· Vet advice: How to read your pet’s feelings about your festive decorations
· Viral TikTok tool lets owners see their Christmas decorations through their pet’s eyes
That magical Christmas display filling your home with festive cheer could unknowingly be causing signs of distress to your pets, as research reveals they see a drastically different version of your carefully curated decorations.
Experts explain that while the festive season brings joy, our beloved pets experience Christmas in unique ways. Flickering lights that appear subtle to human eyes could seem more intense to cats and dogs. Their vision means they experience colours differently – dogs see only in shades of blue, yellow, and grey, while cats see a blurred, desaturated version of our festive decorations.
For the millions of pet parents planning to make this Christmas special for all members of their family – including the furry ones – leading pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters has partnered with veterinary expert Dr. Rebecca MacMillan and interior specialist Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk. Using the specialists’ insight, experts have created a fascinating visual that reveals how we should be decorating our Christmas trees to help keep pets safe and happy this Christmas.
The reality of Christmas through your pet’s eyes
“Most owners have no idea they may be accidentally creating a stressful environment for their pets,” explains Dr. MacMillan. “Animals have a much more acute sense of smell, sight and hearing than we do, so Christmas can be overwhelming for them. Cats, for example, are particularly sensitive to changes in their home environment as they are territorial animals and the sudden addition of a tree and decorations can cause real stress for some.”
Understanding how our pets experience these changes can help us create a more comfortable festive environment for them.
- Signs your pet might need a calmer Christmas
Once the home has been aptly decorated for the season’s festivities, pet parents should keep an eye out for the subtle signs that their Christmas decor may be causing distress. According to Dr. MacMillan, these warning signs often go unnoticed until they become severe:
- Excessive grooming that could indicate anxiety
- Unusual hiding behaviour, especially in previously confident pets
- Unexpected changes in toileting habits
- Visible signs of distress when near decorations, such as trembling, pacing, excessive panting or hiding
- Complete avoidance of decorated rooms
- For cats: Spending more time outside or reluctance to use usual indoor spaces
- For dogs: Increased restlessness or destructive behaviour around decorations
2. The surprising solution: why less is more this Christmas
If your pets show signs of distress during the festive season, you don’t have to abandon the Christmas cheer entirely! While decorations can be overwhelming, the combination of changing routines, unfamiliar visitors, and new smells can all contribute to holiday anxiety for pets, so be aware of which changes are having an impact.
Understanding how our pets see can help us decorate more thoughtfully. Since dogs can’t see reds and cats have muted vision when it comes to different tones, traditional decorations like red lights and baubles, ornaments and musical objects may appear confusing or even threatening to a particularly anxious pet. A minimalist Christmas with clean lines is a great solution and a happy, safe medium for both pet and owner.
“Consider subtle decorations”, explains interior expert Ryan McDonough. “A few carefully chosen ornaments can create a peaceful and elegant look. Use soft, warm lighting to create a soothing ambience, and choose decorations in muted colours such as gold, silver, or white to create a calming atmosphere.”
3. Transform your home into a pet-friendly Christmas haven
McDonough shares these game-changing tips for conscious pet parents to create a beautiful yet pet-safe Christmas display:
- Use shatterproof decorations and explore different textures, like wooden ornaments and soft fabric decorations
- Try using pet-safe, non-glass, oversized baubles as a focal point which also helps avoid choking hazards
- Create height by positioning decorations and any candles safely out of reach
- Choose pet-safe or faux plants instead of traditional options, avoiding mistletoe and holly-berries
- Avoid musical items that could stress your pet
- Consider lightweight paper decorations like chains, snowflakes, or origami ornaments that are easy to clean up if knocked down and won’t cause injury if they fall on your pet
- Keep one room decoration-free as a quiet retreat for your pet
- Consider creating pet-friendly visiting hours and gentle guidelines for guests, especially families with excited children, to help your pet feel secure
- Ensure your pet always has access to their safe space during gatherings
Of course, every pet’s Christmas is unique, and what may stress one pet may be embraced by others.
“What’s most important to remember is that no one knows their pet better than their owner,” says Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters. “Some pets will happily snooze next to a fully decorated tree, while others might need a much gentler approach to Christmas decorations. Trust your instincts about what your pet can handle – if you think they’ll be unnerved by certain decorations or changes to their environment, you’re probably right.”
“The key message isn’t to cancel Christmas,” concludes Laws, “but to make it magical for every family member – including your pets. Whether that means creating their own special space, involving them in calm festive activities, or simply being mindful of their needs during celebrations, there are countless ways to include your four-legged family members in the Christmas magic. After all, you know your pet best!”
Want to understand exactly how your pet sees your festive decorations? TrustedHousesitters has launched an innovative tool that lets you upload a photo of your Christmas tree or decorations and see them through your pet’s eyes. Try the Through Pets’ Eyes tool and discover how your festive display appears to your four-legged friend. The tool also works with your camera in real time, perfect for testing different decoration arrangements before committing to them.
Discover how to make this Christmas magical for every family member – paws, tails, and all! Visit the TrustedHousesitters blog for more information and to try the Through Pets’ Eyes tool today.
