Christmas Decorations that are safe for your cat
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start getting your family in the holiday spirit. The festivities wouldn’t be complete without our furry best friends, but how can you keep your holiday decor safe for your cat companion?
Below, we’ll share some Xmas decorations that are safe for your cat so that everyone can safely enjoy the Christmas fun. We’ll also cover some common holiday items you might want to avoid as they can be potentially toxic to pets.
Rethink Your Tree
One of the most tempting items to our feline friends is the Christmas tree. Fresh Christmas trees can be full of pesticides and potentially toxic to your cat. Faux trees can be a safer choice, but if your cat can’t resist mingling with this decoration either, you might want to seek out an alternative option.
If you have a curious kitten at home, you can seek out alternative Christmas trees, or even opt for a cardboard Christmas tree or wall decal. You can also find custom made feline-friendly trees complete with built-in shelving for gifts.
Spruce Up The The Tree Strategically
If you do choose to have a traditional Christmas tree, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly anchored to a wall, preferably in a corner where it has lots of support. In addition, it might make sense to keep your tree in an area that can be easily closed off as your cat might become a bit too curious when he’s left unsupervised.
When decorating your tree, try to stay away from fragile ornaments as much as possible and tie decorations directly to the tree. The sharp, metal hooks can be dangerous around cats, plus tying helps keep everything firmly in place.
When it comes to electric lights, you’ll want to be very careful about tucking away at any loose ends. Your cat might interpret these as some sort of glowing string if they aren’t taught enough, so make sure you take the time to secure lighting properly.
Tuck Away The Tinsel
While tinsel can be festive, it can be toxic to cats if ingested. That being said, if you choose to decorate your home with Tinsel, make sure it is high up, out of reach, and secured properly to deter your cat from messing with it.
Opt For Faux Plants
While holiday lilies can be super cheery, they are extremely toxic to cats along with Poinsettias, Holly, and Mistletoe. If you want to add some holiday greenery to your household, it might make the most sense to opt for Faux plants. You can even spray these plants with a cat deterrent to help them stay safe.
Alternatively, you can put out some plants that are safe for cats. Plants like the Ponytail Palm, Hibiscus, Boston Fern, Spider Plant, Bamboo Palm, Money Tree, Roses, and some types of succulent plants are all safe for use around your feline friendly home.
Treat Your Cat To Some New Toys
Cats are naturally very curious creatures so they may be prone to destroying holiday decor if they don’t have something else to focus on. Treat your feline friend to some new toys. You can find a plethora of toys that are Christmas themed which will help your home stay in the holiday spirit.
Prepare Your Cat For Company
The holidays can be an extremely stressful time for cats, so don’t forget to prepare your cat for the newfound guests entering your home along with the decor. During these get-togethers, your cat might feel most comfortable in a space of his own where he can be closed off from the commotion.
While the holiday season sure is a lot of fun, it’s important to make sure your home remains feline friendly to keep your cat companion safe. Enjoy spending time with felines and family members who matter most.
