The holidays are a magical time filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and delicious food. But when the festivities are over and you take a good look around your home, you might feel like you just survived a festive tornado—especially if you have a cat (or three).
Cats love the holidays, but let’s face it, they also love creating chaos. From tinsel tangles to ornament disasters, here’s a guide to holiday cleanup with your feline friend in tow.
This year we had a late holiday party, so only got to put away our Christmas decorations and such today. Let me tell you our 2 boys Vernon and Alfie were my little helpers 🤦🏻♂️😸
The Great Tinsel Hunt
If you had tinsel anywhere near your home, chances are your cat treated it like their personal chew toy or plaything. The shiny allure is irresistible!
Unfortunately, tinsel is also dangerous if ingested, so the first task is to search every nook and cranny.
Pro Tip: Use a flashlight to check under furniture and along baseboards where your cat might have stashed their “loot.” Dispose of it safely to avoid any tummy troubles.
Ornament Graveyard Patrol
Broken ornaments are a holiday inevitability, especially with a curious kitty who thinks the Christmas tree is their jungle gym.
Before vacuuming, carefully pick up the larger pieces (and maybe marvel at how your cat managed to smash that one ornament you swore was unreachable).
This was Alfie's first Christmas with us, so we worried about how he would treat the tree. Although he pawed at ot many times, and even dropped some ornaments, nothing broke fortunately.
Pro Tip: Wrap broken glass in multiple layers of paper before tossing it, just in case your cat decides the trash is their next adventure spot.
Tree Confetti Cleanup
Real or fake, Christmas trees shed needles—and your cat has likely batted them all over the house. Real tree needles can be harmful if ingested, so grab a broom or vacuum and make sure every last one is gone.
I made a needle mess putting away the tree. There were needles everywhere. I actually needed to put away the cats in order to clean it all up.
Bonus Task: Check your cat’s favorite hiding spots, like under the couch or inside their cat bed. Cats love dragging treasures back to their lairs, and you might find a stash of needles, ornaments, or even that missing stocking.
String Lights: Untangled and Untamed
String lights are like cat magnets—they sparkle, they dangle, and they’re chewable (at least, according to your cat). While packing them away, inspect for bite marks or damaged wires.
The last thing you want is an electrical mishap next year.
Pro Tip: Wrap the lights around a sturdy piece of cardboard to keep them tangle-free and less tempting for your cat during storage.
Glitter and Wrapping Paper Mayhem
The aftermath of unwrapped gifts is pure bliss for cats—and a nightmare for you. Glitter sticks to everything, and your cat probably rolled in it.
Wrapping paper remnants, ribbons, and bows? Scattered everywhere.
Cleanup Hack: Use a lint roller or damp sponge to pick up glitter quickly, and keep a trash bag handy to scoop up wrapping paper bits.
Sniff Test: Cat-Approved Spills
That lovely feast you shared may have left behind some delicious-smelling spills or crumbs that your cat is determined to “help” clean up.
Check carpets, tables, and counters for spills (cats are surprisingly agile when turkey or pie is involved).
Pro Tip: Use pet-safe cleaners to tackle any messes to avoid harmful residues.
Declutter with Your Cat in Mind
As you pack away holiday decorations, consider reorganizing with your cat’s tendencies in mind. For example, keep breakable items in sturdy, sealed containers, and store anything stringy or dangly out of paw’s reach. Your future self will thank you next holiday season.
Take a Cat Nap (You Deserve It!)
Once your house is sparkling again, give yourself a break. Cleaning up after the holidays—and a mischievous cat—is no small feat!
Reward your hard work with a cozy nap, preferably with your purring buddy curled up beside you. Clean up took nearly 4 hours this year, with several trips up and down the stairs.
I needed a break, no nap though 😴
Holiday cleanup with a cat can be a bit like herding squirrels—chaotic, unpredictable, but somehow endearing. Remember to approach it with humor and patience. After all, your cat wasn’t trying to turn your house into a glitter-filled jungle; they were just enjoying the season in their own unique way.
Got any holiday cleanup stories or tips to share? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how you tackle the mess with your feline friend!
