A lot of us love having a tree in the house in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but of course we want it to also be safe for our furry friends! Here are some things to look out for when purchasing and decorating your tree.

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- Use plastic baubles instead of glass. If your cat is one to play with the ornaments in the tree, it can be dangerous if one falls and breaks. They could step in it, or even swallow a sharp piece. If you have some glass baubles you really want to use, consider putting them high up in the tree, where your cat can’t reach them.

- Some types of Christmas trees are toxic to cats, and with all trees, the sharp needles can cause problems in a cat’s mouth or intestines. Only get a real tree if you know your cat doesn’t chew the branches, or eat the needles from the floor!

- While generally safer, artificial trees can cause issues too. If your cat is an avid chewer, they can eat bits of the plastic. If you suspect your cat will do this, or if you even see them do it already, I’d consider not getting a tree at all, or removing it if it’s already up.

- Avoid angel hair in your tree. It’s incredibly dangerous for cats to swallow string-like objects.

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This doesn't have to do with Christmas trees, but is also important to note: a lot of typical Christmas plants are highly toxic to cats. Amaryllis, poinsettia and mistletoe/holly are examples of this. Always research whether or not a plant is toxic before putting it in your house!

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If you have any other tips, dos/don’ts, etc., please leave a comment. Happy (early) holidays everyone!