Top 10 Holiday Safety Tips for Cats (Guests, Décor, Food)

1) Secure the Tree, Wires & Breakables

• Anchor your tree to the wall/ceiling or use a heavy, wide base. Falling trees can injure cats.
• Cover tree water (stagnant water can be contaminated by fertilizers and bacteria).
• Run light cords neatly; use cord covers. Unplug when you’re out.
• Skip fragile ornaments on lower branches; choose shatter-resistant plastic or wood.

2) Plants to Avoid (Lilies, Mistletoe, Holly, Poinsettias)

• Lilies: extremely dangerous to cats—even tiny amounts can cause kidney failure. Avoid bouquets with lilies.
• Mistletoe & holly: can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases heart issues.
• Poinsettias: usually cause mild to moderate stomach upset; still keep out of reach.
• Safer alternatives: silk/latex versions or pet-safe plants; place real plants in off-limits rooms.

3) Food & Drink Hazards (Chocolate, Xylitol, Grapes/Raisins, Alcohol)

• Chocolate & cocoa: keep all sweets out of reach.
• Xylitol: sugar-free gum/candies and some baked goods may contain it—store away.
• Grapes, raisins, currants: often in fruitcakes/trail mixes—avoid.
• Bones & fatty leftovers: can splinter or trigger GI upsets/pancreatitis.
• Alcohol: any amount is unsafe—watch cocktails and “soaked” desserts.

4) Tinsel, Ribbon & Small Objects (Blockages)

• Tinsel, curling ribbon, ornament hooks, twist ties are irresistible string-like hazards that can cause intestinal blockages.
• Use wide fabric ribbon for wrapping and store supplies in latched containers.
• Clean up as you go; vacuum glitter, sequins and tiny beads.

5) Candles & Essential Oil Diffusers

• Candles: use covered or flameless options; never leave flames unattended around tails and whiskers.
• Essential oils: diffusers can bother feline airways; some oils (e.g., tea tree, wintergreen) are toxic if ingested/absorbed. Ventilate and avoid using around cats.

6) Guests & Open Doors (Safe Room, ID & Microchip)

• Before guests arrive, set up a quiet “safe room” with litter, water, food, hideouts and a perch.
• Door-dashers: add a baby gate or “Cat inside—please close the door” sign by exits.
• Confirm microchip registration and ensure collars/tags have current info.

7) Trash, Leftovers & Table Scraps

• Use lidded, tip-resistant bins; tie trash bags and take them out nightly.
• Clear plates quickly; keep strings/mesh from roasts out of reach.

8) Meds & Cleaning Supplies (Lock Them Up)

• Houseguests may carry meds in purses or coat pockets—provide a closed cabinet or basket.
• Keep disinfectants and surface cleaners put away until dry; most are irritating if licked.

9) Emergency Plan & Numbers

• Post your vet and nearest ER clinic by the fridge.
• Poison help (24/7): ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
• If exposure happens: remove access, don’t induce vomiting unless a vet instructs, and call immediately.

10) Calm Enrichment So Cats Can Opt-Out

• Pre-party play (two 10-minute wand sessions) to take the edge off.
• Offer puzzle feeders/foraging mats in the safe room.
• White-noise or soft music helps mask doorbells and chatter.

Light Picks: Name-Reveal & Keepsake Gift Ideas

Gifts shouldn’t disrupt routines. If you want a subtle, pet-friendly keepsake, these are made from your photo (no templates):

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