Holiday Safety Tips for Cats: How to Keep Your Kitty Safe This Christmas

The holidays can be a joyful time for humans, but for cats they often mean noise, crowds, unfamiliar smells, and hidden dangers around the house. Whether you’re hosting guests or traveling, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your cat calm, safe, and healthy during Christmas and New Year’s.
Here are our essential holiday safety tips for cats.

1. Create a Safe Room if You’re Hosting Guests
If you’re having people over, especially loud or unfamiliar guests, consider setting up a quiet room just for your cat.

A safe room should include:

• Food and fresh water
• A clean litter box
• A cozy bed or hiding spot
• Familiar blankets or items with their scent

This helps reduce stress and prevents accidental escapes when doors are opening constantly.

2. Be Careful with Candles, Fireplaces, and Decorations
Open flames are one of the biggest holiday hazards.

• Never leave lit candles unattended
• Keep cats away from fireplaces and hot radiators
• Avoid dangling decorations that can be pulled down

Cats are curious by nature, and one jump can cause burns or accidents.

3. Watch Out for Ribbons, Tinsel, and Gift Wrapping
Many festive items look like toys but are dangerous if swallowed.
Avoid leaving around:

• Ribbons, string, bows, and tinsel
• Plastic wrap and packaging materials

Ingesting these can cause serious intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery.

4. Do NOT Feed Cats Human Holiday Food
It’s tempting to share, but many holiday foods are toxic to cats.
Never give cats:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate, sweets, or anything with sugar or xylitol
• Alcohol
• Fatty foods (turkey skin, gravy, butter)

Stick to your cat’s regular diet to avoid stomach upset or worse.

5. Christmas Trees and Plants: Proceed with Caution
If you have a Christmas tree:

• Secure it so it can’t tip over
• Avoid tinsel entirely
• Cover the tree water (it may contain fertilizers or bacteria)

Be especially careful with toxic plants, including:

• Lilies (extremely dangerous for cats)
• Poinsettias
• Mistletoe

When in doubt, keep plants out of reach or skip them altogether.

6. Fireworks and Loud Noises
Fireworks, loud music, and sudden noises can be terrifying for cats.

• Keep windows and doors closed
• Play soft background music to mask loud sounds
• Make sure your cat is safely indoors during New Year’s celebrations

Never bring cats to fireworks displays.

7. Traveling for the Holidays?
If you’re traveling, cats usually do best staying in their familiar environment.
A professional cat sitter or in-home boarding caregiver can:

• Maintain your cat’s routine
• Reduce stress
• Provide updates and peace of mind

At Kitty in NY, we carefully match each cat with a caregiver who understands their personality and needs, even during the busiest holiday season.

A Calm Holiday Is the Best Gift
Cats don’t need decorations, parties, or presents.
They need consistency, safety, and calm.
With a little planning, you can enjoy the holidays knowing your kitty is comfortable and well cared for.

Need holiday care for your cat?
Contact Kitty in NY and tell us about your cat and your travel plans. We’ll help you find the best caregiver available in your area.