Essential Kitten Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holidays bring twinkling lights, cozy vibes, and lots of seasonal cheer — but for kittens, December can be a risky time of year. Young kittens are curious, fearless, and determined to explore absolutely everything… especially the things that are shiny, dangly, crinkly, or smell delicious.

Whether you're a foster, adopter, or animal lover celebrating at home, here are the most common holiday hazards — and how to keep your kittens safe through the season.

Christmas Trees: The Ultimate Kitten Magnet

For kittens, a decorated tree is basically a playground disguised as home décor.

Risks:

• Climbing can tip the tree over

• Needle ingestion (real and artificial)

• Biting light cords

• Breakable or sharp ornaments

How to kitten-proof your tree:

• Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line

• Use a heavy, stable base

• Keep breakable ornaments toward the top

• Avoid tinsel (seriously — it's dangerous)

• Unplug lights when you're not home

Tinsel & Ribbon: Pretty… and Potentially Deadly

Tinsel and curling ribbon are two of the biggest holiday dangers for cats and kittens.

Why it’s risky: If swallowed, these long, string-like materials can cause intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery.

Safer alternatives:

• Paper garlands

• Fabric ribbons

• Felt decorations

• Soft ornaments

Candles & Fireplaces

Soft, warm lighting feels magical to humans — but it can be dangerous to kittens.

Hazards include:

• Singed fur

• Burns

• Knocking candles over

• Pawing at fireplace grates

Keep kittens safe by:

• Using battery-operated candles

• Placing real candles out of the reach of paws and tails

• Closing fireplace screens

• Never leaving flames unattended

Toxic Holiday Plants

Many festive plants can cause stomach upset — or worse — if eaten.

Plants to avoid:

• Lilies (extremely toxic)

• Poinsettias

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Amaryllis

If you love holiday greenery, stick to pet-safe alternatives like roses, orchids, and certain ferns.

Gift Wrap Goodies

Kittens adore “helping” with wrapping presents. But the supplies pose risks too.

Watch out for:

• String and yarn

• Scissors

• Tape

• Plastic packaging

• Glitter

Kitten-safe wrapping tips:

• Clean up as you go

• Store supplies in a closed container

• Opt for tissue paper, kraft paper, and soft ribbons

Holiday Foods & Treats

Kittens have sensitive stomachs and should stick to their regular diet. Popular holiday treats can be dangerous.

Keep kittens away from:

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Xylitol (in sugar-free foods)

• Turkey bones

• Garlic, onion, and seasonings

• Rich or fatty foods

If you want to include them in the celebration, offer a safe treat like kitten-appropriate wet food.

Electrical Cords

Lights, extension cables, heated blankets — December can mean more cords than usual.

Risks:

• Chewing electrocution

• Burns

• Tangling hazards

Safety tips:

• Use cord protectors or cable covers

• Keep cords hidden behind furniture

• Offer safe chew toys as alternatives

Travel & Holiday Guests

More people in the home can mean stress for kittens, especially newly adopted or temporarily fostered ones.

Create a safe space with:

• A quiet room

• A litter box

• Fresh water and food

• A hiding spot (carrier, blanket fort, etc.)

• A soft bed

If hosting parties, keep kittens confined to a calm area away from noise and open doors.

The Great Escape: Open Doors

Holiday gatherings mean frequently opened doors — and tiny kittens can slip through without anyone noticing.

Prevent escapes by:

• Keeping kittens in a separate room during guest arrivals

• Using baby gates as a buffer

• Adding “please close the door” signage

• Microchipping your kittens (essential!)

Cold Temperatures

Kittens under 8 weeks cannot regulate their body temperature well.

Make sure they have:

• Access to warm bedding

• Heating pads or snuggle disks (on safe settings)

• Draft-free spaces

• Extra monitoring on cold nights

Never leave kittens near cold windows or in unheated areas.

A Safe Holiday Season for Every Kitten

December can be a magical time — but it’s even more magical when every kitten stays healthy and safe. With a few simple precautions, you can keep the holiday spirit bright and ensure your playful little explorers enjoy the season without danger.