Your cat’s guide to Christmas

‘Tis the season for turkey, stuffing, and everyone’s favorite—crispy roast potatoes. Christmas is a time for gathering with your family and friends and savoring all the deliciousness the holiday brings.

While it’s important to soak up the wonder of this magical season, don’t forget to make sure your cat enjoys this special time of year too. Keeping your kitty safe this Christmas means knowing the “do’s and don’ts” of holiday cat safety, and we’ve got your guide to everything you need to know.

Safe Christmas foods for your cat

With the scents of mulled wine filling your kitchen and the aroma of rosemary drifting from the oven, it’s hard not to want to share the delicacies of Christmas with your favorite feline. No more than 10% of your cat’s diet should come from treats, and that’s especially true during the holidays.

We know you want to include your feline friends in the festivities, so here are some foods that are safe to feed your cat—in limited amounts—this Christmas:

• Turkey: The big question every pet owner wants answered is, “Can my cat have some turkey too?” The answer is yes! Just make sure the bites they get are unseasoned, fully cooked, and boneless. Certain spices, like garlic and onion, can make a cat sick, so be sure your cat’s turkey portion is plain but tasty.

• Apples: If apple pie is on your Christmas menu this year, your cat is in for a treat. Apples provide a nutrient-rich source of vitamins that are healthy for your furry friend. Before assembling the pie, cut up an apple slice into small pieces for your kitty to nibble on—it’ll be just like dessert for them.

• Potatoes: Whether you boil, bake, or mash them, potatoes are a Christmas staple on every holiday table. And good news for your cat—they can enjoy them too. Just be sure to offer only fully cooked and plain potatoes. Raw potatoes can be toxic to cats, and butter can upset their stomach, so stick to the unseasoned, cooked variety and your cat will dine happily.

Christmas foods to avoid

While sharing is caring, there are some risks when it comes to giving certain Christmas treats to your cat. A cat’s digestive system is very different from ours, so foods we eat regularly could have serious side effects on your cat’s health.

Here’s a list of Christmas foods to avoid giving your cat this holiday season:

• Chocolate: With friends and family visiting, there are bound to be tins of chocolate on the tables for sweet treats. But remember—your cat is curious and likes to climb, so any bowl left out (and unattended) is a sure temptation. Chocolate is extremely toxic to cats and can make them very ill if eaten, so keep the candies and wrappers out of reach this Christmas or send them home with guests to make sure your kitty stays safe.

• Alcohol: It should go without saying that alcohol is not a cat-approved menu item, but during the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it’s a good idea to know where all the wine glasses are set throughout your house. Curious kitties love to explore, and half-finished wine glasses left on tables by guests can be dangerous for your feline friend. Even just a few sips of alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea for your cat, so make sure your guests keep their drinks with them at all times.

• Raisins: Fruitcake and oatmeal raisin cookies might be some of your favorite holiday treats, but raisins are extremely dangerous for cats. Be mindful when planning your menu this holiday season, since this fruit can cause irreversible and sometimes fatal kidney failure if eaten by your kitty.

If your cat does get a hold of any of these “no-no” foods, call your veterinarian right away for help.

Feline-friendly festive décor

Along with delicious foods, the Christmas spirit comes alive with decorations throughout your home for that cozy, winter wonderland feel. But as a cat owner, it’s important to know which festive décor items could be potentially harmful for your feline friend.

Adding festive plants around the house to boost the holiday spirit can, unfortunately, be dangerous for your cat. While there are many plants that are safe and non-toxic for your cat, traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are extremely toxic to cats. If you’re set on having those red and green holiday vibes, consider using artificial plants that bring the same festive cheer but are safe for your cat.

Another popular décor item during the holidays is beautifully scented candles. The flicker of the flames and the scent of warm vanilla can make your home feel extra cozy in winter. But open flames, whether candles or fireplaces, can be a big danger for your cat during the holidays. A curious cat can quickly get burned, or worse, knock over a burning candle and start a fire. Instead, try flameless candles for a festive glow and keep a gate in front of the fireplace.

Finally, as you add lights around the house and on the Christmas tree, remember to keep those electrical cords covered. You can’t stop your cat from being curious, but you can stop them from getting hurt. Exposed electrical cords are like an open invitation for cats to chew, and you don’t have to be a cat owner to know that’s not a good thing. So as you deck the halls with sparkling lights, make sure you tape down and cover the cords so your curious kitty can stay safe and enjoy the view too.

Cats and Christmas guests

As you welcome friends and family into your home to celebrate Christmas, remember that it’s your cat’s home too. While your cat may not pay the mortgage or bills, they definitely feel a sense of ownership over where you live.

So what do you do if your cat doesn’t like houseguests? With all the commotion that comes with hosting people at Christmas, be mindful of your cat’s personality to make sure their needs are met for a peaceful holiday season. Some cats love company while others are shy, so before you tidy up the guest bedroom, here are some tips and Omlet products to consider:

• Create a kitty cave: If your cat is shy around strangers, it’s super important this holiday season to make sure they have a place to escape. Dedicate a room in the house where your cat can retreat to avoid any stress. You can even add a climbing tree, like the Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree designed by Omlet, so your cat can have some festive fun of their own.

• Tire them out ahead of time: The best way for your cat to avoid holiday stress is to sleep right through it. Before your guests arrive, make sure you get in some quality playtime with your furry friend so they’ll be ready to nap. The Switch Light Up Cat Scratcher from Omlet is a great way to tire them out before the party starts.

• Cozy quarters to the rescue: While some cats like to hide when new people come over, many are open to meeting new faces and making new friends. But all cats like to have their own space when they need it. So for the kitty that likes to mingle—but not for too long—make sure they have a cozy spot to retreat to when they need a break. The Maya Donut Cat Bed from Omlet will keep your kitty comfortable and cozy, and it looks great in any home.

Keep the stress and demands of holiday prep at bay by using these tips and products to make your cat’s Christmas one to remember. Without a doubt, you’re at the top of their Christmas wish list too.

This entry was posted in Cats