Pamper your cat with a new toy or edible reward made for animals, but do not give it leftovers from holiday dinners. An image courtesy of Cyndi Monaghan/Moment, provided by Getty Images. People usually treat themselves to special foods during the holidays. As a pet owner and veterinarian, I understand the desire to give furry friends special holiday treats. However, as a vet my research shows that a number of commonly consumed food items can be hazardous to pets. In this article I have outlined some of the most common food-related issues seen by veterinarians over the holiday period, and what to do if they occur. One example is the risk associated with eating fatty foods. Turkey slathered in sauce is likely one of the most favored festive meals. Most dogs and cats would likely confirm to their owners that roast turkey tastes great. But the fat content in the poultry skin along with additional fatty, greasy items that may come along with it such as gravy, butter, and bacon are not recommended meals for cats or dogs. Pets that consume too much fat can suffer from inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. This is because the pancreas, the organ responsible for breaking down fat, protein, and carbohydrates, begins secreting digestive enzymes uncontrollably. This will eventually lead to the organ harming or ‘digesting’ itself. Untreated pancreatitis may lead to issues with other organs including the liver and kidneys, and can also cause issues with blood clotting. Common indicators of the condition are nausea and loose bowels.
