Christmas Cat Hazards
Christmas is full of cat dangers, from lilies to tinsel to festive food. Here are six to watch out for, and simple ways to avoid them.
The text version
- Lilies in bouquets
- True lilies are very dangerous to cats, even the pollen. Check bouquets and ask for lily-free flowers.
- Holly and mistletoe
- The berries and leaves can make cats ill. Keep them out of reach.
- Tinsel and ribbon
- Cats can swallow string, tinsel and ribbon, which can cause a dangerous blockage. Choose cat-safe decorations.
- Baubles and lights
- Glass baubles can break, and chewed fairy-light cables are an electric shock risk. Fix them out of reach.
- Food and drink
- Chocolate, raisins, onions, cooked bones and alcohol can harm cats. Keep festive food out of reach.
- The tree
- Fix the tree firmly, and keep an eye on climbing and on needles and tree water.
Questions people ask
Is tinsel dangerous to cats?
Yes. If swallowed it can cause a dangerous blockage, so choose cat-safe decorations or leave it out.
Is a Christmas tree safe for cats?
It can be, if it is fixed firmly and decorations are cat-safe. Keep an eye on climbing, needles and tree water.
What should I do if my cat eats something harmful at Christmas?
Call your vet or an emergency vet straight away and take the packaging or plant with you.
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