Pet Friendly Christmas Decorating Guide to Keep Cats and Dogs Safe

There’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas—the sparkle of fairy lights, the scent of pine, and the joyful chaos of wrapping paper everywhere. But if you share your home with a cat or dog, you’ll know that festive decorating comes with a few extra considerations. From curious kittens climbing trees to pups chewing tinsel, it’s important to make sure your seasonal style is pet friendly. At Petdirect, we get pet, so we’ve created this festive guide full of ways to create a pet-safe Christmas haven.

Choose Pet Friendly Christmas Decorations

Your pet’s safety should be the top priority—so steer clear of decorations that can be easily broken, chewed, or swallowed. Swap out fragile glass baubles for soft or shatterproof ornaments, and avoid tinsel, which can be a tempting but dangerous chew toy (especially for cats). Battery-operated LED candles are a safe and flickering alternative to real ones, keeping wagging tails and curious noses away from fire hazards.

If you’re using a real tree, vacuum regularly to collect needles—these can be sharp and irritate paws and mouths. For extra safety, consider using a pet repellent spray around the base of your Christmas tree to deter tree-climbing kitties.

Create Cosy Holiday Hideaways

With guests, festivities, and a different household routine, Christmas can be a little overwhelming for pets. Give your four-legged family members a quiet retreat where they can rest and reset. Create a snuggly nook with their favourite dog bed or cosy cat bedding, plus a few familiar toys and treats for comfort. You could even sprinkle in some festive flair with stocking stuffers made for pets.

If your pet tends to get anxious with extra noise, guests and seasonal hustle, consider using calming products designed to help pets stay relaxed during the festive period.

Decorate With Delightful (And Safe) Pet Supplies

Christmas is a great time to upgrade your pet’s essentials with something that suits your holiday theme. A festive-coloured dog collar or cat collar can add seasonal spirit while still being practical. You could also display your pet’s bowls on a festive placemat or style up their feeding station with a modern cat bowl or dog feeder to match your holiday décor palette.

If you want your pet to be part of the Christmas dinner celebration (without sneaky bites of human food), serve up a delicious festive meal from our cat and dog food range, or surprise them with something tasty from our holiday treats collection.

Keep Holiday Hazards Out Of Paw’s Reach

Some of the most traditional decorations can pose accidental risks. Things like holly, mistletoe, and lilies are toxic to pets if ingested, so opt for faux versions or keep them well out of reach. Also, watch out for wrapped chocolates under the tree or ribbons left unattended—both are a no-go for pets. If you’re using lights, tuck away cords and power strips to prevent chewers from nibbling dangerously.

Need help cleaning up the inevitable festive mess? Keep some pet-safe stain and odour removers on hand to handle any mishaps with ease.

Celebrate Together With Safe And Stylish Toys

Let your pets in on the celebration with holiday-themed toys that are designed for safe play. Whether it’s a squeaky plush for your pup or a feather teaser for your feline, gifting your pet toys from our Christmas toy collection keeps the holiday spirit alive and tails wagging. Look for durable brands like KONG or Yours Droolly for longer-lasting fun.

Feeling creative? You could even make a little advent calendar for your pet with daily toys or treats from our all pet treats range. Just make sure any DIY projects use pet-safe materials and supervision is built into the fun.

Make This Christmas Sparkle For Everyone In Your Family

With a little thought and a whole lot of love, you can enjoy a beautifully decorated home that’s safe and fun for your pets too. From pet-proofing your tree to adding thoughtful touches around the home, every twinkly detail adds to the magic—without the stress. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to help you and your furry family celebrate the season in style. Explore our Christmas Gift Shop now and get everything you need for a safe and paw-fectly festive home.