Christmas in Australia, but it is a period when veterinary clinics see an increase in injuries due to decorations, holiday plants, and other festive hazards. Common risks include ingesting tinsel or ornaments, which can cause intestinal blockages, and getting injured by breakable decorations or electrical wires from lights.
🧵 1. Tinsel & Ribbon
Why it’s dangerous: Cats love to chew and swallow string-like items. Tinsel, curling ribbon and metallic strands can cause:
intestinal blockage and perforation of the gut (a life-threatening emergency)
Signs of ingestion: Vomiting, loss of appetite, painful belly, hiding.
Safety tip: Avoid tinsel entirely on trees in homes with cats.
🪅 2. Ornaments
- Glass ornaments can shatter → cuts to paws and mouth
- Small ornaments can be swallowed
- Sparkly, dangling items trigger hunting instincts
Safety tip: Place delicate or small ornaments higher on the tree.
🌲 3. Christmas Trees (real or fake)
Real trees:
- Pine needles can puncture the mouth or digestive tract,
- Tree water often contains fertiliser, mould, or preservatives → stomach upset
Fake trees:
- Plastic needles can be swallowed
- Climbing or knocking the tree over can cause injuries
Safety tip: Cover tree water, secure the tree base, and avoid chemical additives.
🕯 4. Candles & Wax Melts
Cats can burn themselves or knock candles over, causing fires. Wax melts and essential oil diffusers can also contain toxins.
Safety tip: Use LED candles or keep real ones far from cat access.
🍫 5. Toxic Foods
Common holiday foods dangerous to cats:
- Chocolate
- Raisins & sultanas (found in fruitcake, Christmas pudding, mince pies)
- Onions & garlic (in stuffing, gravy, meats)
- Alcohol
- Xylitol (in sugar-free sweets)
Safety tip: Keep plates and treats out of reach.
🎁 6. Gift Wrap, String and Packaging
Gift ribbons and bows are an intestinal obstruction risk. Plastic wrapping can cause choking.
Safety tip: Clean up wrapping quickly and don’t leave ribbon unattended.
🌿 7. Toxic Christmas Plants
- Lilies (EXTREMELY toxic; pollen alone can cause kidney failure)
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia (mildly toxic but causes drooling/vomiting)
Safety tip: Avoid lilies entirely—real or artificial with real pollen residue.
🔌 8. Fairy Lights & Electrical Cords
Cats may chew cords. Risks:
- Electric shock
- Burns
- Fire hazard
Safety tip: Use cord protectors, tape down wires, or unplug when you’re not home.
🧶 9. Snow Globes
Some imported snow globes contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze) — fatal to cats even in tiny amounts.
If a snow globe breaks, treat it as an emergency.
🎶 10. Stress from Visitors, Parties, and Noise
Cats can become overwhelmed during busy holiday gatherings. Signs of stress:
- hiding
- vomiting
- inappropriate urination
- aggression
Safety tip: Provide a quiet room with a litter tray, bed, water, and hiding places.
🐾 Quick Safety Checklist
- No tinsel
- No lilies
- Secure the Christmas tree
- Keep cords protected
- Avoid toxic foods
- Clean up gift wrap quickly
- Keep candles out of reach
- Provide a safe quiet space during gatherings
By: Michelle Grayson – Animal Care Australia Cat Representative. Published: December 2025 ACE Newsletter
