Garland, ribbons, tinsel....what do you use?

[Cocamami]

Blue beaded garland and a combination of gold and blue ribbon.

 

[Disney Doll]

Strings of beads. Some are silver and some are shaped like snowflakes and some look like pearls.

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

Why is tinsel dangerous to cats?

The only thing I can think of is choking. Is there another issue?

 

[Blondie]

Holidays Can Be Hazardous To Pets' Health
From The Colorado Springs Gazette

All those trappings of the holidays that people love so much -- food, tinsel and lights -- can pose a deadly hazard for the family pet.

"People don't realize that animals are like children and need to be monitored all the time," says Leslie Ornelas, manager for the Westside Animal Hospital on West Colorado Avenue.

The most common ailments and injuries the hospital sees around the holidays include: bowel impaction, caused when cats eat shiny tinsel; chocolate poisoning, caused when dogs tear into boxes under the tree; and a hazard that affects both dogs and cats: getting shocked by chewing on light cords, Ornelas says.

Surgery to remove foreign objects stuck in stomachs or intestines can cost $500 to $1,000, she says. Ingested problems include bone splinters from holiday turkey dinners, pine needles, tinsel and ribbons.

Chocolate poisoning is caused by theobromine, a caffeine-like chemical found naturally in chocolate.

So, don't leave the stuff on tables or counters. That's just too tempting for dogs who love it as much as people, Ornelas says.

"The holidays are a time for giving, but there are some things you should not share with your pet."

Other things to keep out of a pet's reach include fatty foods like gravy and poultry skin that can cause stomach upsets, which creates messes on the carpet.

Be reminded that holly and mistletoe are poisonous when eaten.

Sap and leaves from poinsettias can cause stomach upsets, as can the preservatives in water at the base of the Christmas tree.

Ornaments can break, causing cuts, when knocked off branches by a wagging tail or playful paw.

There's also the stress from the excitement of visitors coming and going.

So find a quiet place for your pet during parties. Watch so they can't slip out an open door.

Make sure pets are wearing a collar and identification tags in case they escape, Ornelas advises.

 

[Laurajean1014]

None of the above. We have over 1200 lights on an 8 ft. tree, filled with ornaments and an angel at the top!

 

[nativetxn]

I prefer garlands