5 Holiday Safety Tips for Cats
Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by Holly Anne Dustin
Regardless of what holiday season you’re celebrating, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s Eve, there are safety concerns for you and your kitty. The holidays are full of fun and festivity, but the busyness of season can be stressful. These 5 holiday safety tips for cats will keep your feline friends safe while you enjoy your holiday season.
Knowing your cat is important to predict what kind of trouble he’s likely to get into. If you have a food hound cat, make sure your kitchen safety is up to scratch. If you have a curious cat that will be the first one to climb the tree then you will want to pay attention to your decorations first. Keep a special eye on your door darters on Halloween and New Years Eve.
Discover Halloween safety tips for cats, read more by clicking here
Contents
1. Food Hazards
Holiday foods are rich, fatty, sweet and highly seasoned. There are special foods that your cat can eat just fine, things you can share if you cook it first and season after, and things Kitty should not partake in.
You know your cat best. A cat with a varied daily diet is a lot less likely to end up with digestive upset by sharing your holiday meal than a cat who eats the same brand and style of food every meal. That cat might not even be interested in the treats you try to share.
Consider the total amount of unusual or fatty foods you are adding. You don’t want your cat to end up with digestive distress or pancreatitis.
Related Post: For more tips about a Safe Thanksgiving for Cats, click here
Meat
The obvious big treat Kitty will go after is whatever protein you are serving. If you don’t brine your bird, skip the salty ham for Kitty and don’t highly season your roast, it’s okay for Kitty to share. Peeling the skin off the turkey, or cutting a slice of roast from the center will solve most of the over seasoned and fatty issues. Leave off the gravy. Kitty won’t miss it and he doesn’t need the fat, salt and seasoning.
Bones
Never, ever, feed cooked bones! Get the bones, trimmed fat, and grease and twine out of the house. Don’t leave the carcass or baking dishes sitting on the stove while you eat dinner unless you can shut Kitty out of the kitchen. If you are a raw feeder, you know what raw bones your cat can handle. The giblet package that comes with your bird is cat safe although the liver can be too rich if your cat isn’t used to it.
Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits aren’t a big part of a cat’s diet. As obligate carnivores they do not need them. But if cooked and fed in moderation most veggies won’t hurt Kitty. Green beans (but not green bean casserole with all the fried onions), carrots, sweet potatoes and squash or pumpkin are all fine to share with Kitty if he wants to try it. Skip anything with onions, garlic, chives, scallions or green onions. Kitty isn’t likely to go for the cranberry sauce, but it won’t hurt him if he does.
If Kitty is trying to eat the mashed potatoes, it is the butter and cream he wants. Most cats are at least somewhat lactose intolerant. If your cat is likely to get digestive distress, don’t share dishes with lots of cream or butter. Don’t let him sample mashed potatoes or Hanukkah latkes seasoned with garlic or onions. And skip the stuffing. They season most stuffing with onions, garlic, mushrooms and spices that aren‘t good for Kitty.
Related Post: Tips for a Cat-Safe and Happy Easter Holiday
Sweets
Baked good like Christmas cookies, cakes, Hanukkah donuts and sweet breads are better skipped. General theory says cats don’t taste sweet. My crowd seems to enjoy them, but it is more likely the fat that is attracting them.
If you’re proofing rolls or bread keep it in the oven where your kitty can’t get it. Yeast dough is dangerous if Kitty eats it. Keep him away from the chocolate coins and other holiday chocolates, nuts, anything with grapes or raisins.
Related Post: Learn about Chocolate Poisoning in Cats by reading this post.
My cats want to fight me for my eggnog and whipped cream or ice cream on my dessert. I might let the ones that aren’t bothered by lactose share, but only if there isn’t anything alcoholic added.
2. Decorations
Christmas Tree
Your beautiful Christmas tree presents a few dangers to Kitty. Make sure the tree is stable and securely anchored in a stand. If you have climbers consider anchoring the tree to the wall.
If you have a real tree, make sure you keep the needles swept up. They can cause digestive distress and have the potential to cause internal injuries. An artificial tree carries its own risks, fake snow and flocking is dangerous if cats try to eat it. Plastic “pine needles” can cause obstructions.
Put away your glass ornaments. A broken ornament can cut your cat‘s paws. The wire hangers are a choking hazard. Hide the light cords from chewers. Skip the tinsel. Take care with ribbons and bows, strings and thread on ornaments. They can all cause obstructions if Kitty eats them. A big vet bill won’t add any holiday cheer.
Related Post: Click here for a more in-depth post on how to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree.
Candles
Diwali, Hanukkah, Advent, Christmas, and Kwanza all involve the use of candles. The U.S. Fire Administration says candles cause more fires in December than any other time. Don’t leave your Kitty unattended with access to your Menorah, Advent wreath or Kwanzaa Kinara.
Make sure candles are on a stable surface and at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Hanukkah tradition says candles have to burn out or remain lit for at least a half hour. Be sure Kitty is in another room if you leave the candles burning while opening gifts. Take care with your Advent wreath too. I almost set a church on fire with one once. I can imagine the damage a tail could do, or the paw of a curious kitten reaching for the flickering flames.
A better choice, if you can, is to use battery operated tealights or candles in your decorations around your cats.
3. Plants
Many plants used for decorations at this time of the year are toxic or irritating to cats. Consider using silk versions of the toxic plants instead of the real thing, especially if you have curious kittens. Avoid lilies at all costs. Check with the Poison Control Line to see the what options are best for your decor. Ask your house guests to consider the following list if they want to bring a gift.
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettias
- Eucalyptus
- Lilies
- Mums
- Amaryllis
- Daffodils
- Christmas rose
- Bittersweet
- English ivy
You don’t want your kitty to have access to potpourri and pine or cedar oils. If you have a snow globe, be sure that your cat can’t break it. The liquid inside is toxic to cats.
4. Parties and Noise
Holiday parties can be a lot of fun, but they can also be stressful for cats. It’s important to make sure that your furry friend feels safe and comfortable during these events. Here are some tips to help keep your cat calm and happy during parties and other noisy events:
Related Post: For more on holiday stress and your cat, click here.
- Set up a safe space for your cat. This should be a quiet, secluded area where your cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Make sure there are plenty of hiding places, such as boxes or cat condos, and provide your cat with a comfortable bed or blanket to snuggle up in.
- Encourage your cat to take a nap before the party starts. A good play session beforehand can help tire your cat out and make them more likely to sleep through the noise.
- Remind guests to keep doors and windows closed to prevent your cat from escaping. Make sure your cat’s microchip information is up to date just in case they do manage to get out.
- If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party, try to keep the noise to a minimum. Pull the shades, put on some white noise or classical music, and keep your cat’s safe space as far away from the celebrations as possible.
- Educate your guests about holiday safety tips for cats. Make sure they know not to feed your cat any human food, and remind them to keep their belongings out of your cat’s reach.
- If you can’t avoid fireworks or other loud noises, consider using a Thundershirt or Rescue Remedy to help your cat feel calmer. Make sure your cat’s safe space is as far away from the noise as possible.
Related Post: More tips on how to keep your cat calm during fireworks is available in this related post.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat stays safe and happy during holiday parties and other noisy events. Remember, your cat is a part of your family, and it’s important to make sure they feel loved and cared for during this busy time of year.
5. Holiday Safety Tips for Cats While Traveling.
If you are the one visiting out this holiday season, work with your cat to get her used to travel before starting out. She must be comfortable in her carrier in the car. Leash and harness training will make staying in a hotel or other unfamiliar space easier.
Don’t leave your kitty home alone. If you don’t take her with you hire a petsitter or board her.
Summary
Keeping our feline friends safe during the holidays is crucial in order to ensure they have a happy and healthy season. By following these simple tips, we can prevent any potential hazards or accidents and make sure our cats can enjoy the festivities with us. Remember to keep decorations out of reach, monitor their food intake, create a quiet and safe space for them, and be mindful of their stress levels. With a little extra care and attention, we can make sure our holiday celebrations are enjoyable for both us and our beloved cats. Happy holidays!
