Sant Jordi is one of the most exciting and significant traditions of the year in Barcelona. The books, the roses, and the festive atmosphere in the streets make it a very eagerly awaited day.
Beyond the iconic significance of the Sant Jordi rose, this holiday can also be a great opportunity to choose books that help to better understand our cats and dogs. Reading about animal behavior, well-being, and their health can bring us closer to them and help us care for them in our daily lives.
In this article, you’ll find some book recommendations for this year’s Sant Jordi, and we’ll also go over some safety precautions that you can keep in mind at home so that your cats and dogs can enjoy the celebrations safely.
Recommended books for this Sant Jordi if you live with a cat or dog
Some books are simply entertaining, while others also help us better understand the animals we share our lives with. For this Sant Jordi, we’ve put together a list of recommended reads for anyone who is eager to learn more about health, behavior, animal well-being, and bonding.
Recommended books to help you better understand your dog
The Forever Dog (Compañero para siempre) – Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib
This is a very interesting read for anyone interested in learning more about preventive health, longevity, and habits that can influence their dog’s quality of life. The book covers topics such as nutrition, lifestyle, the environment, and other factors that can help you better care for your dog’s long-term health.
Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy (La ciencia de hacer feliz a tu perro) – Zazie Todd
A clear, practical, and very easy-to-read book that helps readers better understand what a dog needs in order to live a happy, healthy life. It offers a modern perspective on behavior, bonding, enrichment, and companionship, using a respectful, evidence-based approach throughout.
Inside of a Dog (En la mente de un perro) – Alexandra Horowitz
This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to discover how dogs see the world and better understand many of their everyday behaviors. The author explores how dogs smell, perceive and interact with their surroundings from a scientific yet easy-to-understand perspective.
Recommended books to help you better understand your cat
Decoding Your Cat (Decodificando a tu gato) – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
This book is especially useful for people who live with cats and want to better understand their behavior and their emotional and environmental needs. It helps debunk common myths and offers practical tips for improving their well-being at home.
The Trainable Cat (Adiestra a tu gato) – John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis
A very interesting book that offers a better insight into how cats learn, how to enrich their daily lives, and how to improve your relationship with them from a respectful and well-informed point of view. It is especially useful for anyone who wants to provide more stimulation for their cat and strengthen their bond.
The Interpretation of Cats (Locos por los gatos) – Claude Béata
This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of feline behavior and emotional wellness from a clinical, research-based perspective. It helps readers better understand how cats experience their environment and what their actual needs are.
A book to broaden your perspective on the animal world
Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? (¿Qué saben los animales?) – Frans de Waal
A highly engaging popular science book that explores animals’ intelligence, memory, emotions, and learning abilities. While it doesn’t focus solely on cats and dogs, it does offer a very insightful perspective for better understanding the animal world from a scientific standpoint.
Many of these titles can be found in bookstores, department stores, or online retailers, but on a day like Sant Jordi, it’s also worth stopping by your favorite bookstore to ask if they have it in stock or if they can order it for you.
Sant Jordi at Home: What Should You Keep in Mind?
After all, Sant Jordi isn’t just about good books.
In many homes, it’s also a day when roses, ribbons, wrapping paper, and small decorations make their way inside—items that can catch the attention of pets.
That’s why, in addition to discussing books that help us understand them better, it’s also worth taking a moment to consider some practical tips for celebrating Sant Jordi more safely.
What is dangerous for cats and dogs on Sant Jordi Day?
The typical Sant Jordi rose may seem harmless, but it isn’t always.
You should be especially careful with:
- Decorative wheat ears: These can get lodged in the mouth, nose, ears, skin, or between the toes. Pets may swallow them and develop gastrointestinal problems; even if not swallowed, they can cause pain, inflammation, and, in some cases, infections.
- Rose thorns: These can cause small punctures or wounds in the mouth, face, paws, or skin if a pet bites, licks, or plays with them.
- Ribbons and strings: These are particularly appealing to many cats and can also end up in some dogs’ mouths. If chewed or swallowed, they can cause vomiting, digestive problems, and even serious blockages.
- Small ornaments: Shiny or moving ornaments can easily pique their curiosity. The problem is that they can break, be swallowed, and cause minor injuries or gastrointestinal issues.
Cats and the Sant Jordi Rose
Cats are often drawn to new objects. On a day like Sant Jordi, a rose with leaves, ribbons, string, or wrapping paper can easily become a very eye-catching temptation.
There are several reasons behind this interest. On the one hand, there’s the novelty: any new item in the house can pique their curiosity. On the other hand, there’s the texture and movement of the ribbons or loose leaves, which invite them to touch, bite, or play with them. And, in some cases, boredom or a lack of suitable options for exploring and chewing may also play a role.
The problem is that the Sant Jordi rose isn’t a toy. The thorns, ribbons, or strings can be especially dangerous if swallowed, and some parts of the plant can also cause discomfort in the mouth or digestive tract.
That’s why offering catnip (Nepeta cataria) can be a much safer and more enriching alternative. Not only is it appealing to them, but it also allows them to explore, nibble on, and interact with a plant-based product designed specifically for them. It’s a simple gesture and a great gift idea for Sant Jordi if you live with a cat.
What signs should you not ignore?
Occasionally, the problem is immediately apparent. Other times, it starts with subtle signs.
After playing with a rose, a sprig of wheat, a ribbon, or some wrapping paper, it’s a good idea to check for symptoms like these:
- Repeated sneezing.
- Head shaking.
- Watery eyes or eye irritation.
- Excessive drooling.
- Gagging or attempting to vomit.
- Vomiting.
- Pain when chewing or refusal to eat.
- Persistent licking of a specific area.
- Lethargy or apathy.
If you notice any of these signs or suspect that your cat or dog may have bitten or swallowed any of these items, it’s best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sant Jordi If You Have a Cat or Dog
Is the Sant Jordi rose dangerous for cats and dogs?
The rose itself isn’t always the main problem. What you really need to watch out for are the thorns, the decorative stems, the ribbons, the string, and the small decorations that usually come with it.
What happens if my cat bites a piece of string or a ribbon?
It can cause discomfort even if the pet doesn’t actually swallow it. The pieces can get stuck or irritate sensitive areas such as the mouth, nose, or paws. In the case of ribbons or string, the risk is greater if the pet swallows them, as they can cause serious digestive problems.
What if my dog plays with the rose or the decorations?
It is equally inadvisable. Thorns can cause small wounds, and ribbons, strings, or decorations can break, be swallowed, or cause digestive problems.
When should I consult my veterinarian?
If your pet experiences vomiting, gagging, repeated sneezing, excessive drooling, pain when eating, persistent licking, head shaking, or lethargy, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
What safe alternative can I offer my cat?
A simple and safer option might be catnip. It allows them to explore, nibble on, and interact with a plant specifically designed for them, without the risks associated with ribbons, string, or decorative tassels.
To keep caring for them even after Sant Jordi
Sant Jordi can be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy reading while also taking better care of the pets in our lives.
Choosing books that help us better understand our pets is also a way to care for them. And on a day like this, paying attention to small details like staples, ribbons, or packaging can help us prevent problems and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can also read our article on spikes in dogs and cats: protect them from this danger, find out how we provide stress-free veterinary care, or learn more about our approach to feline medicine. And if you have any questions or need veterinary care, at Balmesvet we offer 24-hour emergency veterinary services to help you whenever you need it.
We look forward to seeing you at Calle Balmes 205, 08006, Barcelona. We are hereto help you.
Balmesvet Veterinary Hospital
| Information | |
| Address | Carrer Balmes 205, 08006 Barcelona |
| Parking | Balmes 200 (30 min visits; up to 1 hour emergencies) |
| Phone | 931 173 173 |
| atencioclient@balmesvet.com | |
| Consultations | 8:30–20:00 |
| Emergency/Hospitalization | 24/7 |
Can we help you? Call us or make an appointment. 24/7 emergency services available.
Barcelona, C/ Balmes nº 205
931 173 173
info@balmesvet.com