🎄 Christmas
Christmas dangers for cats
Christmas is the peak season for cat emergencies. These are the traps — food, plants, decorations, and leftovers.
Every December, US emergency vets see a spike in cat admissions. It's usually one of three things: lilies in a Christmas bouquet, raisins in mince pies or pudding, or tinsel swallowed after an enthusiastic play session.
This page is your Christmas survival checklist — every common Christmas cat hazard with the specific advice for each.
The Christmas hazard list (20)
Mince pies
no
Christmas pudding
no
Christmas cake
no
Turkey bones
no
Christmas ham / gammon
no
Stuffing (sage and onion)
no
Gravy
no
Chocolate
no
Milk chocolate
no
Dark chocolate
no
Lilies
no
Poinsettias
caution
Mistletoe
no
Holly
no
Tinsel
no
String, ribbon, and thread
no
Raisins
no
Sultanas
no
Currants
no
Alcohol
no
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Cat Owner Essentials
Questions owners ask
What are the most common Christmas hazards for cats?
US emergency vets see a December spike driven mostly by three things: lilies in Christmas bouquets, raisins in mince pies or pudding, and tinsel swallowed during play. This page covers those plus 17 other seasonal hazards — food, plants, and decorations.
Are Christmas lilies really that dangerous to cats?
Yes — true lilies (including many sold in Christmas bouquets and arrangements) are among the most acutely toxic plants for cats, capable of causing kidney failure from even small exposure. See our lilies page for the full picture.