Protect Your Pet from These Six Holiday Dangers

By Pussy Galore

Every December, like clockwork, well-meaning friends and family members issue the same dire warning: "Watch out for that poinsettia—it's deadly to cats!"

I appreciate the concern. I really do. But after years of writing about pets and consulting with veterinary experts, I'm here to tell you something that might surprise you: that gorgeous red poinsettia on your coffee table is probably the least of your worries.

Don't get me wrong—I'm not suggesting you let your cat use it as a salad bar. The milky sap in poinsettia leaves can irritate a cat's mouth and stomach, potentially causing some drooling or an upset tummy. But deadly? The data tells a very different story. The ASPCA specifically notes that poinsettias are "generally overrated in toxicity," and veterinary poison control centers report that serious cases are extremely rare. Most cats who nibble on a leaf or two experience nothing more than mild, self-limiting symptoms.

(So where did this myth come from? The story traces back to 1919 Hawaii, where it was reportedly claimed that a military officer's child died after eating poinsettia leaves. Researchers debunked this account back in the 1970s, but by then the legend had taken root deeper than any holiday plant.)

Here's what keeps me up at night instead: while we're all side-eyeing the poinsettia, genuinely dangerous items are sitting in plain sight, and some of them might surprise you.

The Snow Globe on Your Mantel

That charming little winter scene with the swirling snowflakes? Many snow globes contain ethylene glycol—the same toxic chemical found in antifreeze. It has a sweet taste that appeals to curious pets, dogs in particular, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. If a snow globe breaks and your cat walks through the liquid, then grooms their paws... well, you can see where this is going. Keep snow globes well out of reach, and if one breaks, clean it up immediately and keep pets away from the area.

The Lilies in Your Holiday Bouquet

This is the one that genuinely terrifies me, because lilies are everywhere during the holidays—in centerpieces, in gift arrangements, in those beautiful mixed bouquets from well-meaning visitors. For cats, lilies aren't just toxic; they're potentially lethal. Ingesting even a small amount—a couple of petals, some pollen licked off their fur—can cause kidney failure. If you have cats, I'd strongly suggest requesting lily-free arrangements or switching to high-quality silk flowers for the season. It's simply not worth the risk.

That Festive Tinsel

Cats find tinsel absolutely irresistible, which is precisely the problem. Those shiny, dangly strands trigger every hunting instinct they have. But when swallowed, tinsel can cause what veterinarians call a "linear foreign body"—essentially, one end gets stuck while the intestines keep trying to move the rest along. The result can be a bunching of the intestines that cuts off blood supply, requiring emergency surgery. The simplest solution? Skip the tinsel entirely. Your tree will be just as beautiful without it, and your cat will be much safer.

The Water Under the Tree

If you have a real Christmas tree, that water in the stand can become a tempting—and problematic—drink for curious pets. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and pesticides or fertilizers used on the tree can leach into the water as well. If you've added preservatives to keep your tree fresh longer, that's another potential toxin in the mix. Drinking this cocktail can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. A tree skirt that covers the base or a covered tree stand can help keep whiskers out of the water!

Sugar-Free Treats and Xylitol

Holiday baking season means xylitol is everywhere—in sugar-free candies, gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods. This artificial sweetener is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, in larger doses, liver failure. Be especially vigilant about sugar-free items left within pet reach and remind guests not to share their treats.

The Dangers of "Multiple Meals Syndrome"

One veterinarian I consulted mentioned something that resonated with me: the phenomenon of well-meaning guests slipping treats to pets throughout holiday gatherings. A little turkey here, some gravy there, a bit of stuffing from someone else. Individually, each "treat" seems harmless. Collectively, all that rich food can trigger pancreatitis—a painful and potentially serious condition. Consider designating one family member as the official pet-treat monitor, or simply let guests know in advance that your furry family members are on a strict diet for the holidays.

As we close out another year together, my wish for all of you is a safe, healthy, and joy-filled holiday season—for every member of your family, whether they walk on two legs or four. Keep the truly dangerous items out of reach, stop worrying quite so much about the poinsettia, and enjoy this special time of year.

And if Great Aunt Mildred insists on warning you about that red plant on your table? Smile, thank her for caring, and maybe gently point her toward the snow globe instead.

Wishing you and your furry companions a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!