What Christmas Foods Are Safe for Cats? A Guide for the Festive Season
- Becky Speich
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Wondering which Christmas foods are safe for cats? Discover 6 festive foods your cat can eat, plus the holiday foods they should avoid. Keep your cat happy and safe at Christmas with this complete guide.
The holiday season overflows with rich meals, tempting leftovers and dropped crumbs; and it’s no surprise our cats want to join in. But while a few Christmas foods are safe for cats in moderation, many festive favourites can actually be harmful.
🍗 6 Christmas Foods That Are Safe for Cats
These foods are considered safe for cats in small, controlled amounts and without seasonings, sauces or added fat.
1. Plain Cooked Turkey (No Skin, No Bones)
A classic Christmas protein, turkey is one of the safest festive foods for cats. 🎄Turkey is lean, high in protein, easy to digest.
⚠ Avoid: Skin, gravy, stuffing, bones, salt or seasoning.
2. Plain Cooked Chicken (no skin, no bones)
Similar to turkey, chicken is a cat-friendly treat when prepared simply. Chicken is gentle on the stomach and rich in amino acids. Make sure to avoid skin, gravy, stuffing, bones, salt or seasoning.
3. Plain Cooked Salmon (No Oil or Salt)
A small amount of cooked salmon can be a tasty Christmas treat. Salmon contains omega-3 acids which support skin, coat and joints.
⚠ Avoid: Smoked salmon and raw fish.
4. Scrambled or Boiled Egg (Plain)
Cats can enjoy a little cooked egg at Christmas. Egg is packed with protein and vitamins.
⚠ Never serve raw egg.
5. Cooked Carrots or Peas
Some cats like a few soft vegetables. Carrots and peas contain vitamins, fibre, and low calories.
⚠ Avoid butter, seasoning, honey-glazing, or sauces.
6. A Spoonful of Plain Mashed Potatoes
Only if made without milk, butter, cream, garlic or salt. Plain mashed potato is gentle and filling.
⚠ Most Christmas mash contains unsafe add-ins; offer only if you have made it and can guarantee it is plain.
🚫 Christmas Foods That Are Unsafe for Cats
These common festive foods should never be given to cats, even in small amounts.
1. Stuffing
Contains onions, garlic, herbs; all toxic to cats.
2. Gravy
Often very salty and may contain onion/garlic.
3. Bones
Cooked bones splinter and can cause choking or internal injury.
4. Chocolate & Chocolate Desserts
Chocolate is extremely toxic, keep away at all times.
5. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, Fruitcake
Full of raisins, alcohol, spices and fat, all dangerous.
6. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots
Cause life-threatening anaemia in cats.
7. Alcohol (Even in Food)
Highly toxic, even small amounts can be fatal.
8. Ham & Pork Products
Usually salty, fatty and seasoned.
9. Dairy-heavy foods
Cream, butter, custard, cheese sauces. Most cats are lactose intolerant.
If you have any concerns your cat has eaten something they shouldn't then contact your Veterinary Practice immediately. Even if out of hours there will be emergency cover! Do not wait until your cats veterinary practice is open again.
You can also check with the Animal Poisons Line https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/
🎄 Extra Christmas Hazards for Cats
Tinsel and Lamenta: Can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if ingested.
Ribbon & string from presents: High risk if swallowed.
Lily Plants: Highly toxic, the whole plant not just the pollen.
Candles: Can burn whiskers or paws.
Turkey/Meat string: Dispose of carefully.
Baubles and Tree Decorations: Some are made of fragile materials that could cause injury if broken when bitten or if the decoration breaks when chased.
Houseplants & festive greenery: Mistletoe and poinsettias can irritate or poison.
Christmas Lights and Wires: The extra wires around the house for Christmas lights can be even more enticing than normal. Monitor your cats reaction and use wire/cable protectors where possible.
Batteries: Cats love to tap and chase things- batteries are no different. Ensure they are not left in reach. There is a risk of ingestion; especially the small coin shaped ones. The risk of them biting and ingesting the contents can cause burns and other complications.
Make sure rubbish bags, bones and leftovers are secured away from cats.
How to Treat Your Cat Safely at Christmas
Instead of sharing table scraps, consider:
✔ Cat-safe Christmas treats ✔ A small portion of plain turkey or chicken ✔ A new festive toy ✔ Catnip stocking fillers
Christmas can be a disruptive time. To minimise your cat's stress, consider introducing Feliway or Pet Remedy, and create a safe, cosy spot away from guests and loud noises.
If you have any concerns your cat has eaten something they shouldn't then contact your Veterinary Practice immediately. Even if out of hours there will be emergency cover! Do not wait until your cats veterinary practice is open again.
You can also check with the Animal Poisons Line https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/
Shropshire Cat Rescue is one of the UK’s largest regional cat rescue and rehoming centres and is based in Shrewsbury. The charity has been caring for and re-homing rescued and unwanted cats and kittens for over 21 years. In that time we have looked after over 8,000 cats. Can you support our mission?
Donate: Donate | Shropshire Cat Rescue
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Disclaimer: This is not veterinary advice. Shropshire Cat Rescue does not accept responsibility for any action taken from this blog post. Consult your vet in the first instance if you are concerned about your cat’s well-being.
References:
Alger, J. and Dr. Charles, A. (2025) Holiday foods that are safe for cats: vet-reviewed safety & nutrition facts. Available at: Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Safety & Nutrition Facts - Catster (Accessed: 15th December 2025).
Davies Veterinary Specialists (2020) Hazards at christmas: a guide for pet owners. Available at:Hazards at Christmas: A Guide for Pet Owners | Davies Veterinary Specialists (Accessed: 15th December 2025).
Dickson, P. (2025) 7 great foods that cats can eat on christmas. Available at: 7 Great Foods That Cats Can Eat on Christmas | The Vet Desk (Accessed: 15th December 2025).
Rogers, C.D. and Dr. Whittemore, L. (2025) What human foods can my cat eat on christmas? 10 good options. Available at: What Human Foods Can My Cat Eat on Christmas? 10 Good Options - Catster (Accessed: 15th December 2025).
Sploot Team (2025) Safe and unsafe christmas food for dogs & cats. Available at: Christmas Dinner for Dogs & Cats — Safe & Unsafe Foods (Accessed: 15th December 2025).
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