Although we love to decorate our homes for Christmas, it can be quite dangerous for pets. Cats can be attracted to shiny Christmas decorations, which they then grab, causing the tree to be pulled over. If glass decorations fall off the tree and break, it can result in wounds if the pet stands on them. Chewing decorations such as lights can cause electric burns and tinsel can become tangled up in their intestines. Even Christmas plants can be toxic to pets and the contents of decorations such as snow globes can be fatal. So how can we decorate our home without creating a dangerous environment for our four-legged friends?
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The tree is usually the main area of interest for mischievous pets, especially cats
The smell of the tree may entice pets, but pine needles can be irritating and abrasive to the digestive tract if eaten. So opting for an artificial tree may be a better choice. If the tree can’t be anchored to the wall or ceiling, then using a heavy base should prevent it from being pulled over. You could even get creative with your Christmas tree by making one out of wood; or attaching a painting or sculpture of a tree to a wall. An alternative would be to get a smaller ‘table-top’ tree or protect your tree by placing a barrier around it. Decorations should be placed higher up the tree so that they can’t be grabbed easily. There are even ‘parasol’ trees available that have a tall trunk with branches only at the very top – purrfect!
If you do opt for the classic Christmas tree with decorations, ensure that they are secured tightly to prevent them from being pulled off by naughty pets. And opt for shatterproof decorations so that if they fall, they won’t cause any injuries. Baubles can be hung from the ceiling instead, or placed inside a jar or container so that they are out of reach. It is also important to ensure that the decorations aren’t small enough to be swallowed; as these can become stuck in your pet’s intestines.
What about garlands?
The same concerns apply to floral or other plant-based garlands at cat-reaching levels. Using paper to make garlands instead of decorating with tinsel can be a pawfect alternative. This is because if they do happen to get chewed, the paper should dissolve in the stomach; just remember to use pet-safe paints and glue.
And decorations?
Edible decorations can be made from ingredients such as flour and peanut butter, that way you don’t have to worry if they get chewed. Just make sure not to make them from saltdough as the level of salt in those recipes can be toxic.
Although many of the typical Christmas plants are toxic, there are a few plants that can give the same effect without being harmful to your pet, these include Christmas cacti, roses, white orchids, achira and autumn olive. These brightly coloured plants can be used to create a lovely Christmas atmosphere without the need for other decorations.
Candles can be dangerous in a home with pets, as they could cause a fire if they are accidentally knocked over or a pet could sustain an injury to themselves by brushing up against them. To enjoy candles safely, they could be placed inside a lantern to protect them or battery operated ones could be used. Just make sure they can’t be eaten by your pet!
One of the reasons that pets decide to grab Christmas decorations is because they look new and interesting, to distract pets away from the decorations, ensure that they have their own toys to play with, you could even make a puzzle toy such as a ‘destruction box’ to keep them busy or just give a cat a cardboard box to sit in!
Hoping everyone has a safe and happy Christmas holidays!
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