11/29/2025
My family and friends are not the only ones who will be getting something special from “Santa” this year. Since our pets are part of our family, they will also receive “Christmas stockings”. Speaking of stockings, I would like to ask you to help me, SPOT - Stray Pets of Tehama and the Red Bluff Kiwanis Aktion Club “stuff” dog and cat stockings for the homeless residents of the Tehama County Animal Care Center. In the spirit of the season, from now through Wednesday, December 10, we are asking for toy and treat donations to fill the animals’ stockings, so they may have the happiest of holiday seasons. Should a family open their home to welcome one of these homeless animals into it, the stockings will be part of a wonderful beginning. Last year we filled 88 stockings and hope to surpass it this year, since there are over 100 animals waiting for loving homes.
Whether you are buying for your own pets or the shelter’s residents, it is important to be sure that the toys are safe for the animals to enjoy. After all, a rapid trip to the veterinarian is not on any person’s wish list. Typically, many of us operate under the assumption that if something is manufactured for a pet, it is safe. Unfortunately, like many other things we consume or use, that is not always the case.
Toys and regular playtime are integral to providing a healthy environment. Play provides an outlet for energy, mental and physical stimulation, and an increased opportunity for everyone to bond. However, some factors contribute to a toy being safe or hazardous. An animal’s size and activity level are a couple elements that should be considered as to whether a toy is appropriate or not. A dog who is teething does not play like an older pet whose teeth are worn. A lively puppy craves different toys than a calm adult dog.
A catnip-stuffed mouse is a common toy for cats, and we know dogs typically enjoy tearing apart a stuffed “squirrel” with a squeaky inside. Some dogs like to carry around, or cuddle with soft toys, so pick one that is large enough to prevent accidental swallowing and sturdy enough to withstand any dog attacks. When examining stuffed toys, be sure that they do not contain any dangerous fillings such as nutshells or polystyrene beads, which can be choking hazards. Be aware, though, that even stuffing considered safe is not truly digestible. Cotton, polyester, kapok, etc. can cause blockages in your pet’s digestive tract if swallowed. Fabric toys, of course, can still be used, but once the seams start to open, remove all the filling or replace the toy. I am constantly amazed by how much the dogs still adore their favorite toy devoid of its stuffing and the ever-loved squeaky.
Another factor to consider is that the large number of items most attractive to our pets, especially this time of year, are often the things that are the most dangerous. Some examples would be string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's small plastic toys and anything easily swallowed. Tinsel, fake “icicles” and cellophane grass for baskets are also dangerous. A word of caution… if you are thinking about giving rawhide chew toys, please be aware that they can become choking hazards or cause blockages, so only give them when the animal is supervised. Safer choices are either the Nylabone®-type or Kong®-type products, which are available in a variety of fun shapes and sizes. Among those are feeder-type toys which can be filled with treats. By moving them around with their mouth and paws until they get all the goodies, dogs can keep themselves busy for hours. Tennis balls also make great toys but, again, keep a watchful eye out to be sure that they are not chewed through.
Cats are quite easy to amuse. In fact, a crumpled ball of paper, an empty paper towel roll, a box or an open paper shopping bag can enthrall your cat for quite some time. There is really no need to buy toys for cats, but with so many cute ones available it is often hard to resist getting a few. When evaluating toys for your cat, pay attention to small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. The "fishing pole" type toys (a long rod with a string attached that has feathers or Mylar strips dangling at the end) are good for cats who only bat at them and are supervised while playing with them. However, if your cat is one who puts everything in his mouth, it could prove to be quite dangerous. Cats have tongues covered with rearward-facing barbs that make it hard for them to spit out items like string, ribbon, yarn, rubber bands, etc. So, if you are going to buy any cat toys, you might consider cat-proofing them, too.
If you are making a donation to the “Stuff a Stocking” drive, please bring it to either the Tehama County Animal Care Center at 1830 Walnut St., Red Bluff, CA (530-527-3439) or North Valley Services (Red Bluff Kiwanis Aktion Club) at 645 Antelope Blvd, Suite 13, Red Bluff, CA. Also, a small holiday message from you to put in the stockings would be quite special. PLEASE spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers about the “Stuff a Stocking” drive, it would be very appreciated. Thank you.
My family and friends are not the only ones who will be getting something special from “Santa” this year. Since our pets are part of our family, they will also receive “Christmas stockings”. Spea…
