Saint Patrick’s Day food and safety tips for your cat
March 17 marks Saint Patrick’s Day—a time to spend with friends celebrating togetherness, gratitude and of course luck! Green-themed parties that feature good food and drink are the norm for this special holiday celebrated all around the world. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help give your cat the luck of the Irish this Saint Paddy’s Day!
Food Safety
Beer. Whether it’s green or not, beer is toxic to cats. Quickly wipe up spills, keep bottles or cans off the floor and glasses on high tables where your cat can’t leap up and lap up a few drinks. And make sure you and your guests don't leave beer unattended. If you expect it to be a rollicking good time, consider confining your cat in a separate room with a puzzle mat to keep them entertained.
Irish stew. It isn’t Saint Patrick’s Day without Irish stew on the menu! While it’s a delicious, hearty meal for your guests, it can spell trouble for your cat. Made with lamb or sometimes beef, Irish stew is quite rich and can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea or even acute pancreatitis, a painful condition.
Irish soda bread. As the name suggests, Irish soda bread doesn’t actually rise with the magic of yeast—which can pose its own risks—but instead is leavened with baking soda! Made with high-fat buttermilk and often raisins or currants, this bread is not safe to share with your cat. The fat content can cause gastrointestinal upset and raisins and currants are toxic to cats.
Make sure your guests know they shouldn’t share the good food with your cat, close off your kitchen if possible if your cat likes to roam the countertops, don’t leave plates unattended and keep trash cans secured. Instead, prepare a little Irish supper for your cat with a small “green” plate of chopped green beans, broccoli and lettuce!
If your cat gets into alcohol, raisins or currants, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) right away.
Decoration Safety
Decorating with lucky charms is part of the Saint Patrick’s Day fun! But some decorations could be a danger to your cat. Keep your cat’s safety in mind as you decorate for the holiday with these tips.
Shamrocks. The luck of the Irish is associated with the shamrock, but unfortunately these plants contain calcium oxalates. If your cat eats shamrock leaves, they may experience drooling and gastrointestinal upset. If enough of the shamrock is consumed, more serious effects can result. Place shamrocks well out of your cat’s reach.
Decorations. Choose pet-safe decorations, avoiding items that can easily be chewed or pose a choking hazard for your cat. Keep decorations up high, out of your cat’s reach, and ensure they’re well fastened so they won’t fall.
As the Irish would say, "Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be with you!” But if you do need help this Saint Patrick’s Day, call your VCA veterinarian or, if it’s after hours, access free 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA™ app.
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