Cat Holiday Safety Tips

Inspect holiday decorations for small, breakable parts and strings that cats may swallow or injure themselves with. Avoid tinsel and ribbons, which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Securely anchor your Christmas tree to prevent it from tipping over, and keep electrical cords for lights out of reach.

Keep toxic plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and lilies out of reach. Also, store away harmful foods such as chocolate, alcoholic beverages, and anything with xylitol. Use cat-friendly alternatives for festive displays and meals.

Create a safe, quiet space for your cat to retreat to when the home is busy or noisy. This area should include their bed, litter box, fresh water, and a few favorite toys. Ensure that your cat has continuous access to this space without interruption.

Inform visitors of your cat's needs and boundaries. This includes advising them not to feed your cat anything outside its normal diet and ensuring they're aware that your cat may need space and should not be chased or cornered.

Stick to your cat's regular routine as closely as possible, including feeding times, play sessions, and rest periods. Consistency helps minimize stress and behavioral issues.

Supervise your cat when they are in areas with decorations or during gatherings. If supervision is not possible, ensure your cat is safe in their designated quiet space.

During holidays with fireworks, keep your cat indoors, preferably in their safe space, with curtains closed. Play soft music or white noise to help mask the sounds of fireworks. Ensure all windows, doors, and cat flaps are secure to prevent escape.

Keep your vet's emergency number handy and familiarize yourself with the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic in case of an emergency.

Ensure your cat's identification is updated, including tags and microchip information, in the event that they escape or get lost.