How to have a purr-fectly safe Christmas

CURIOSITY can have a notorious effect on cats, so the advent of tinsel, baubles and seasonal plants can turn a cosy Christmas home into a tempting playground of hazards for our furry friends.

To help keep kitty safe this Christmas, Cats Protection has shared 12 tips for feline-friendly festivities to ensure the season can be enjoyed by all.

1. Christmas trees present a tempting challenge so avoid placing breakable ornaments within reach and discourage climbing.

Real trees can seep toxic preservatives so the base should be a no-go area.

2. Glass baubles, tinsel and decorations with tiny parts can be dangerous and should be avoided. If your tree is real, vacuum often as pine needles are a choking hazard and can hurt feet.

3. Dressing up your cats will make them stressed. It can be tempting to involve your cat in festivities, but fancy dress can restrict movement, risk injury and prevent grooming or stretching.

4. Toxic plants like holly, ivy, poinsettia, lilies and mistletoe are potentially dangerous to cats.

5. Human food is not for cats and rich foods like chocolate can be toxic and should definitely be off the menu. Overfeeding can risk health problems such as diabetes.

6. Christmas can be loud and cats may want a safe place to retreat to when things get noisy.

7. Tidy away presents and wrapping after opening. Wrapping paper, elastic bands and ribbons can be a tempting hazard.

8. Cat-friendly toys can be a treat but pick ones with emb embroidered features, not pla plastic or glass ones w which can come off.

9. Screen open fires a and don’t hang d decorations near them.

10. If you’re going awa away consider a cat sitter over a cattery. Cats like a familiar environment so keeping your cat at home can ensure they feel less stressed.

11. Prepare for fireworks especially at New Year, so keep your curtains closed and consider a calming pheromone plug-in diffuser.

12. Do not give cats as presents. Cats Protection’s advice can be found at: www.cats.org.uk/helpand-advice/cats-at-christmas Sylvia Plummer, branch volunteer, Cats Protection