Dear Diary,

… 16 days till Christmas. The festive season is upon us!

For many, this is already a busy time. Buying presents, planning meals, decorating your house, making sure everyone is happy … 

Now add your feline friend to it and it could become even more stressful.

Cats are famously curious and there’s a lot going on during this time of the year that will grab your cat’s attention. And who can blame them, it is an exciting time. 

So, here are some tips on how you and your cat can have a merry and relaxed holiday season. 

The cat and the tree

One movie comes straight to my mind when I think of cats and trees - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with the Griswold family. 

In particular, the scene where the white long-haired Angora is being fried whilst chewing on the lights. Not a happy ending for the cat anyway…

Fact is, some cats are full of mischief when it comes to the tree. I’m pretty sure Jamie would be one of them. 

His newest favourite pastime is jumping onto the drying rack and knocking off the clothes. It gives me the creeps because it looks really wobbly and not safe at all. But he clearly loves it and seems to know what he’s capable of.

So, I have no doubt that he would accept the challenge to tackle the top of the tree immediately. And then pulling it to the ground. Hence, I decided against a tree. 

But, there are ways you can have both a cat and a tree. 

How to cat-proof your Christmas tree

Baubles are so much fun. They meet every requirement to make the perfect cat toy. They sparkle, they dangle and can be pawed at. 

And once on the floor, they can be kicked around.

The same applies to the shiny tinsel, angle hair and garlands. 

Plus, playing with this stuff will certainly annoy the human. So it’s a great way to get their attention. Not.

Some cat-safe Xmas tips: 

• No glass baubles. Plastic is your friend here.

• No tinsel. If eaten it can cause stomach blockage. 

• Properly attach the decoration to the branches. 

• Avoid hanging your decoration too close to the bottom.

• Opt for a heavy tree base and cover the water-filled base.

• Secure the wires from your lights.

Ideally, you keep the tree behind closed doors. Especially when you’re away and during the night.

Be careful with Christmas trees & plants 

The oils produced by some trees (such as pine) are mildly toxic for cats. It’s mainly the needles that can cause digestive issues or worse puncture intestines when eaten. 

Douglas fir and spruce are in general fine. To be on the absolute safe side, go with an artificial tree.

Other poisonous Christmas plants you should avoid are poinsettia, holly, lilies and amaryllis.

No-go Christmas food

Cats can be so greedy! But there are some foods you definitely shouldn’t share with your cat as they’re toxic:

• Grapes

• Dried fruits - especially raisins

• Chocolate

• Nuts but mostly macadamias 

• Baked goods made of yeast dough

• Onions, garlic & chive

Hopefully, this post helps you get the best prepared so that you can enjoy your Christmas without worrying about your cat. 

PS. Here’s an early Christmas treat for you. Jamie having fun in the drying rack.