Photo by @R.I.Nagy
Christmas can be a special time filled with sunshine, get-togethers and festive cheer. But while we’re busy enjoying the holiday season, we need to be aware that there are some risks for the feline members of our family at this time of year. From curious cats scaling the Christmas tree to sneaking human snacks, the festive season can bring unique challenges. Here are some tips we can all follow to help ensure our furry friends have a Safe and Meowy Catmas too.
Tips with food
What cat or human doesn’t love a treat?
Just be careful with certain festive foods around your cat though, as some common ones are toxic to cats.
These include:
- mince pies
- pudding
- fruit cakes
- chocolates
- raisins, sultanas and grapes
- onion
- garlic
- alcohol.
Keep these foods safely tucked away so your cat can’t get to them when you’re not around.
And let your visitors know not to sneak one of these treats to your cat too!
Also be aware of dangers like cooked bones – if swallowed, these can splinter and injure your cat internally.
Tip with Christmas trees
Our beloved cats are climbers, chewers and curious creatures! Especially with big new things.
Here are some ways to keep your cat safe around your Christmas tree:
- Have a smaller tree – this would either be too small to climb or if it can be climbed and it falls over, your cat shouldn’t hurt themselves very much.
- Have a heavy base on your tree – so if your cat climbs it, the tree may hold up and not fall over.
- Put the tree away from couches and other furniture – your cat could get on top of these to climb the tree.
- Make the tree less appealing to your cat – wrap foil around the tree base and put lemon or orange peels there too.
Tips with decorations
Which of our furry friends isn’t interested in new, shiny, sparkly things?
You should absolutely still decorate your tree and home if you want to.
There are just a few things to keep in mind:
- Shiny baubles will likely encounter a paw swipe or 10, and glass baubles can shatter. So choose plastic decorations, hang them higher up the tree and attach them securely.
- If eaten, sparkling tinsel can hurt your cat’s tummy. So again, try to keep it out of your cat’s reach.
- Twinkling lights can be dangerous if your cat chews or plays with them or the power cord. Try to keep lights out of your cat’s reach and use cord protectors.
- Switch off the tree lights when you’re not home.
Tips with plants
It’s always lovely to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a plant as a Christmas gift. Or to decorate your house with them for gatherings.
But some flowers and plants are toxic to cats.
So we think it’s safest not to have these flowers in your home at all, at any time:
- Amaryllis (Christmas lily)
- Bird of Paradise
- Daffodil
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Iris
- Poinsettia
- Tulip.
Check out Animal Welfare Victoria’s list of toxic plants for cats.
For decorative flowers, consider artificial plants instead.
A few final tips
- Ensure your cat has a quiet, safe space to retreat to if you are having a lot of people over or your festivities get very loud.
- Keep an eye out for your cat if you’re having a lot of people coming and going. Doors and windows may be accidentally left open by guests.
- When wrapping or unwrapping presents, dispose of ribbons, stings and plastic quickly so your cat can’t get a hold of them to chew on or play with.
- Keep your cat safely away from barbeque hot plates or lit candles – your cat’s curiosity may cause them to get too close to these danger spots.