The jingle bells are ringing, and the lights are twinkling! The most wonderful time of the year is here– and it feels even more magical because we get to share it with our furry family. As the season fills our homes with sparkle and excitement, our furry besties feel the joy just as much as we do. But all that festive fun can bring a few risks, especially for curious paws and playful noses. Here’s a quick guide to keeping the celebrations safe, fun, and filled with love—so you can enjoy every moment together with cuddles, calm, and their favorite Maxime treats.
Christmas as the Ultimate Catto Tower
To your catto, that majestic Christmas tree looks like the perfect, climbable indoor jungle gym. To your doggo, the low-hanging branches look like a giant chew toy!
Tip 1: Low-Hanging Decorations
Skip placing anything delicate or tempting (like small Christmas angels or fragile glass balls) on the bottom part of the tree. This area is the “danger zone” for swiping paws and hungry mouths. Keep the best ornaments high and safe.
Tip 2: The Tinsel Trap
Tinsel may look sparkly, but it’s a terrifying hazard, especially for cattos. Tinsel may be dangerous to cats—meaning if your catto ingests it, it can bunch up in their intestines and cause severe, life-threatening damage requiring surgery. Say “NOPE” to tinsel this year!
Cord Chaos and Bright Hazards
Christmas lights are beautiful, but their cords present a major hazard: chewing and electrocution. Plus, pets often view open flames as toys!
Tip 1: Secure the Wires
All accessible light cords are tempting targets for playful doggos and bored cattos. Use cord covers, tubing, or masking tape to secure wires tightly to the wall or floor. Never leave strands dangling where they can be chewed or become a strangulation risk during a frantic zoomie session.
Tip 2: Unplug When Leaving
When you aren’t home to supervise, make it a habit to unplug all lights. This eliminates the risk of electrocution if a pet decides to chew and prevents accidental fires caused by faulty wiring or playful batting—especially important for climbing cattos.
Tip 3: Candles are a NO-GO
Never leave burning candles unattended. A swishing doggo tail or a curious catto exploring a shelf can easily knock over a flame, causing a fire. Switch to battery-operated LED candles to get the festive glow without the danger.
Bye-Bye Breakables & Toxic Flora
A shattered glass ornament or a bite of the wrong plant can ruin the festive spirit in a second.
Tip 1: Choose Wisely
Swap out glass, ceramic, or sharp metal ornaments for pet-friendly alternatives made of wood, felt, plastic, or paper. This means a broken ornament simply becomes an annoying mess, not a trip to the emergency room. Place heavy, durable ornaments at the bottom for stability.
Tip 2: Say No to Edibles
Avoid decorations that look like food, such as gingerbread men or candy canes. These are irresistible to doggos and often contain ingredients (like high amounts of sugar or Xylitol) that are toxic or cause serious tummy pukes.
Tip 3: Beware of Toxic Plants
While they look lovely, plants like Mistletoe and Holly are toxic to pets and should be kept completely out of reach—or better yet, substituted with artificial versions. Poinsettias are generally less toxic than rumored, but they can still cause severe stomach upset if ingested. When in doubt, leave it out!
By taking a few preventative steps, you guarantee a safe, snuggly holiday where the only surprise is how much fun you have.
REFERENCES:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/pet-safety-during-holidays
