on adventures, keep a close eye on them when they are near the garden. Opt for pet-safe products or skip the insecticides if your cat spends a lot of time around your outdoor plants. For indoor/outdoor cats, consider using hypo-allergenic cat grooming wipes to clean your cat's coat when they come in from spending time outdoors. This is a quick, gentle way to remove dander, dirt, and allergens they may have picked up.  

5. Microchip and vaccinate your cat

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and you’re ready to spend more time outside – and so is your kitty! For all cats (but outdoor cats especially) it’s highly recommended to get your pet microchipped, in addition to wearing identification on their collar. If your pet ever wanders too far from home, or accidentally slips out the door, a microchip can make all the difference in bringing your fur-baby home safely. This quick and non-invasive procedure can be done right here at JM Pet Vet Clinic! Call us at 508-588-5661 for more information or to make an appointment.    

Keeping your cat up-to-date on vaccinations and preventatives is extremely important to protect them against disease, especially as the weather gets warmer. Outdoor cats are more prone to fleas and ticks, but indoor cats are still susceptible, as humans and dogs may carry these pests from the outside into the house. Be sure to keep your outdoor and indoor kitties up-to-date with their flea and tick preventatives so they can stay safe and happy this spring!