There's been quite a few new cat slaves this year, so here's my annual list of what to be careful of at Christmas. Not really amusing reading, but sadly needs to be said as many people don't know some of this.
All additions etc very welcome, I'm old enough to forget stuff!
I've seen this year's first "cats in Christmas trees" thread. Just a reminder to only use shatterproof baubles etc., otherwise the cat will make a bee line for Grandma's heirloom glass ball and then tread in the shattered remains scattered around the floor getting little bits of glass in their feet & between the toe beans. Also be careful of tinsel, especially the long thread type AKA Lametta. Yes it can be amusing when the cat's poo comes out like a link of sausages tied together with sparkly stuff, but it can get tangled in the gut which can be fatal.
If possible, tether the tree to the ceiling or a wall to stop it being pulled over. The cat will be very disappointed if a) they get surprised by the toppling & have to leap away to safety and b) the tree put up specifically for their entertainment is no longer available. There's also the more minor issue of you having to clear up the mess and put it all back together in place multiple times most days.
Try not to leave string lights on over night or if everyone is out. Even cats who don't usually chew cables seem to be drawn to these if they are left on unattended. Keep an eye on candles too, the flickering can be fascinating & especially kittens can be attracted to this.
We used to love having a pair of white & red poinsettias every Christmas in the old family home - don't! They are toxic to cats, as are plants like lillies, tulips, azaleas, hyacinths and ivy. Have a google for more, but I think those are the most common brought in the house at Christmas. Also remember that it's the pollen that's often the danger, which can drop off on a cat's fur then they ingest it while grooming.
Food is sooo hard to be careful this time of year! Chocolate, onions/garlic etc, dried fruit, alcohol, caffeine, even some artificial sweeteners - all of these need to be kept away from our lords and masters if possible. Of course accidents do happen, like Oscar the Terrible being found licking all the chocolate butter cream off the Yule Log one year, and some can seem OK afterwards, but do keep an eye out.
NO cooked turkey/chicken/goose/duck bones! Raw are fine, but cooked ones can splinter & pierce the gut. However this doesn't apply to the giblets, just be careful about what you cook them in.
If you have lots of guests coming, small children about, are having a party etc. make sure the cats have a quiet safe place where they can get away from the frantic hysteria you get this time of the year. However friendly, they are likely to want to get away for a bit of peace & quiet at some stage. Also remember it's another firework season especially New Year's Eve. Make sure they are in before dark, ensure the Feliway (other brands are available) is topped up, and if they get stressed with fireworks start the Zylkene a few days before the season. Also remember that if they are indoor cats, people tend to be a little less alert to bids for freedom especially if it's noisy & busy.
Phew, that's enough brain work for me on a day off - back to cooing over the Cats in Trees thread!