Holiday Cat Safety Tips from 24Petwatch

Keeping your cat safe during the holiday season

By Lauren Rey

The holidays are almost here and if you have a cat, you probably already know that they’ll be lining up to inspect the Thanksgiving turkey and battle with the Christmas tree. While the holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year” — when it comes to our feline friends, this time can also be one of the most dangerous.

From turkey to tinsel, the holidays are full of potential dangers for cats, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your holiday decorations or celebrations. Let’s cover everything cat parents need to know to celebrate the season safely — and hopefully, keep their Christmas tree intact!

Decking the halls safely

From Thanksgiving floral arrangements to holiday wreaths, and of course — every cat’s favorite, the Christmas tree, decorating for the holidays is all part of the fun. However, some holiday decorations can be hazardous for cats. Here’s what cat parents should keep in mind when decking the halls for the holidays.

Toxic holiday plants and flowers

If you’re thinking about a floral centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or some boughs of holly for the Christmas buffet, you may want to reconsider if you have cats. Many cats find plants and flowers tempting to chew or eat, which can lead to accidental poisonings, choking hazards, or intestinal obstructions. And since cats can reach even the highest of shelves, it’s hard to just place these items “out of reach.” Before bringing any holiday plants or flowers home, be sure they are cat-safe, or choose faux varieties. Holiday plants that can be hazardous for cats include:

• Lilies

• Azaleas

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Yew

• Amaryllis

• Chrysanthemums

• Poinsettias

Christmas tree safety

Cats and trees go together like peanut butter and jelly, so naturally, most cats will instinctively want to climb a Christmas tree — and that’s before you fill it with shiny, dangly ornaments that resemble cat toys. So, it’s no surprise that most cat parents struggle to keep their cats out of their Christmas trees.

Unfortunately, Christmas trees can be filled with hazards for cats. From the pine needles, ornaments, and tinsel that can all present choking hazards or intestinal obstructions if swallowed, to toxic tree water if ingested, and lights that can pose electric shock risks if chewed.

Cat-proofing your Christmas tree can be tough and may look a little different for every cat parent, depending on the type of tree you have, your home’s layout, and just how obsessed your cat is with your tree. If possible, choosing an artificial tree may be safer for your cat, reducing the risk of fallen pine needles and toxic tree water. Regardless of what type of tree you choose, ensure it’s secured as firmly as possible so if your cat does climb it, it doesn’t fall over. And if you can, place your tree far away from other furniture, to reduce your cat’s ability to jump into the tree. When decorating, avoid any fragile ornaments, ribbons, or tinsel, and use cord protectors on lights and electrical cords.

If you’ve cat-proofed your Christmas tree as best as possible but your cat has still claimed it as their own, you may want to consider using barriers or restricting your cat’s access to the tree by keeping them in a separate room when you’re not home. You can also ask your vet about deterrent sprays.

Lastly, some cat parents have had luck with offering cats their own tree as a deterrent. There are several cat-friendly trees available at pet retailers, made from cat-safe materials and with plenty of perching and hiding spots. Sprinkle a little catnip on the tree and hopefully your feline friend will forget all about the other one with the decorations!

Candles and scents

Whether you’re burning your favorite Christmas candle or lighting up your Menorah for Hanukkah, you’ll want to use caution with candles around cats. Curious cats can get burned or knock candles over, so it’s a good idea to keep candles far out of your cat’s reach and never leave them lit when unattended.

While flameless candles and diffusers may be safer, if you’re using essential oils or other scented products, be sure to choose pet-safe varieties. Some essential oils can be toxic for cats, including common holiday scents like cinnamon, peppermint, and pine.