“Xin nian hao! Happy Chinese New Year 2022!”
For all the cat lovers in the world, this Chinese New Year is set to be a good one because it’s Year of the Tiger! (That’s one big purr). But whether you’re a dog person or a cat one, celebrations are a good time to put some extra special care into making sure pets are safe.
For pet owners, there’s often much more to it than just safety. Annual celebrations like Chinese New Year, Easter and Christmas are all about spending time with family. And for many of us that includes pets. Why not whip up some Chinese New Year pet-safe foods to keep your furry companion feasting too?
We’ll share some tasty (and safety) tips below. But fur-st…
When is Chinese New Year 2022?
Chinese New Year 2022 is on 1 February 2022. Though it’s not always on the same date every year. In 2021 it was 12 February and in 2023 it’s going to be on 22 January.
Why does it move around? It’s simple…
Chinese New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. That’s why it’s also known as the lunar new year or spring festival. It literally follows the moon’s orbit around earth. It’s a bit like Easter Sunday, which is always on the first full moon in spring.
Now, before reading further, check out our article on Chinese New Year zodiac animals to see which one you are.
Chinese New Year 2022 fast facts
Pet owners around the world will be celebrating Chinese New Year 2022 in all kinds of ways. Despite the name, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many countries around the world.
Here are a few facts about this Chinese New Year
- Celebrated in: Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and globally
- Other names: Lunar New Year, Spring festival
- Duration: 16 day festival
- Zodiac animal: Tiger
- Lucky foods: Dumplings, fish, longevity noodles, niangao (glutinous rice cakes), spring rolls, sweet rice balls
- Gifts: For friends, food and drink (tea, fruit baskets, tobacco etc.), for seniors, clothing (hats, gloves, scarfs etc.), for kids, red envelopes with money, school supplies, toys, sweets, books etc.
- Colours: Red and gold (avoid black and white)
- Conclusion: Chinese New Year celebrations close with the Lantern Festival on 15 February
Now we’ve got that covered, here are some top ways to celebrate Chinese New Year 2022 with your perky pets.
Chinese New Year 2022 gifts for pets
In many parts of the world, COVID has stymied celebrations. However, you can still curl up on the couch with your faithful feline or friendly pup or dragon dance around the house.
Why not make them something nice to eat too? We’ve got ideas on treats you can share. Or, get them a personalised gift.
Here are three ways to celebrate Chinese New Year 2022 with pets:
1. Gifts
Who doesn’t love gifts – pets included? Most cats and dogs have a favourite toy or blanket. And you’ve seen them tearing about with excitement on Christmas day.
We’ve rounded up some fabulous gift options for your furkids:
- Cat gifts. Here are our top picks for the home, from cat scratchers and nest beds to artisanal cat toys.
- Christmas gifts for pet lovers. A roundup of our top 14 pressies for pets (welcome at any time of year).
- Cat toys. Favourites for keeping kitty entertained and occupied while sparking her senses.
- Ethical Christmas gifts for pets. Purrfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year 2022.
- Pamper your pet. Don’t want more stuff? Opt to pamper your pooch or kitty instead.
We love the red and gold leather dog collar from Spatz and the luxury cat collar from Tommy & Bella. These are the perfect colours to celebrate Chinese New Year 2022!
2. Foods
After the cultural aspects, cultural celebrations are, of course, largely about good food. Or they are to us anyway! And we can guarantee your pet feels the same way. We’ve rounded up some top treats for dogs and cats you can make yourself – as well as some to buy. Not everyone can be a Masterchef, we know.
- Home made cat treats. Five tasty (and easy) dishes. Plus some ingredients you shouldn’t use for cats.
- Dog birthday cakes. It doesn’t have to be a birthday, it’s Chinese New Year 2022!
- Dog and cat Christmas dinner recipes. Delicious dishes for pets all year round.
3. Safety
For pets, celebrations are filled with the strange smells and sounds of festivities. From food and guests to fireworks and pounding drums, the whole show can be quite stressful for our furry friends. Consider that both your cat and dog can smell, sense, and hear far better than we do.
Here are some tips for keeping pets calm, safe and happy over Chinese New Year 2022:
- Fireworks. Fireworks and pets don’t always mix well. Read this six-point schedule for pet safety and fireworks.
- Anxiety. If you’re going to visit friends for Chinese New Year 2022, read how to avoid separation anxiety in pets.
- Microchipping. Cats or dogs that go wandering during festivities may get lost. Be sure to microchip your cat or microchip your dog because this can help shelters, local councils and vets identify them faster if rescued.
- Food dangers. Many common human foods can cause sickness in cats and dogs. Read about chocolate toxicity in dogs (and cats) and things that can poison your pet.
Free pet insurance with PD Insurance
Keep pets safe over celebrations from Chinese New Year 2022 to Easter with a pet insurance plan. Whether your pup accidentally eats a grape or your cat gets into a fight, the unexpected can happen anytime.
Pet insurance covers a wide range of pet health costs like prescription medication, surgery and the basics like visits to the vet. Plus, we offer one or more months of free cat insurance and dog insurance, depending on the age of your pet.
Why wait a moment more – click below to get started now.