The most wonderful time of the year is almost here—Christmas is just around the corner! When we talk about Christmas, it’s impossible not to think of those cozy, festive decorations that make the season feel magical: twinkling Christmas trees, glowing string lights, jars of candy canes, and so much more. Imagine gathering with your family around a warm fireplace on a winter night, chatting and laughing together—pure joy, right?
But this year, things might be a little different (in the best way!)—you’ve got a new fuzzy family member joining the fun! Snuggling up with your mischievous yet adorable fur baby will make the holidays even warmer and more special. But let’s be real—we also need to keep an eye on our carefully decorated home. After all, those precious Christmas decor pieces could easily fall victim to your pup’s curious teeth...
You won’t believe it, but this actually happened! We have an adorable Golden Shaded British Shorthair named Jinxy, last year was her first Christmas, and we went all out to make it special. We picked out a perfect Christmas tree, draped it with twinkling fairy lights, and decked out every corner of our house with festive decor. We were so proud of how cozy and magical everything looked... until we walked back into the living room. There, our lit-up Christmas tree was toppled over, and Jinxy was standing right in the middle of it, chewing on the fairy lights like they were her prized Christmas treasure!
Cats are total suckers for shiny, new things—and let’s be real, most fur babies are too! That’s why it’s so important to involve our pets in the holiday planning, not just decorate around them. Below is your go-to guide for pet-friendly Christmas decor, so you and your fuzzy companion can enjoy a warm, stress-free holiday season together:
l Decor Material Matters (A Lot!)
To be honest-our fur babies get curious about anything new, and that means your fancy Christmas decor might end up as their personal chew toy. So choosing the right material isn’t just a “nice-to-have”-it’s a must to avoid disasters like my toppled tree!
I highly recommend going for a PE artificial Christmas tree. Unlike real pine or fir trees, PE trees are sturdier, and their twigs won’t fall off when puppies or kitties take a nibble—no more worrying about them swallowing sharp, tiny twigs!
If you have a large breed dog, though? The best bet is to minimize their access to decor as much as possible. Let’s face it-even the toughest tree can’t stand up to a big pup’s enthusiastic chewing. But if you do want to keep a tree around, opt for a short-twigs artificial PE tree. Not only are the twigs less likely to shed, but they’re also smaller and safer if accidentally ingested (though we still don’t want that!).
Pro tip: When buying a PE artificial tree, double-check the label to make sure it’s genuine PE material. And don’t forget to unbox it two weeks early to air out the smell—PE is durable, but it can have a strong plastic odor right out of the box, which might irritate your pet’s sensitive nose!
l Swap Risky Decor for Pet-Safe Alternatives
Traditional Christmas decor—think glass baubles, glitter, jingle bells, and candles—looks magical, but let’s be honest, they’re total hazard zones for our fur babies. Instead of crossing our fingers and hoping for the best, why not switch things up with safe swaps or even DIY projects? That way, your pup or kitty can join in the fun without any hidden dangers!
For example, those fragile glass baubles? Trade ’em out for soft felt balls or flexible silicone ones—they’re unbreakable, so no sharp shards to worry about if your pet bats them around. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, try a DIY like we did: we made catnip-stuffed felt balls, and Jinxy went crazy for them (she still plays with hers year-round!).
And let’s talk candles—open flames + curious pets with fluffy fur? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Even a quick swat or accidental brush-up could end badly. Swap real candles for candle-shaped LED lights instead! They glow just as warmly, look just as festive, and you can rest easy knowing your fur baby won’t get burned (or turn your holiday into a fire drill).
Pro tip: If you love the cozy scent of Christmas candles, opt for pet-safe essential oil diffusers (diluted properly!) or flameless candles with built-in scent pads—no flame, no risk, just that warm holiday aroma.
l Don’t Forget About Your Fur Baby!
After spending hours decking out your home with Christmas cheer, take a look—there’s your pup or kitty staring at you, totally left out of the festive fun!! Let’s not sleep on this: our fur babies are full-fledged family members, and feeling ignored can leave them sad and out of sorts. To fully embrace the holiday spirit, grabbing a special Christmas gift for your pet isn’t just a nice touch—it’s a must.
I got my Golden Retriever this Christmas-themed dog tag, and let me tell you, it screams holiday vibes! Paired with the little festive accessories I picked up for him, he looks absolutely adorable. But here’s the best part—it’s super practical too! My friend’s dog, COCO, has the same tag. She went missing on a snowy day, but a kind stranger found her, scanned the QR code on the back of the tag, and my friend got an instant alert with her location—they reunited in no time!! And guess what? It’s on sale right now!! This is a total no-brainer—grab one to give your pup a safe, joyful Christmas.
As this Christmas rolls around, I’m so grateful for all the love and companionship my fur babies have given me over the years. They’ve kept me from feeling lonely, and their presence fills my home with warmth every single day. That’s why seeing them enjoy a safe, cozy, and happy holiday right alongside me brings me so much joy. Here’s to hoping every fur baby out there gets to experience the same warmth and love this Christmas season!
