Practical Tips for a
Stress-Free Christmas for Your Cat

Every year, it’s the same story. You proudly set up your Christmas tree, light your first cozy scented candle and meanwhile, your cat is busy drafting a three-step attack plan. 

Because for your feline friend, Christmas isn’t a holiday, it’s an amusement park filled with shiny things to climb, taste, or knock over. 

And since we are right in the middle of the Month of Cat Lovers, Oven-Baked Tradition has put together a festive and caring guide to ensure the holidays remain joyful for the whole family (yes, even for the little king of the living room). Not to scare you, nor to forbid anything, but to accompany you with humor and practical tips so that your celebrations stay beautiful, safe, and full of purrs. 

Awnn, the Christmas tree. The ultimate symbol of the holidays and your cat’s personal mountain. Every year, Google searches skyrocket with things like “how to keep my cat from climbing the Christmas tree” and “cat-proof Christmas tree.” Rest assured you are not alone. The truth is that your cat doesn’t see a tree. They see a brand-new vertical structure, a fortress of branches, and the perfect lookout points to plan their festive domination. 

To keep your living room from turning into a climbing gym, a few simple tricks usually do the job. Anchor the tree securely, choose a sturdier model, and place fragile ornaments higher up. And if you spot a heavy blanket wrapped around the base of someone’s tree it’s not a questionable decorative choice. It’s just a noble attempt to keep their kitty from going full Tarzan. 

Finally, avoid placing the tree near furniture or elevated surfaces. Cats love to jump from one spot to another, and a nearby piece of furniture could serve as a springboard to the tree. And why not embrace one of 2025’s holiday trends? Christmas tree cat tunnels, placed around the base of the tree, give your feline a playful alternative, letting them explore and have fun without climbing into the branches. 

By combining these tips, you will greatly reduce risks and offer your cat a festive yet safe environment. We understand that these tips may seem a little restrictive or less in the holiday spirit, but the important thing is to feel comfortable with your decisions, to make reasonable compromises for the well-being of your family and your cat. 

We all know it, cats are fast. We think they’re asleep, but the moment they smell something appealing or if a dish is left on the table, their inner ninja wakes up. 

Chocolate, alcohol, onions, certain nuts, raw dough, and anything containing xylitol should be completely avoided. If you want to offer your feline a truly festive feast, it’s best to choose something made especially for them. During your next visit to your local pet specialty store, ask for our Oven-Baked Tradition cat food. It’s a much safer and much tastier option than your Christmas Yule log. 

And because taking care of your companion doesn’t mean leaving them out of the celebrations, Christmas is also the perfect time to treat them to a little gourmet surprise. Oven-Baked Tradition’s grain-free entrées for cats add a festive and refined touch to the season. Whether it’s the tuna with glucosamine or the chicken breast with shrimp, each portion is crafted with natural, flavorful ingredients to delight your feline while supporting their well-being.

Plants are such a big part of the Christmas charm. They bring a natural and cozy touch to your holiday décor. But some of them can actually be dangerous for your cat. 

Poinsettia, for example, may be the ultimate holiday plant, but if a cat eats too much of it, it can cause vomiting. Even a small nibble can irritate the mouth and throat. A natural Christmas tree can also be tricky. Its sharp needles can injure or be swallowed, and some types release pine oil, which is toxic. Mistletoe, that romantic holiday symbol, is sadly very poisonous to pets. Even the Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera truncata, can cause mouth irritation and diarrhea. 

Before bringing a plant home, it is worth checking if it is safe for cats. If you love the look but want to avoid the risks, artificial plants are a great alternative. They do not shed leaves, they have no scent, and they will not end up chewed on by your curious feline. 

A little extra care goes a long way. With the right choices, you can keep the holiday spirit alive without stress and without any emergency vet visits. 

We often forget that, behind their independent diva attitude, cats are sensitive creatures. And Christmas can be a lot for them. According to behaviors commonly observed in shelters and vet clinics, nearly one in two cats shows signs of stress during the holidays. Changes in routine, noise, visitors coming and going, crinkly wrapping paper, overexcited kids, everything adds up. 

To learn more about this topic, take a look at our full article. Even during the Holidays, your companion’s well-being deserves your full attention.

As we mentioned earlier, the Holidays can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming time for cats. With all the changes at home, the noise, and the presence of guests, it is important to give them a place where they can feel safe and comfortable, away from the hustle and bustle. Creating a calm and cozy space is essential to help reduce your cat’s stress. It is a wonderful way to let them experience the celebrations at their own pace. 

Choose a quiet corner, away from high-traffic areas, and add familiar items such as cushions, a blanket, favorite toys, or even a piece of clothing that carries your scent. A calming diffuser, soft lighting, and a little relaxing music can also help create a soothing atmosphere. 

It is equally important not to force interactions. Let your guests know that if your cat prefers to hide or stay alone, their need for peace should be respected. 

To make their little retreat even more special, add a Crèmia lickable treat from the Care line or a tasty Oven‑Baked Tradition fillet. A small gourmet touch that allows your cat to celebrate in their own gentle way.

There is nothing better than a home decorated for the Holidays, with snow falling gently outside and a warm, cozy atmosphere inside. The lights are twinkling, the ornaments are shining, and everything is ready to celebrate. But some festive touches can actually pose a danger to your cat. 

The trick is to choose shatterproof ornaments and avoid small pieces that could be swallowed. If your cat has a particular love for garlands, it’s better to pick braided ones instead of classic tinsel. Tinsel looks nice but it can be dangerous if ingested. It’s better to avoid those Christmas trips to the vet. 

Finally, even if it may seem a little overcautious, remember to turn off the Christmas tree lights and other decorations when you leave the house. Cats are often fascinated by bright, sparkling lights and may be tempted to get too close, which could lead to accidents or even injuries. A simple precaution like this can prevent a lot of trouble. 

By taking just a few simple steps, you can keep all the magic of Christmas alive without compromising the safety of your favorite feline. 

In the end, sharing Christmas with a cat means accepting that the decorations will never be perfectly aligned, that the tree might lean at a suspicious angle to the left, and that a few presents will mysteriously end up on the floor. 

But it also means celebrating the season with a companion who brings a dash of chaos, a whole lot of charm, and an unrivaled source of comfort. 

The entire Oven-Baked Tradition family wishes you Happy Holidays filled with sweetness, laughter, and special moments with your pet. Want to share a little of that magic? Post your best festive photos with your cat using the hashtag #OvenBakedTradition on social media. We love seeing your companions celebrate in style. 

Give your cat a year focused on prevention and well-being with our Care line, designed to meet their specific needs gently and naturally.

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