How To Celebrate the Holidays With Your New Kitten
The holidays are here—and for many, there’s one extra reason to celebrate: the chance to spend this festive season with their new kitten. Across the country, thousands of pet lovers adopted a kitten during quieter times, making this the first holiday season they’ll share with their fuzzy bundle of joy. Whether you’ve had months to bond or just brought your new family member home last week, you’ll want to make these celebrations warm, joyful, and safe.
To help you create a memorable and secure holiday experience, we consulted leading feline behavior experts and veterinarians. From cat-proofing your décor to crafting special traditions, here’s everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays with your new kitten.
Holiday Safety for Kittens
Think of your kitten like a toddler—with the agility of an acrobat and the curiosity of a scientist, says Jackson Galaxy, certified cat behaviorist and author of My Cat From Hell. That means every festive element in your home needs careful consideration. Here’s how to keep your kitten safe while still enjoying the spirit of the season.
Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holiday cheer—and the biggest temptation for a playful kitten. Fortunately, with thoughtful preparation, you can keep both your tree and your kitten happy and healthy.
- Anchor the tree securely. Use wall straps or brackets to prevent tipping—even if your kitten decides to scale it like a jungle gym.
- Choose soft, shatterproof decorations. Swap glass ornaments and metal hooks for plastic or felt versions with Velcro loops—safer for paws and mouths.
- Hide electrical cords. Cover them with cord protectors or tuck them under rugs—kittens love chewing on anything that hums or wiggles.
- Block access to tree water. Real-tree water often contains preservatives and fertilizers that can make your kitten ill. A covered base or barrier works best.
Pine needles are also toxic to cats, so consider a high-quality artificial tree—it’s just as festive, easier to maintain, and far safer. If you do choose a real tree, watch closely for nibbling. If you suspect your kitten has swallowed pine needles, contact your veterinarian immediately—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Keep an Eye on Your Menorah
Flickering flames and glowing lights are mesmerizing—but potentially dangerous—for curious kittens. Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH of Animal Acupuncture, advises extra caution during Hanukkah.
“Candles pose burn risks, and electric cords can cause shocks or oral injuries if chewed,” she explains. Place your menorah in a room your kitten cannot enter—not just on a high shelf. Remember: kittens jump, climb, and explore relentlessly. When safety is at stake, “out of reach” means truly inaccessible.
Keep Ribbon and Tinsel Out of Reach
That shimmering tinsel? Those silky ribbons? They’re irresistible to kittens—but extremely hazardous. As Jackson Galaxy reminds us, “Tinsel, ribbon, string, Mylar—they all look like toys, but if swallowed, they can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.”
Store decorative strings in sealed containers or display them only in kitten-free zones. Better yet, opt for safer alternatives: felt garlands, wooden beads, or plush fabric accents that spark joy without risk.
Avoid These Popular But Hazardous Holiday Plants
Some seasonal greenery may look beautiful—but pose serious health risks. Dr. Liz Bales, VMD, warns that lilies are especially dangerous: even a single petal, leaf, or speck of pollen can cause kidney failure in cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care right away.
Other common holiday plants carry risks too:
- Poinsettias can cause drooling, vomiting, and irritation if ingested.
- Mistletoe may lead to gastrointestinal upset, slowed heart rate, or difficulty breathing in larger amounts.
The safest choice? Skip the risky plants altogether—or place them in rooms your kitten never enters. When in doubt, choose pet-safe alternatives like eucalyptus, rosemary, or dried citrus wreaths.
Holiday Fun with Kittens
Once your home is kitten-safe, it’s time to celebrate! These joyful, bonding-friendly ideas help turn the holidays into meaningful shared moments.
Add Cat Treats to Your Holiday Baking List
While humans bake cookies and gingerbread, why not whip up something special for your kitten? Amanda Williams, DVM and chief veterinarian at FurPetVo’s partner rescue network, encourages homemade treats as a fun, wholesome way to strengthen your bond.
“Homemade cat treats let you control ingredients—no dyes, fillers, or mystery additives,” she says. “And for food-motivated kittens, sharing a baking ritual becomes part of your daily connection.”
Try these FurPetVo-recommended recipes this season:
- Pumpkin Mini Muffins (pumpkin + oat flour + egg)
- Gingerbread Man Cat Treats (molasses-free, cinnamon-spiced, cat-safe version)
- Fast (and Fishy) Tuna Kitty Treats (canned tuna, egg, and whole wheat flour)
Turn Memories Into Mementos
Whether you’re lighting candles or decorating a tree, mark this milestone with keepsakes that honor your first holiday together. FurPetVo offers a range of personalized ornaments featuring your kitten’s name, photo, or paw print—perfect for hanging year after year.
No tree? No problem. Display a custom photo frame on your mantel or wrap up in a soft blanket printed with your kitten’s portrait. These aren’t just decorations—they’re heirlooms that grow more meaningful with each passing season.
Gift Your Kitten Their Very Own Advent Calendar
Count down to the holidays with daily surprises designed just for cats! FurPetVo’s feline advent calendars include a mix of small treats and interactive toys—each day offering a moment of play, praise, and connection.
“It’s not just about the treats,” says Dr. Williams. “It’s about building anticipation, routine, and positive associations with you—their favorite person. That daily interaction deepens trust and makes the season feel truly shared.”
