Christmas cat hazards

Christmas trees

Cats love to climb, so they tend to see Christmas trees as an opportunity for a lot of fun. Unfortunately, real trees can produce oils that irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach, and pine needles are sharp and dangerous if swallowed. On the other hand, artificial trees are lighter and can topple easily if your cat jumps up. Either way, secure your tree with a heavy base or tether it to a wall to prevent accidents.

Decorations

Glass baubles can shatter and cause cuts, while tinsel and ribbons can block your cat’s intestines if swallowed. Tinsel, in particular, is the cause of a huge number of vet visits every Christmas, so we'd strongly advise you find a different source of sparkles instead. Any decorations should be secured high up, and choose unbreakable ornaments where you can. It may seem cute to see your cat pouncing and chewing on the decorations, but it’s much safer to redirect this playfulness to cat-safe toys.

Electrical wires and fairy lights

Chewing fairy lights can cause shocks, so don't put temptation in your cat's way. Cover exposed wires wherever you can, and switch off lights when unsupervised. For extra safety, use battery-powered lights.

Read more: How to have a magic Christmas with your pet

Festive plants

Poinsettia, mistletoe, holly berries,  and amaryllis should be avoided or at least kept well out of reach. Call your vet immediately if your cat ingests any of them, as they can lead to all sorts of conditions, from stomach irritation to severe poisoning. Lilies are especially dangerous to cats - including the popular Christmas Lily - as eating even a small amount of any part of the plant (including licking some fallen pollen from their paws) can make a cat extremely ill.

Toxic festive foods

Chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, and alcohol are all bad for cats, even in small amounts. Even just a few drops of alcohol can cause symptoms from vomiting to coma. Garlic and onions can be found as added flavourings in many human foods, and can cause serious anaemia in cats. Wipe up spills and dropped food immediately and keep drinks and nibbles out of reach. Cooked bones can splinter, causing mouth injuries or internal blockages, so clear leftovers away promptly and keep food safely out of reach.

Read more: What is poisonous to cats?

Snow globes and candles

Snow globes often contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which is highly toxic to cats if ingested. If broken, they also pose risks from glass shards. Candles can burn curious cats or get knocked over, causing fires. Keep snow globes and candles away from your cats.

Read more: 8 winter safety tips for pet owners

Stress and anxiety

Although not strictly a danger, it's best to try to make your cat's Christmas as stress-free as possible. Loud noises, new visitors, and changes to routine can be very stressful for cats. Your cat should have a quiet space where they can retreat and still have access to food, water, and a litter tray. It's also best to be prepared to say no to guests who desperately want to see your cat - as disappointing as it might be for them, your cat should have the right to choose when to be social. If your cat has certain health conditions, such as urinary tract conditions, inflammatory bowel disease or cat flu, high levels of stress can cause flare-ups, so don't let a busy holiday season cause any emergency vet visits.

Choking and blockage hazards

Over Christmas, there might be quite a few things cats should definitely not be eating, but they'll often try anyway. Small gifts and toys are a hazard for this reason, so keep them safely far away from your cat when they aren't in use. Similarly, silica gel packets, often found in packaging, may attract curious cats. While not toxic, they can swell when eaten and cause intestinal blockages.

Read more: 9 Christmas foods that are dangerous to pets

Winter weather hazards

For outdoor cats, winter weather brings additional risks. Ice and snow can get stuck between their toes, and road grit or salt can irritate their paws. After your cat returns indoors, wipe their paws to keep them comfortable and safe. Read our tips on how to help you keep cats (and dogs) safe and happy when it's wintery.

What to do in an emergency

If your cat has been hurt or eaten something toxic during the festive season, contact your vet. Remember to check your vet’s emergency cover to ensure you know how and where to access care if it’s needed.

Need more advice?

If you’re concerned about any of these Christmas hazards, or if there's anything else concerning you or your cat, speak to your local vet or vet nurse. 

Find your nearest vet using our find a vet page, or speak to one of our vets online using our video vets service.