How can I stop my cat from climbing the Christmas tree and is the water safe to drink?

To a cat, a Christmas tree is a new, giant, glittering climbing toy placed in the middle of their territory - it's almost irresistible! Secure the tree: Start with a heavy, stable base to prevent it from being knocked over. For extra security, you can tether the tree to the wall or ceiling. Use deterrents: Place less-tempting items at the bottom. Cats often dislike the texture of aluminium foil or the scent of citrus, so placing foil or some dried orange peels around the base can help. Decorate strategically: Place your most fragile or dangling ornaments on the higher branches, out of easy reach of a playful paw. Is the tree water safe? No. The water in the tree stand is not safe for cats to drink. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria and may contain preservatives, pesticides, or fertilisers that leach from the tree. These can be poisonous if ingested. Always use a covered tree stand or a tree skirt that securely blocks your cat's access to the water.

What Christmas foods are dangerous for my cat?

It's tempting to share a festive meal, but many human foods are unhealthy or downright toxic to cats. Keep these items well out of reach: Onions, garlic, and chives: These contain compounds that can damage a cat's red blood cells, leading to anaemia. They are often hidden in gravy, stuffing, and sauces. Chocolate: This is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, and, in severe cases, seizures and heart problems. Grapes, raisins, and sultanas: These are highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure. Keep them away from Christmas cake, pudding, and mince pies. Cooked bones: These can splinter easily, causing choking or severe internal damage to the digestive tract. Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause intoxication, disorientation, and severe liver or brain damage. Fatty or salty foods: Rich foods like ham, sausages, or fatty meat trimmings can lead to stomach upset or, more seriously, a painful condition called pancreatitis. For more information, read through our Guide to Toxic Christmas Foods for Pets .

Why are tinsel and ribbons so hazardous for cats?

Those shiny, dangling decorations are play magnets, but they pose a severe and life-threatening risk. They are 'linear foreign bodies': A cat's tongue has backward-facing barbs, which makes it very difficult for them to spit out something string-like once it's in their mouth. The danger: If a cat swallows a string of tinsel or ribbon, it can cause the intestines to bunch up or 'plicate'. As the intestines try to move the string along, the string can act like a saw and cut through the intestinal wall. This is a painful and life-threatening surgical emergency. Best action: It is safest to avoid tinsel on the tree altogether. Always dispose of all wrapping ribbons and strings securely and immediately after opening presents.

How can I help my cat cope with the stress of Christmas visitors and noise?

Cats are creatures of habit. A house full of new people, loud music, and a change in routine can be very stressful for them. Create a 'safe haven': Set up a quiet room (like a bedroom) that is off-limits to guests. Ensure this room has your cat's food, fresh water, litter tray, a familiar bed, and a hiding spot. Use calming aids: Plug in a synthetic pheromone diffuser (like Feliway ) a week or two before the festivities begin. This releases a calming pheromone that can help your cat to settle. Maintain routine: As much as possible, stick to your cat's normal feeding and play times to provide a sense of predictability. Check their ID: With doors opening and closing, there's a higher risk of escape. Make sure your cat is microchipped and that your contact details are up-to-date.

Which festive plants are toxic to cats?

Many popular Christmas plants can be dangerous, so it's vital to know which ones to avoid. Lilies (All types): This is the most critical one. All parts of the lily plant - the petal, leaf, pollen, and even the water in the vase - are extremely toxic to cats and can cause rapid, fatal kidney failure. It is safest to have no lilies in the house at all. Holly and Mistletoe: When ingested, these plants can cause severe stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and, in larger quantities, may lead to more serious heart or neurological problems. Poinsettia: While its reputation is severe, the poinsettia is generally only mildly toxic. Its milky sap can irritate a cat's mouth and stomach, sometimes causing drooling or vomiting, but it is rarely life-threatening. Amaryllis: The bulbs, leaves, and stems contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, and tremors. To be safe, it's best to opt for high-quality artificial plants to get the festive look without the worry. For more information, read through our Toxic Plants Guide.

Last Updated: 19/11/2025

Fun and Safe Ways to Celebrate Christmas with your Cat

Christmas can be stressful for cats. Want to celebrate together safely? Our vet shares 'purr-fect' ways to bond this holiday. Discover ideas for safe homemade treats, festive photos, cosy movie nights, and the best presents for your feline friend.

Author: Dr Michelle Wong BVSc

Reading Time: 10 minutes - short read

cat lying under Christmas tree next to Christmas stocking

It's the meow-st wonderful time of the year! Christmas can be a very busy period, full of lunches and dinners with family and friends. These events can often be loud and stressful for our feline companions, so make sure to provide them with a quiet place to escape and consider anxiety aids like Feliway in anticipation before a festive night.

There are a number of ways to celebrate Christmas with our cats which are more relaxed and calm. Keep on reading to check out our list of ideas for some feline fun this holiday season.

Top Christmas presents and gift ideas for cats
Spoil them with festive cat treats
Festive cat games and holiday play ideas
The gift of giving: Christmas cat charities and donations
How to take the 'purr-fect' Christmas photo with your cat
Get creative: Christmas craft ideas for cat lovers
The best Christmas movies to watch with your cat
FAQs

Top Christmas presents and gift ideas for cats

ragdoll cat sitting under Christmas tree with presents

Finding the 'purr-fect' Christmas gift for your cat is all about catering to their natural instincts. The best presents are often those that provide mental and physical enrichment. You can't go wrong with a new interactive toy, like a feather wand, to engage their inner hunter and encourage bonding time with you.

For solo play, a kicker toy filled with catnip provides endless fun. Many cats also appreciate vertical space, so a tall scratching post or a comfy window perch makes a fantastic gift to help them climb, scratch, and survey their territory.

And for the cat who values comfort, a plush new bed or a cosy 'cave' bed offers a safe, warm retreat from all the holiday excitement.

The Curious Box Secret Santa Cat Gift Box

Looking for the perfect way to spoil your cat this Christmas?

The Curious Box Secret Santa Cat Gift Box is the purr-fect holiday surprise for your beloved feline, brimming with top-quality toys and treats. This festive box is designed to keep your cat entertained and engaged throughout the holiday season with a variety of premium goodies from brands like Fuzzyard and All for Paws.

See Product Details

Spoil them with festive cat treats

cat standing by Christmas treat looking expectantly towards camera

'Tis the season to spoil your tiny tiger! While the humans are busy guarding the pavlova and arguing over the last prawn, your very own feline food critic deserves their own decadent feast. Forget the everyday food; it's time to bust out the really good stuff. We’re talking delicious, cat-safe festive treats and foods that will have them purring louder than sleigh bells. After all, even the fussiest little connoisseur deserves a special stocking stuffer from Santa Paws!

Be sure to introduce any new foods gradually.

Shop all festive treats for cats

If you're a keen baker, whipping up a homemade treat is a lovely way to include your cat in the Christmas festivities. The recipe below uses just three simple ingredients and is based around salmon, a flavour most cats find irresistible.

Simple festive salmon bites

Ingredients

1 can (approx. 100g) tinned salmon in springwater or oil (do not drain)
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup (approx. 125g) plain flour (you can also use whole wheat or oat flour)

Method

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
In a bowl, add the entire can of salmon (with the liquid) and use a fork to mash it into a fine paste.
Add the beaten egg and the flour to the salmon and mix well until it forms a stiff, rollable dough. If the mixture is a bit too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour.
Lightly flour a clean benchtop or board and roll the dough out until it is about 5mm thick.
Use a knife to cut the dough into small, cat-bite-sized squares, or have some fun with a small festive cookie cutter.
Place the treats on your prepared baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy.
Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.

You can store these tasty bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Remember, as special as they are, these are treats and should only be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For more inspiration, check out our Recipes for Homemade Pet Treats.

Festive cat games and holiday play ideas

Cats love to play! Set up an area in the house for some Christmas themed fun. Playing games with them is a great way to strengthen your bond while providing physical exercise and entertainment. Teaser toys will help ignite their natural hunting instincts. Catnip can induce feelings of happiness and encourage play, and unsurprisingly, toys containing catnip are popular with many kitties.

Their meals can also be turned into an interactive and fun time with the help of snuffle mats and puzzle feeders.

For more inspiration, check out our ideas for Games You Can Play with Your Cat.

Vet picks for festive cat play

Festive-themed toys

Teaser toys

Catnip toys

Snuffle mats

Lick mats

Puzzle feeders

Crinkle toys

Shop all cat toys

Read more about the Best Indoor Cat Toys.

The gift of giving: Christmas cat charities

Help other cats in need this Christmas with a donation to a local animal shelter or feline rescue group in your pets name. There are many charity organisations in each state. You can check out the full list here on the Pet Rescue's Directory.

To make things easier, here are some we've picked out per state.

VIC: Cat Protection Society of Victoria
QLD: Hunter Animal Rescue
SA: SA Cat Rescue
TAS: Just Cats TAS
WA: Cat Haven

Join us in giving back to the community

How to take the 'purr-fect' Christmas photo with your cat

Capturing the 'purr-fect' Christmas photo with your cat is a wonderful way to make memories, but it's best to plan it around your cat's comfort. While you could take your cat to a local Santa pet photo event, most cats are likely to find the travel and unfamiliar surroundings stressful. A fantastic alternative is setting up a photoshoot in the comfort of your own home, where your cat already feels safe. You don't need a professional camera; your phone will work just fine! If you do want top-notch photos, many pet photographers are happy to come to a location of your choice, such as your home.

You can set up a festive scene in minutes. The key is to have everything ready to keep the session short and positive, using their favourite things to get their attention.

Spread some festive cat toys around the area to create a playful scene.
Show off their very own Christmas stocking in the background.
Have plenty of high-value treats or their favourite toy ready to help them focus and look towards the camera.

Once your set is ready, gather the family and start snapping! You'll capture some fun Christmas memories you can cherish forever.

Get creative: Christmas craft ideas for cat lovers

cat lying on carpet in front of christmas tree while cat's portrait is being painted

Get creative this Christmas with some fun, feline-inspired crafts. While you should never use paint on your cat due to the risk of toxicity and the stress it can cause, painting a festive portrait of your cat is a wonderful, safe way to honour them. Imagine them in a Santa costume or wearing reindeer antlers, or simply paint a festive background with a mix of mistletoe, bells and candy canes. You could take inspiration from Van Gogh and have Santa's sleigh flying across the starry night. Or show your kitten dancing at the top of the christmas tree. The possibilities are endless!

Here's some other festive craft ideas to celebrate your cat:

Create a paw print keepsake: Use a 100% pet-safe, non-toxic ink pad to carefully stamp their paw print onto a clay ornament or a Christmas card. Be sure to wipe their paw clean straight away.
Sew a personalised stocking: If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can craft a unique stocking for them to enjoy on Christmas morning.
Create a festive treat jar: Find a plain glass or ceramic jar with a secure lid and decorate the outside. You could use paint pens (safe for glass/ceramic) or non-toxic craft paint to write your cat's name, and add festive touches. It's a lovely way to store their favourite snacks or homemade goodies while adding a bit of Christmas cheer to your kitchen bench.

The best Christmas movies to watch with your cat

Gather your family, make sure to have some popcorn ready, and settle in for a relaxing movie night at home with your cat. Lap cats will especially love this laidback activity. Snuggle up with them on the sofa and enjoy a fun Christmas movie together.

Here are our top 5 cat-approved movies for the holidays:

A Christmas Gift From Bob

Do humans adopt animals or do they adopt us? Based on the true story of James and the street cat Bob, A Christmas Gift From Bob is a touching reflection of their last Christmas spent together without a home.

From the moment Bob arrived, he provided unconditional friendship and strength, helping James through one of the toughest periods of his life.

Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever

Starring the world's grumpiest cat, this Christmas movie is bound to make you laugh.

Two lonely souls are brought together by an unusual connection which allows a cynical cat in a pet store and a 12-year-old girl to talk to one another. This bond sparks a special friendship and shows them the spirit of Christmas.

Nine Lives Of Christmas

This is the Christmas movie for rom-com enthusiasts! Zachary is a good-looking bachelor who loves the single life and refuses to ever settle down.

But with the arrival of a stray cat leading him to meet Marilee, he realises that he may have just accidentally fallen in love.

Christmas with the Kranks

The Kranks have celebrated every Christmas together but this year will be different as their only daughter Blair has grown up and moved away. Since she won't make it home for Christmas, the parents decide to skip the holidays altogether and hop on an island cruise instead. No decorations, no tree, no lights, nothing.

In a surprising turn of events, Blair calls on Christmas Eve to announce that she will be coming home after all, along with her new fiancÃ©e! The Kranks now have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and put together their best celebration yet. While the Kranks don't actually have a cat, their neighbours do. Enjoy their hilarious interactions with Muffles, the white Persian cat across the street.

Santa Claws

A light-hearted comedy Christmas movie for the whole family. Tommy has a litter of kittens he entrusts to Santa's care on Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, Santa is allergic! He suffers from a reaction and the kittens have to take control of his sleigh in order to deliver all the presents on time.

FAQs

We hope these festive ideas help you and your feline friend have a wonderful Christmas season! Whether it's through special treats, playful moments, or even helping other kitties in need, remember that the best gift you can give your cat is your time and love. From all of us at Pet Circle, we wish you and your purr-fect companion a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Tue 28 Oct 2025

Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

View less history

About the Author

Dr Michelle Wong BVSc

Veterinarian

Dr Michelle graduated from the University of Queensland in 2011 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in small animal practices around South East Queensland. As an owner of three cats, it is not surprising that Dr Michelle holds special interests in feline behaviour and medicine, as well as dermatology and preventative health care. Her favourite part of being a vet is witnessing the special bond between pets and their owners and helping pets live a happy and healthy life.