The holiday season fills our homes with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and fragrant plants… all of which can be irresistible to curious cats.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between a beautifully decorated home and your cat’s safety.

With a few smart swaps and simple precautions, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping your feline friend out of harm’s way.

The Christmas Tree: A Cat’s Ultimate Temptation

For cats, a Christmas tree is essentially a giant, sparkly climbing structure that appeared overnight.

According to the ASPCA, trees pose several potential hazards, but all are manageable with the right approach.

Secure your tree: Make sure your tree is tightly anchored so it can’t tip over if your cat decides to climb or bat at low-hanging ornaments. Consider placing it in a corner or securing it to the wall for extra stability.

Cover the water: Tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset if your cat drinks it. The AVMA also warns that water additives or preservatives can be hazardous. Keep the tree stand covered or use a tree skirt that blocks access.

Mind the needles: Fallen needles, whether from real or artificial trees, can cause mouth irritation or digestive issues if ingested. Vacuum regularly around the base of your tree to keep fallen needles cleaned up.

Decorations: What to Skip, What to Swap

Not all decorations are created equally when you share your home with a cat.

Skip the tinsel: The ASPCA is clear on this one; tinsel is one of the most dangerous holiday decorations for cats.

Its shiny, string-like appearance is irresistible, but if swallowed, tinsel can cause severe vomiting, an obstructed digestive tract, dehydration, and may even require emergency surgery.

Simply skip it altogether.

Choose shatterproof ornaments: Breakable glass ornaments can cause cuts or injuries if knocked off the tree and shattered.

According to the AVMA, swallowed ornament pieces can cause intestinal blockage or illness. Select shatterproof alternatives, especially on lower branches within paw’s reach.

Watch ribbons and string: Like tinsel, ribbons and string can cause serious digestive blockages if swallowed.

Keep gift wrap supplies stored away and remove ribbons from packages once opened.

Protect electrical cords: Cats who chew on Christmas light cords risk electrical shock or burns.

Use cord protectors, unplug lights when you’re not home, and consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative to both real candles and strings of lights.

Holiday Plants: Know the Risks

Several popular holiday plants can cause problems for cats if ingested.

Lilies are the biggest concern: According to the ASPCA, lilies can cause kidney failure in cats and should be avoided entirely in homes with felines.

Holly and mistletoe: Both can cause gastrointestinal upset, and in rare cases, mistletoe can cause cardiovascular problems.

The AVMA recommends keeping these plants well out of reach or opting for artificial versions.

Poinsettias—not as deadly as you’ve heard: While poinsettias have a reputation as highly toxic, the ASPCA notes they actually cause only mild to moderate stomach irritation.

They’re not life-threatening, but it’s still best to keep them where your cat can’t nibble.

The simple solution: If you love the look of holiday plants but worry about your cat, high-quality artificial versions offer the same festive feel without the risk.

Hidden Hazards You Might Not Expect

A few lesser-known dangers are worth noting:

Snow globes: The ASPCA warns that many snow globes contain ethylene glycol… the same toxic chemical found in antifreeze!

If a snow globe breaks, clean it up immediately and thoroughly, keeping your cat away from the area.

Salt-dough ornaments: Even when dry, salt-dough ornaments can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances if eaten. Keep homemade ornaments out of reach or choose cat-safe alternatives.

Guest medications: Holiday visitors may not realize how curious cats can be. Ask houseguests to keep medications and supplements in closed cabinets rather than purses or open suitcases.

Create Safe Alternatives

Redirecting your cat’s attention can help keep them away from holiday temptations.

Consider giving your cat their own “gifts” during the season… a new scratching post, interactive toy, or even a cat tree can provide appropriate outlets for climbing and play.

A well-entertained cat is less likely to investigate your decorations.

If Something Goes Wrong

If you suspect your cat has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Signs that something may be wrong can include sudden behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

Celebrate Safely

With a bit of planning, you can create a home that’s both festive and feline friendly. Your cat will thank you, and you’ll enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.

Your Pets are our Priority!

At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of your pets.

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Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.