Create a cat-safe Christmassy home with this advice!
Are you gearing up to decorate your home for Christmas, but aren’t sure how to balance that and being a good cat owner? Cats are notorious for climbing into Christmas trees or playing with anything that is shiny. Anything that looks like a cat toy, like tinsel, is also up for games. The holidays can pose some risks for pets; check out these cat-safe Christmas decoration tips below.
Limiting Fragile Decorations
Fragile decorations, even those high up on Christmas trees, will face some risk of damage if you have pets. Limit your use of fragile Christmas decor if you have curious and playful cats that like to get into things. You can also display these items out of reach and secure them in their place.
Using Hardy Christmas Decorations
There are plenty of alternative Christmas materials you can use for cat-safe Christmas decorations, such as wood, plastic, and tin. Even Christmas wrapping paper and fabric made from thick materials can be used in creative ways around your home, such as bows, paper chains, Christmas couch cushions, and more.
Keeping Decor Out of Reach
Once again, it’s a good idea to keep fragile decor out of reach if possible, limiting it to high shelves and near or on the ceiling. If your cat is very well-behaved or just disinterested, then you won’t have to worry as much.
Fortifying the Christmas Tree
If you have a Christmas tree, use a sturdy, heavy base to lessen the chance of it falling over if your cat climbs it. Protect electrical wires or use battery-operated lights instead. You can also make sure ornaments are secured in place so they do not fall off if the tree shakes.
Keeping Toxic Plants and Food Away from Your Pets
Certain Christmas plants and foods are toxic to cats. For plants, they include poinsettias, amaryllis, lilies, hollies, and mistletoes. As for foods, onions, garlic, spices of all kinds, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol are off limits.
Give Your Cats Their Own Decor to Play With
Your pet cats can join in on the holidays in their own way. Hanging bell ornaments at the bottom of the tree can give cats something to play with, along with other Christmas-themed toys. If they have their own entertainment, they may be less inclined to go where they shouldn’t.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
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