Smart Holiday Safety Tips Every Cat Parent Should Know

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The holidays bring twinkling lights, festive feasts, and cozy nights at home, but for our feline friends, all that excitement can spell trouble. Cats are naturally curious, and holiday decorations, rich foods, and noisy gatherings create an environment full of potential hazards. With a few simple precautions (and the right products), you can keep your cat safe, calm, and comfortable all season long.

Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy During the Holidays

1. Create a Calm, Secure Space

The holiday hustle can disrupt your cat’s sense of security. Visitors, loud music, and changes in routine can make even confident cats anxious. Set up a quiet, familiar room with their bed, litter box, and favorite toys so they can retreat when things get too lively.

To help them feel even more at ease, consider giving your cat a calming chew or adding a cozy covered cat bed to their favorite napping spot. These small comforts help maintain their routine and reduce stress when guests are over or during noisy celebrations like New Year’s Eve.

Pet Honesty Calming Chew

These tasty chews are the secret weapon for peaceful holidays. Made with natural calming ingredients like chamomile and melatonin, they help soothe anxious pets during noisy celebrations or crowded gatherings. Pet parents love how easily they can create a more relaxed environment for both cat and dog alike. By keeping pets calm, these chews reduce the risk of nervous escapes or destructive behavior when guests arrive, making your home happier and safer through the season.

Bedsure Cat Beds for Indoor

Every cat deserves a cozy retreat from the holiday chaos. This plush, donut-style bed wraps your kitty in warmth and security, offering the perfect spot for naps while guests bustle about. The non-slip bottom keeps it steady on slick floors, so no sliding surprises. Providing a safe hideaway helps cats feel grounded and less anxious around decorations and new noises. It’s a soft sanctuary that keeps your feline happy, relaxed, and out of the gift wrapping.

2. Keep Holiday Foods Out of Paw’s Reach

Many holiday dishes, such as turkey skin, chocolate, onions, and dairy-rich treats, can be dangerous for cats. Even small amounts can upset their stomach or worse. Ask guests not to share food, and make sure trash cans are sealed tight.

Instead, offer your kitty something special and safe, like catnip, catnip treats or freeze-dried bites. This way, they can celebrate while staying healthy and happy.

Cat Crack Catnip

Give your cat the good kind of holiday buzz with this irresistible catnip blend. It’s pure, potent, and perfectly safe fun for even the fussiest felines. A few sprinkles turn playtime into a purring celebration, helping your cat release energy and reduce stress. By channeling excitement into safe play, Cat Crack helps prevent darting through open doors or attacking ornaments. It’s a joy-inducing treat that adds festive cheer without the holiday hazards.

Shameless Pets Catnip Chicken Crunchy Cat Treats

These crunchy bites combine real chicken with a hint of catnip to make tails twitch and whiskers wiggle. Packed with wholesome ingredients and free from junk, they’re a healthy way to indulge your cat during the holidays. They’re also a clever distraction when guests arrive or food hits the table. By focusing your cat’s attention on something safe and delicious, you help prevent sneaky climbs onto counters or curious sniffing around decorations.

Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Cat Treats

Single-ingredient snacks don’t get more satisfying than this. These freeze-dried chicken breast treats deliver pure protein and zero fillers, perfect for cats with sensitive stomachs or picky appetites. They make rewarding your cat simple and guilt-free. During the holidays, these treats help redirect your cat’s curiosity away from human food that might be unsafe. It’s a healthy way to include your feline in the festivities while keeping them safe from seasonal temptations.

3. Decorate With Cat Safety in Mind

Sparkling ornaments, dangling tinsel, and flickering candles are irresistible to curious cats. Unfortunately, they can also be hazardous if ingested or knocked over. Avoid tinsel and small decorations that could become choking hazards. For extra peace of mind, use battery-operated candles instead of real flames, and avoid toxic plants like poinsettias, holly, and lilies.

Keep fragile ornaments higher on the tree, secure your tree base, and cover electrical cords with protective tubing. A motion sensor pet alarm can help keep adventurous climbers out of the branches. A pet camera can also help you keep an eye on things, too. To keep kitties from tree climbing, surround the base with a cat tunnel or protective fence.

THIRDREALITY Zigbee Motion Sensor

This motion sensor adds a little smart security to your holiday setup. Get instant alerts if your cat or dog wanders into off-limits spaces, like the kitchen during dinner prep or near the Christmas tree. It syncs seamlessly with your smart home system, offering extra awareness when you’re distracted by guests or gifts. It’s a small gadget that helps prevent big accidents, making your home safer for curious pets during the holiday hustle.

Furbo Mini 360° Pet Camera

The Furbo Mini 360° lets you keep an eye on your furry family while you’re out shopping or visiting relatives. With live streaming, motion tracking, and two-way talk, you can check in, say hi, or calm them down. It’s peace of mind for pet parents who want to know their cats or dogs are safe during the busiest time of year. Catch trouble before it starts and make sure everyone stays merry and secure.

Cat Donut Tunnel Bed for Under Christmas Tree

Turn your Christmas tree skirt into a cozy playground with this clever donut tunnel bed. Cats love curling inside its soft circle while still feeling part of the action. It gives them a designated spot to lounge so they’re less tempted to climb the tree or bat at ornaments. This bed blends right into your décor, creating a festive yet safe haven for your curious kitty amid the holiday sparkle and excitement.

Wooden Christmas Tree Fence

Protect your beautiful tree from curious paws with this charming wooden fence. It adds rustic holiday flair while creating a barrier between your cat and those shiny, tempting ornaments. Easy to assemble and sturdy enough to stay put, it prevents accidents, toppled trees, and tangled lights. It’s a stylish, stress-saving way to keep your decorations safe and your pets happy throughout the most wonderful (and chaotic) time of the year.

4. Prevent Escapes and Outdoor Dangers

With people coming and going for gatherings, it’s easy for a cat to slip out unnoticed. Always check doors and windows, and remind guests to be mindful of indoor-only pets. A door alarm or smart pet alert system can help prevent escapes, while a GPS tracking collar is an invaluable backup if your cat ever gets out.

If you have an adventurous cat who loves watching the world go by, a secure window perch or screened porch enclosure can give them safe outdoor enrichment without the risks.

GE Personal Security Window and Door Alarm

This simple yet smart alarm gives you peace of mind when guests are coming and going. Attach it to doors or windows, and you’ll hear an alert anytime one opens. It’s an easy safeguard against pets slipping outside during the excitement. Perfect for curious cats and sneaky dogs, it ensures everyone stays safely indoors while you entertain. It’s affordable, effective, and a must-have for keeping holiday chaos from turning into a chase.

Tractive Smart Cat GPS Tracker6

This lightweight tracker attaches to your cat’s collar and gives you real-time GPS updates straight to your phone. If your feline friend sneaks out amid the festivities, you’ll know exactly where they are. It’s waterproof, rechargeable, and built for adventure. With Tractive, pet parents can relax knowing their cat’s curiosity won’t lead to holiday panic. It’s a simple tech solution for keeping every whisker safe and accounted for.

Cordless Cat Window Perch

Let your cat enjoy a sunny holiday view in total comfort with this sturdy, cordless perch. Strong suction cups hold it securely, giving your kitty a front-row seat to falling snow or neighborhood carolers. It frees up furniture while providing a calm retreat from the bustle. Offering a secure window seat helps your cat stay content and out of danger zones like hot stoves or open doors during the holidays.

71.1″ L Large Cat Catio with Window Access

Give your indoor cat a taste of the outdoors without worry. This roomy catio attaches safely to your window, creating a secure mini patio where your cat can lounge, watch birds, and soak up sunshine. Fresh air and enrichment meet total safety, even during the busy holiday season. No escaping, no risk—just happy whiskers. It’s a win for cat parents who want adventure without anxiety.

5. Ease Stress from Guests and Celebrations

Some cats love socializing; others would rather observe from afar. Fireworks, laughter, and music can be overwhelming, especially during big holiday parties. Play calming sounds, close curtains, and offer interactive toys or puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated in their safe space. Calming treats or pheromone diffusers can also help anxious cats stay relaxed.

And if your cat tends to get overstimulated or jumpy, short training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques can help them build confidence around guests.

Potaroma 3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Cat Toy

This smart toy keeps your cat entertained for hours with spinning feathers, rolling motion, and surprise pops of play. It’s an instant boredom buster during long winter days. Perfect for keeping your kitty active while you wrap gifts or host guests, it redirects energy into safe, supervised fun. By preventing destructive behavior and holiday décor attacks, this toy helps your cat stay stimulated, happy, and out of mischief.

Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin Out Puzzle & Play

Challenge your cat’s mind with this adorable puzzle feeder. Hide treats inside, and your feline will use their paws and brain to unlock tasty rewards. It’s perfect for curbing overeating while providing mental stimulation. During the holidays, it keeps your cat safely occupied and less tempted by human food or decorations. Interactive play means calmer cats and fewer accidents—exactly what every festive home needs.

CAT SCHOOL Clicker Training Kit

Training your cat is easier (and more fun) than you think. This kit includes a clicker and step-by-step guidance to teach tricks, manners, and better communication. Building positive habits helps reduce stress and behavioral issues during the holidays, when routines get disrupted. A well-trained cat is less likely to dart outdoors or explore unsafe areas. It’s learning, bonding, and safety all rolled into one clever kit.

6. Include Your Cat in the Celebration Safely

Cats love routine, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the holiday spirit. Treat them to a new toy, a festive collar (with a quick-release clasp for safety!), or a special catnip blend to mark the occasion.

Consider gifting your feline friend an interactive laser toy or treat-dispensing puzzle, great for keeping them entertained while you entertain guests.

4 Pack Christmas Cat Collars with Bow Tie and Bell

Dress your kitty in holiday cheer with these festive collars featuring adorable bow ties and gentle bells. Adjustable and comfortable, they’re as safe as they are stylish. The soft bell lets you know where your cat is, even during busy gatherings, helping prevent surprise pounces on decorations or doors. It’s a small accessory that adds big seasonal charm and a touch of safety sparkle.

YVE LIFE Laser Cat Toy

The YVE LIFE laser toy keeps your cat chasing and pouncing without you lifting a finger. With automatic movement and adjustable speed, it’s perfect for burning energy before guests arrive. A tired cat is a happy, well-behaved cat, especially when there’s food and decorations around. Safe play helps prevent accidents and mischief, giving pet parents a calmer, smoother holiday season.

Interactive Cat Toys Treat Puzzle

This treat puzzle makes mealtime fun and functional. Your cat learns to paw and nudge for hidden rewards, keeping them mentally sharp and physically active. It slows down eating while channeling curiosity in a safe, productive way. During the holidays, it’s a lifesaver for distracting cats from unsafe snacks or ornaments. It keeps minds busy, tummies satisfied, and your home peaceful.

PetSafe SlimCat Cat Treat Ball

Turn snack time into playtime with this rolling treat ball. As your cat bats it around, kibble dispenses slowly, promoting exercise and mindful eating. It’s ideal for indoor cats who need stimulation during winter festivities. Engaging their hunting instincts safely helps prevent mischief and overeating when the house is full of tempting aromas. The result: a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat throughout the holidays.

Joy, Sparkle, and Curious Paws Everywhere

The holidays are meant for warmth, love, and connection, and your cat deserves to enjoy that, too. By making small adjustments to your décor, routine, and environment, you’ll protect your feline friend from seasonal risks while keeping their curious spirit alive. With a little awareness and the right mix of comfort, safety, and play, your cat can have a holiday season that’s merry, bright, and full of purrs.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.