How Christmas Decorations Can Be Dangerous for Cats: Tips to Protect Your Pet

Winter holidays are a favorite time of year for many people. Bright decorations are an integral part of the Christmas and New Year period. Pets are often fascinated by the festive atmosphere, but some aspects of it can pose dangers. Our veterinarians at the Animal Clinic network of veterinary centers have shared tips on how to keep your pet safe during the holidays.

Cats and Holiday Decor: Tips for Decorating Your Home

Do you love decorating your home for the New Year holidays? You’ve probably noticed how curious cats can be about the process. They enjoy playing around, but these “games” can sometimes lead to unfortunate outcomes. Here’s a list of hazardous decorative items and advice to help protect your pet’s health.

Ribbons and Tinsel

A curious cat left alone with such decorations may not only play with them but accidentally ingest them. This happens due to the anatomy of a cat’s tongue, which has tiny hook-like papillae that face backward. Once a ribbon gets in their mouth, the cat cannot spit it out and will keep swallowing until it ends up in the esophagus. This foreign object can get stuck at the base of the tongue or pass into the stomach. The consequences can be severe:

• Intestinal trauma.
• Development of peritonitis.
• Intestinal rupture.

If you see tinsel hanging from your cat’s mouth, never pull it out to avoid damaging their internal organs. Instead, take your pet to Animal Clinic immediately. There, they will perform an ultrasound or CT scan and carefully remove the foreign object surgically.

To avoid such incidents, it’s better not to place tinsel on your Christmas tree. If you can’t imagine the holidays without it, hang it on a curtain rod or a ceiling light fixture—somewhere the cat absolutely cannot reach.

Glass and Electric Decorations

Cats love knocking Christmas ornaments off the tree, which can cause them to shatter into sharp fragments that may injure your pet. We recommend replacing ordinary strings for hanging decorations with strong wire for a more secure hold.

A cat might chew on an electric garland and get an electric shock. Consider replacing such decor with battery-powered alternatives, trendy oversized bows, or hanging citrus slices at the tree’s base to keep your pet at bay.

Securing the Christmas Tree

Remember, a cat can jump on the tree at any moment, knocking it over and potentially injuring itself. To prevent this, secure your tree properly. Place it in a sturdy bucket and tie the lower branches to it. As an additional stabilizer, you can place water-filled bottles around the base.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and festive atmosphere for both you and your furry friend!