Christmas Hazard Lookup
A veterinary-informed database of Christmas-season dangers — from poinsettia and tinsel to turkey bones and holiday alcohol — with severity ratings and safety advice.
Mildly toxic — mouth irritation and drooling. Rarely serious but keep out of reach.
Berries cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular effects with mistletoe.
Deadly to cats — any part causes acute kidney failure. Even pollen or vase water.
May contain fertilizer, bacteria, or preservatives — cover the base.
Linear foreign body — cats love it; nearly always requires surgery if swallowed.
Cuts to mouth, paws, or GI tract. Hang fragile ornaments high.
Chewing causes electrical burns and shock. Unplug when unsupervised.
Rich holiday foods = pancreatitis. Chocolate and macadamia especially dangerous.
In stuffing and gravy — cause hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats.
Even eggnog and rum cake are dangerous. Rapid drop in blood sugar and body temperature.
Cooked bones splinter — GI perforation risk. Give raw carrots instead.
May contain antifreeze/ethylene glycol — deadly in tiny amounts.
Burns and fire risk from tails, jumping cats. Use flameless.
GI obstruction if swallowed. Clean up promptly.
Examples
- LiliesToxic to cats — kidney failure
- TinselHazard — linear foreign body in cats