Holiday Hazards for Cats: Trees, Tinsel, Food and Guests

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Holidays are a joyful chaos of lights, smells, visitors and food, and for a curious cat it can feel like an obstacle course of temptations. Many emergency vet visits spike in the holiday season. A few precautions let everyone enjoy the celebration.

Christmas trees

• Secure the tree with a heavy base or an anchor, since climbing cats can topple it.
• Cover or empty tree water, which can contain bacteria, fertilizers or preservatives.
• Sweep up needles, which can irritate the stomach and mouth.
• Choose a sturdy artificial tree if your cat is a chewer, and check for loose parts.
• Use cord covers on lights to prevent electric shocks and burns.

Tinsel, ribbon and string

Linear foreign bodies are among the most dangerous holiday hazards. Cats love to bat and swallow tinsel, ribbon, yarn and wrapping string. These can wrap around the base of the tongue or twist through the intestines. If a cat swallows string, do not pull on it. See a vet at once. See cat vomiting causes and the emergency warning signs guide.

Ornaments and decorations

• Keep glass and breakable ornaments higher on the tree.
• Avoid edible ornaments such as salt dough, which can be toxic if eaten.
• Keep batteries and small decorations out of reach.
• Avoid snow sprays and artificial snow.
• Skip tree fire retardants unless they are pet-safe.

Plants

Lilies are deadly, including in bouquets. Even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. See lilies and cats. Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting and other signs. Poinsettias are mildly irritating. Choose safe options. See toxic houseplants for cats and cat-safe houseplants.

Food and drink

Holiday foods are rich and often toxic.

• Chocolate and caffeine. See is chocolate toxic to cats and is caffeine toxic to cats.
• Onions and garlic, often in stuffing and gravy. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
• Grapes and raisins, in cakes and puddings. See are grapes and raisins toxic to cats.
• Alcohol. See is alcohol dangerous for cats.
• Xylitol in sugar-free candy. See is xylitol toxic to cats.
• Bones and fatty scraps. See can cats eat bones.

Keep trash secured, and ask guests not to feed the cat. Give cats their own treats instead. See healthy cat treats.

Candles, fireplaces and scents

Cats can knock over candles or singe whiskers. Use flameless candles, or keep flames out of reach. Avoid essential oil diffusers and potpourri, which can be toxic. Keep fireplaces guarded.

Guests and parties

Noise and strangers can stress cats.

• Provide a quiet, closed room with food, water, litter and a hiding place.
• Ask guests to keep doors closed, so the cat does not escape.
• Make sure the cat has ID. See cat microchipping and identification.
• Warn guests about medications in handbags.
• Keep routines, such as meals and play.

Shy cats may hide for hours. Let them. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat if a visiting pet is coming.

Gifts and new pets

Think twice before giving a cat or kitten as a surprise gift. A pet is a long-term commitment. If you are adding a kitten, wait until the holiday bustle is over, so it can settle in calmly. See kitten-proofing your home.

Travel

If you travel, arrange care in advance. See cat sitter vs boarding and leaving a cat alone. For car trips, see how to travel with a cat by car.

Be prepared

Save the number of your vet, an emergency clinic and a poison helpline. Check holiday opening hours ahead of time. Use the US vet directory to find an emergency clinic. See cat-proofing your home and winter safety for cats for year-round precautions.

Cat-friendly celebrations

Give your cat a holiday of its own. Set up a new cardboard box, a window perch with a view of the lights and a few safe toys. Offer a special meal in the cat's usual portion, such as a spoonful of plain cooked turkey, and keep the rest of the feast out of reach. Cats love routine, so keep play and affection steady while the house is busy. A relaxed cat is less likely to get into trouble.

Keep it calm

Cats value routine. Feed and play at the usual times, provide a hideaway and give extra attention in quiet moments. A calm cat is a safe cat, and holidays are more fun when nobody ends up at the emergency clinic.