Read our 10 tips and trips to ensure your cat is safe and happy at Christmas.

Christmas is on its way which for us means fun times aplenty. But for our pets, the arrival of trees, fancy food, toys and guests can have an impact.

Longhaired grey cat in front of Christmas presents

Photo by Clay Shonkwile via flickr / Creative Commons

Here is a checklist to ensure your cat’s festive season is a safe and happy one:

If your cat is tempted to climb the Christmas tree, discourage them from doing so – and never encourage them to play with decorations
Ensure that the base of the tree is as sturdy as possible just in case your cat decides to have a mountaineering adventure when your back is turned!
Avoid glass baubles which can break, and tinsel which can get stuck in cats’ throats and tummies
If you have a real tree, cover up the base so your cat can’t get at it. The water may contain preservatives which are poisonous to cats
Vacuum around a real tree frequently as pine needles can hurt your cat’s feet
A number of festive plants are potentially fatal to cats, including mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, ivy and Christmas roses so choose carefully and keep them out the way. Find out which plants may be harmful here

Photo by Rosana Prada via flickr / Creative Commons

Restrict any turkey you give your cat to a small amount of cooked boneless meat for his Christmas dinner and take account of any treats like this in your cat's daily food ration
Some rich foods like chocolate are poisonous to cats so should be off the menu

Ensure any toys you buy for your moggy are suitable for cats
After opening presents throw away the wrapping – string and ribbon could be dangerous if your cat eats them

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski via flickr / Creative Commons

If there are friends and relatives visiting, this could be quite stressful for your cat, so provide a quiet place for them to hide with access to their food, water and a litter tray – party bangers, Christmas crackers and the general hubbub can all be disturbing to a cat
Try using Feliway, a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone that helps to support and comfort cats. Pheromones are important for cats to recognise safe and familiar parts of their home – they do this by rubbing their cheeks against objects and areas to leave the pheromone behind. They regularly top these up as they go around the home. Feliway provides this pheromone during times when they are not able to mark for themselves due to stress or changes in environment. We are currently offering 25 per cent off Feliway products in our online shop (see offer details at www.catsprotectionshop.co.uk)