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Some pets become part of the family. They receive gifts and special treasures and meals for Christmas or other holidays just as other members of the family do.
We had a keeshond that had to have his own present to unwrap on Christmas morning. If he did not, he would steal other people's gifts. With his own present, he would sit where everyone could watch and open it. Then he would lie with his gift and watch the rest of the family open their.
I've had cats that enjoyed playing with the discarded ribbons and wrappings. They did not seem to care about the presents under the tree or before unwrapped, but afterwards, the cats had a ball. One problem we discovered when one of the cats got her head made in the loop-handle of a gift bag: Some cats will hurt themselves trying to get something from around their necks. Therefore we became careful of any loops that the cats might find.
Our family allowed our pets to "share" in the Christmas meal by putting a bit of turkey or ham for them. One cat kept trying to find chocolate, though, and we kept taking it away and hiding it: Chocolate is dangerous for animals to eat. Also, allowing animals to over-eat or eat food richer than they are used to eating will cause them to have tummy aches, the same as with a person.
Christmas plants brighten a home, but some are poisonous to animals. Pointsettias, for example, should never be where a cat or dog could nibble on it.
Cats that enjoy batting dangling items can destroy a Christmas tree, not only making a mess and ruining the day, but also possibly injuring themselves or a child. Cats, and dogs, can be taught not to play with a tree or anything on it. If one can not be trained, then any tree should be placed in a room or position that a cat can not reach it.
Christmas can be, and should be, fun for people and their pets. A bit of preparation and thought can make the holiday a success for all involved.
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Source by Vivian Gilbert Zabel
