How to decorate for Christmas safely for your cat
Christmas often means extra decorations and cosy lighting during the darker months. When you share your home with a cat, it’s important to think about safety while decorating. Cats love to explore high places, investigate new objects, and play with anything that moves or sparkles—and some common Christmas decorations can pose real risks.
Candles and Light Strings
Cats don’t understand that candles are hot, and open flames are often an underestimated danger. A cat can easily knock over a candlestick, pull on a tablecloth, or get too close to a flickering flame. Young cats, in particular, may find candlelight fascinating, which can lead to burns on paws, whiskers, or fur.
Cats should never be left alone with lit candles, and candles should always be placed well out of reach.
If you feel unsure about using candles, LED lights are a safer alternative. They create a cosy atmosphere without the risk of burns. However, light strings still need to be secured properly:
Avoid leaving long cables hanging down where your cat can play with them
Attach lights firmly to the tree or window frame
Place lights high up and out of reach
Only leave plugs in the socket when you are in the room
This reduces the risk of your cat becoming tangled or chewing on electrical cords.
Decorating the Christmas Tree Safely for Your Cat
Cats are natural climbers and excellent balancers, which makes a decorated Christmas tree especially tempting. Shiny baubles, dangling decorations, and lights can quickly turn the tree into a dangerous play area.
Broken glass ornaments can cut paws or mouths, and swallowed pieces can cause serious internal injuries. Tinsel, ribbons, and packing strings can lead to intestinal blockages, which may be life-threatening without prompt veterinary care. Needles and bark from real trees are not digestible and can irritate or damage your cat’s digestive system. In addition, water in the tree stand—and tree resin—can be toxic if licked or drunk.
What to Keep in Mind When Decorating the Tree
Sweep up fallen needles and branches regularly
Cover the tree stand so your cat cannot access the water
Secure all light cables close to the branches and avoid loose wires
Never use candles in the tree
Choose decorations made of wood, straw, or other solid, non-breakable materials
If you use glass ornaments, hang them high up and out of reach
Make sure the tree is stable—use a sturdy stand and consider securing the tree to the wall, especially if you have a young or energetic cat
A thoughtfully decorated home helps ensure that Christmas is cosy, festive, and safe—for both you and your cat.
