How to Keep Your Christmas Tree and Decorations Safe for Cats, Dogs and Pet Birds

The festive season is a time of twinkling lights, shiny baubles and all things merry, but if you share your home with curious cats, playful dogs or inquisitive birds, Christmas can also bring unexpected hazards. 

From toxic plants to tempting tinsel, it’s vital to make your Christmas décor as pet-safe as possible while still keeping your home beautifully festive.

Here’s how to create a magical, and safe, Christmas wonderland for everyone in your household, paws, claws and feathers included.

Choose a Pet-Safe Christmas Tree

Real Trees:

Pine and fir trees aren’t toxic to most pets, but the oils in their needles can cause mild irritation or tummy upsets if chewed. The sharp needles themselves can also puncture paws or throats. If you go for a real tree, vacuum regularly and cover the water reservoir at the base — the stagnant water can contain bacteria, fertiliser or tree sap that’s harmful if lapped up by your pets.

Artificial Trees:

Artificial trees can be safer overall, but still watch for chew-happy pets. Make sure the base is sturdy to prevent tipping, and secure the tree to the wall or ceiling if your cat is a climber.

Pet-Proof Your Decorations

Tinsel & Ribbons:

Shiny, string-like decorations are irresistible to cats and can be deadly if swallowed. Skip tinsel entirely, or use it high out of reach. Avoid string, ribbon or angel hair, and choose thicker garlands instead.

Baubles:

Glass baubles look lovely but can shatter into sharp shards. Opt for shatterproof or fabric ornaments instead. Hang delicate decorations high up and use wire or twist ties rather than string hooks to keep them secure.

Lights:

Dogs and cats love to chew cords. Use cable protectors or cover wires with split tubing, and always switch lights off when you’re not home. 

For birds, ensure fairy lights are well out of reach, parrots and parakeets are notorious for chewing cables!

Candles:

Never leave candles unattended, wagging tails and flapping wings can easily knock them over. Battery-operated LED candles create a safe, realistic glow. 

Beware of Toxic Plants

Many festive plants are toxic to pets — here’s a quick guide:

Poinsettia: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; can cause drooling, vomiting or irritation.

Holly & Ivy: Both are highly toxic and can cause serious illness.

Mistletoe: Very dangerous to dogs and cats; even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse.

Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats – even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

Christmas Trees (needles & water): As mentioned, mild irritation or digestive upset possible.

Tip: Choose silk or artificial versions of these plants to enjoy the look without the risk.

For a full list of common festive plants and their effects on pets, see the PDSA’s Poisons and Hazards for Pets guide

Special Tips for Bird Owners

Birds are especially sensitive to fumes and chemicals. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Avoid aerosol sprays, air fresheners and scented candles, especially those with essential oils — they can be deadly to pet birds.

Skip tinsel and glittery ornaments, as shiny materials can attract birds who might chew or ingest them.

Be careful with non-stick cookware when preparing Christmas dinner — Teflon fumes are fatal to birds.

The Blue Cross Pet Holiday Safety Guide

 includes additional advice for keeping your pets comfortable and secure during the festive season.

Don’t Forget Pet-Safe Treats

Christmas food is rich and delicious — but not always safe for pets.

Avoid sharing:

Chocolate (toxic to dogs, cats and birds)

Christmas pudding, mince pies or fruit cake (raisins, alcohol and spices are dangerous)

Onions, garlic and salty snacks

Instead, make (or buy) special pet-safe treats so your furry and feathered family members can celebrate too.

A Safe and Sparkling Christmas

With a few adjustments, your Christmas home can be both festive and safe. Secure your tree, avoid toxic plants, keep cords and fragile ornaments out of reach, and always supervise your pets around decorations.

Because the best part of Christmas isn’t the lights or the tinsel — it’s spending the season with those you love, both human and animal.

Further Reading:

PDSA: Poisons and Hazards for Pets https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisons-and-hazards-for-your-pets

Blue Cross: Pet Holiday Safety Tips https://www.bluecross.org.uk/petholiday

RSPCA: Christmas Pet Safety Advice https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/christmas

Creating inexpensive Christmas wonderland décor for your home

Creating an inexpensive Christmas wonderland décor for your home can be a fun and creative project. You don't need to break the bank to make your home look festive and magical. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

DIY Ornaments: Create your own ornaments using simple materials like paper, felt, or even salt dough. You can paint or decorate them in a festive theme, and they'll add a personal touch to your tree.

Natural Decorations: Use elements from nature like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches to create beautiful centrepieces, wreaths, and garlands. These are often free and can be found in your backyard or a nearby park.

Twinkling Lights: String lights can transform any space into a Christmas wonderland. Look for inexpensive LED string lights to hang around your home, on your tree, and in windows. You can often find these at discount stores.

Charity Shop Finds: Check out charity shops or second-hand shops for affordable Christmas decorations. You can often find unique and vintage items that will add character to your décor.

Paper Snowflakes: Create paper snowflakes to hang from your ceiling or windows. They're easy to make and add a delicate touch to your décor.

Candles: Candles can create a cosy and warm atmosphere. Look for inexpensive, unscented candles in Christmas colours and place them in decorative candle holders or mason jars.

DIY Christmas Stockings: Make your own stockings using old fabric or felt. You can personalise them with names and decorate them with simple embroidery or fabric paint.

Christmas Cards: Display your received Christmas cards on a string or a ribbon. It's a simple and sentimental way to decorate your space.

Christmas Printables: You can find free or low-cost Christmas printables online, including wall art, banners, and labels. Print and frame these to add a festive touch to your walls.

Repurpose and Recycle: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed into Christmas décor. For example, old glass jars can become festive candle holders, and a plain tablecloth can be transformed with some paint or fabric markers.

DIY Wreath: Make your own Christmas wreath using materials like old ornaments, pinecones, and ribbon. You can often find plain wreath forms at craft stores for a reasonable price.

Festive Table Settings: Create a festive table setting with inexpensive tablecloths, placemats, and napkins. You can also use holiday-themed dishes and cutlery.

Homemade Scented Pinecones: Add a wonderful holiday scent to your home by making scented pinecones. Simply dip them in a mixture of water, cinnamon, and a few drops of essential oils, then let them dry.

Budget-Friendly Tree Décor: Opt for a smaller Christmas tree, or use a table top tree. Decorate it with homemade ornaments, popcorn strings, and inexpensive tinsel.

Holiday Music and Movies: Don't forget to set the mood with Christmas music and films. They're a low-cost way to add to the festive atmosphere in your home. You can find many classical Christmas films on YouTube.

Remember that the key to creating an inexpensive Christmas wonderland is to get creative and use what you have. Incorporate your own personal touches to make your home feel warm and inviting during the holiday season.