16 Pet-Inspired Christmas Decorations Worth Pride of Place on Your Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree can be simultaneously the most entertaining and frustrating activity of the holiday season, right after getting your mum to tell you what she actually wants this year, instead of “your presence is my present”. The entertainment part of the process comes in as your dog watches you complete this tree-decorating ritual, while they cock their head in confusion, and your cat looks at you with disdain and plots to knock the tree topper to its death.

Even still, we get out the box of decorations every year, taking special care to find the most worthy spots for the treasured ones. And, if we’re being honest, the best ornaments are the ones who remind us of our pets, who are heart-stoppingly cute but have no concept of holiday décor whatsoever.

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How to keep your pets safe around Christmas decorations

Dogs

Curious pups and festive decorations aren’t always the safest mix, so a little planning goes a long way. Keep fragile ornaments and anything edible – chocolates, sweets, candy canes – well out of reach, as dogs often explore mouth-first and accidents can happen fast. Avoid leaving wires trailing from lights or displays, and use cable covers or tape to prevent chewing. If you have a real Christmas tree, sweep up fallen needles regularly and secure the tree firmly so an enthusiastic tail wag can’t topple it. Offering plenty of toys, chews and enrichment can also divert their attention away from tempting decorations.

Cats

Cats see Christmas decorations as a personal playground, so safety hinges on making your home cat-proof without dampening the festive spirit. Hang delicate glass ornaments higher up the tree and opt for shatterproof decorations lower down, since many cats can’t resist batting at shiny objects. Secure the tree to a wall or ceiling hook to prevent climbing disasters, and avoid tinsel altogether – it can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. Keep cables for lights tucked away or wrapped in protective tubing, and cover the tree water reservoir if you have a real tree, as fertiliser additives can make it unsafe for drinking. Give your cat alternative outlets for their curiosity – a new scratching post, climbing shelf or festive-themed toy can keep paws off the decorations.

16 pet-inspired Christmas decorations

Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 

Felt So Good Fashion Poodle

$13

“Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” Meet Dellie the Poodle – she’s more fashionable than you’ll ever be, and that’s just something you’re going to need to accept.

$13 at Arket

Christmas Dog Felt Bauble

$8

Let’s hope this bauble inspires your own pup to wear a Santa hat so they can be just as cute.

$8 at Sophie Allport

Coco Cat Hanging Felt Ornament

$12

We get it – cat carriers are the worst. But something that might cheer this angry kitty up is that 100 percent of the profits from your purchase will go towards ending homelessness.

$12 at Crisis

Habitat Single Felt Sweater Dog Christmas Hanging Ornament

$5

The detail on this lil pup is everything. A festive sweater, mini fairy lights, a mischievous grin – we’re in love.

$5 at Argos

Cat Hanging Decoration

$15.95

Who is she? So mysterious. So judgemental. She sees you when you’re sleeping. She knows if you’re awake...

$15.95 at Willow & Stone

Sausage Dog Bauble

$3

Just £3 for this glass Dachshund that looks like a Lindt bunny – Christmas really has come early.

$3 at Flying Tiger

Hanging Tassel Afghan Hound Decoration

$5

A pink Afghan wearing a gold party hat who knows she is the moment? Thanks, we’ll take a hundred.

$5 at M&S

studio THIE Cat in Stocking Felt Ornament

$14

If you’ve ever dreamt of waking up on Christmas morning to find a new kitten in your stocking from Santa, this ornament might just be the next best thing.

$14 at Anthropologie

studio THIE Dog in Jumper Felt Ornament

$14

This long boi in his embellished jumper epitomises style and sophistication.

$14 at Anthropologie

Maxbone Holidays Ornament Woven Dog Toy

$25

Is it a toy? It a Christmas tree ornament? It’s both! This woven dog toy from Maxbone is made to look like a bauble, so if your dog is getting jealous of all those balls you keep telling them they can’t play with as you decorate your tree, this is the perfect distraction gift.

$25 at Selfridges

Pampered Cat-Shaped Bauble

$10.5

We all know who rules the household – and it’s not you or the dog. Now, at least your tree will showcase the true family hierarchy.

$10.5 at Sass & Belle

Welsh Corgi Christmas Decoration

$22

An adorable Welsh Corgi ornament fit for the late Queen.

$22 at Fortum & Mason

Personalised Dog Breed Wooden Christmas Tree Decoration

$13.5

Can your dog read? It doesn’t matter – they’ll sense these personalised ornaments have been crafted just for them.

$13.5 at Not on the High Street

Heirloom Splendour Dog in Hat Felt Tree Decoration

$8

You don’t need 101 of these Dalmatians to bring some Disney magic to your tree – just the one will do. (See also: English Setter and German Shorthaired Pointer).

$8 at John Lewis

Humphrey the Basset Hound Felt Hanging Decoration

$4.5

We apologise in advance if this causes you to have “Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog” playing in your head all season long.

$4.5 at Dunelm

Earl Star Cat Embroidered Tree Decoration

$8.5

Is your cat the star of the show? Recognise their talents with this sequin beaded beauty.

$8.5 at Oliver Bonas