Christmas is a time for sharing, celebrating, and creating memories with those we love the most, including our canine and feline companions. But amid the glimmering lights, bustling meals, visitors, and celebrations, it’s common for our pets to feel uneasy or insecure.

At Balmesvet, a leading veterinary hospital in Barcelona, we want to help you enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season with your cat or dog, making a priority of their health and emotional well-being with a “Fear Free” and“Cat Friendly”approach.

How to create a happy holiday atmosphere for your pets

Lights, noises, and family gatherings can be stressful for many animals. Changes in routine or at home can cause anxiety or unusual behavior.

To enjoy a relaxing Christmas with your pet, follow these recommendations:

• Keep their routines: walks, meals, and regular schedules help them feel secure.
• Create a quiet refuge: set up an area where they can rest without interruptions, away from noise, guests, or fireworks.
• Avoid forcing interaction: if your cat or dog prefers to observe the goings on from a distance, respect their space.
• Use pheromones or Fear Free techniques: these help reduce anxiety around new sounds or visitors.

In our blog “Your pet also gets stressed at Christmas meals. How to help them”, you will find useful guidelines for protecting your cat and dog during the holidays. We explain how to enjoy Christmas with peace of mind, safety, and well-being, helping you reduce their stress and prevent situations that may upset them.

Christmas meals: foods your cat and dog should not eat

During celebrations, our animals are often attracted by the smell of food. However, many ingredients that are typical at this time of year can be toxic or dangerous, even in small quantities.

Avoid offering them leftovers or things  such as:

• Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, cooked bones, or sweets containing xylitol.
• Sausages, sauces, or very salty or fatty foods, which can cause vomiting or pancreatitis.
• Alcohol or fermented beverages.

Also, make sure that trash cans are tightly closed and any discarded gift or food wrapping is out of reach. If you find your cat or dog vomiting, acting sluggish, or showing signs of abdominal pain, go immediately to the emergency vet. At Balmesvet Barcelona, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to attend to any emergency.

What to do if you’re they eat something they shouldn’t at Christmas

• Do not induce vomiting without calling the vet first.
• Keep the packaging or label of whatever they ingested. 
• Call or come directly to our veterinary hospital for an immediate evaluation.

You can find more information in “A safe Christmas for cats and dogs”, where you will find essential tips for preventing the most common risks during this time of year. It’s not just about avoiding dangerous foods: you’ll also discover how to protect them from Christmas decorations, cables, candles, toys, firecrackers, and changes in routine. Here you’ll find a practical guide to enjoying a happy and safe holiday season while caring for the health and well-being of your canine or feline companion.

Playing and spending time with your pets: ideas for celebrating Christmas together

Beyond parties and gifts, Christmas can also be an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your companion.

Play is a powerful tool for reducing stress, promoting a sense of calm, and stimulating their mind. During winter, especially in cities like Barcelona, the mild climate allows you to continue enjoying walks, sniffing games, or training sessions at home.

Here are some ideas:

• Boxes, tunnels, or wrapping paper for cats to explore.
• Hide treats or food inside interactive toys.
• Spend a few minutes each day playing away from outside distractions.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our blog “Christmas games for cats and dogs”, with activities tailored to each animal and tips on keeping them active and happy during the holidays.

We look after your companions in Barcelona, even at Christmas.

At Balmesvet, we know that emergencies don’t take holidays. At our veterinary hospital in Barcelona, we offer 24-hour care 365 days a year, including Christmas and New Year’s Day.
We have specialists in emergencies, intensive care, and pain management, with separate areas for dogs and cats to ensure their comfort and safety.

Our Fear Free and Cat Friendly approach allows us to treat each individual patient while minimizing fear and anxiety, so that their veterinary experience is as calm as possible for the both of you. 

From Barcelona, Balmesvet wishes you a happy holiday season with your furry friend

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy being together and taking care of what matters most: the well-being of your pets. Remember that sensible planning, safe food, and a warm holiday environment are key to ensuring that dogs, cats, and people alike can enjoy the season.

From Balmesvet, a leading veterinary hospital in the heart of Barcelona, we wish you a holiday season filled with joy, health, and unforgettable moments with your family—both human and animal.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We look forward to seeing you at Calle Balmes 205, 08006 Barcelona. We are here for you. 

Balmesvet Veterinary Hospital

Data	Information
Address	Carrer Balmes 205, 08006 Barcelona
Parking	Balmes 200 (30 min consultas; hasta 1 h urgencias)
Phone	931 173 173
Email	atencioclient@balmesvet.com
Consultations	8:30–20:00
Emergency/Hospitalization	24/7

Can we help you? Call us or make an appointment. 24/7 emergency services available.