Dark evenings mean more candles. If you share your home with a cat or dog, you might wonder if candles and fragrances are fine to use around them. The short answer is yes, with care. A few simple habits keep the glow cosy for everyone.

How to use candles and fragrances safely with pets

Start with the flame. Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service says to keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and never leave them lit in an empty room. A wagging tail can sweep a tealight off a coffee table in a second.

So pick a high, steady spot with nothing above it. Shelves near curtains are out. So is the windowsill, where draughts push the flame sideways. The same fire service warns that tealights can get hot enough to melt plastic, so always use a proper holder.

Where should a tealight go in a home with cats?

Somewhere your cat cannot reach. A glass holder on a high mantelpiece with clear space around it works well. Put the flame out before you leave the room.

Why cats are more sensitive to essential oils

Cats deal with some scent ingredients differently from us. The Pet Poison Helpline, a US animal poison service, explains that cats lack a liver enzyme that helps break down essential oils. Grooming adds to the risk, because anything on their fur ends up in their mouth.

The type of product matters too. The helpline notes that a candle or reed diffuser gives off no droplets of oil. The main worry is irritation from breathing it in. Devices that spray a fine mist are different, as the droplets can settle on fur. Texas A&M vets also advise asking your vet before you try new products.

• Leave a door open so pets can walk away
• Put reed diffusers where they cannot tip over
• Watch for sneezing, coughing or watery eyes

Small candles and short burns suit a pet home

A tealight gives you scent in short bursts, and it burns out on its own. Each tealight in our 2026 Advent Calendar burns for 3 to 4 hours and sits on a four-footed base for a steady flame. One a night, in a holder up high, is an easy habit. If your pet seems bothered, use a bigger room or burn for less time.

Quick answers

Are scented candles safe around dogs?

They can be used around dogs with care. Keep the flame high and out of reach. Never leave it lit in an empty room, and give your dog a way to leave if the scent is too much.

Can I use a reed diffuser if I have a cat?

Ask your vet first, as cats are more sensitive to essential oils. If you do use one, place it where it cannot tip over. Keep a door open and watch for sneezing or watery eyes.

Your home should feel good for everyone, paws included. Start small, keep the flame up high and notice how your pet reacts. If you fancy a gentle way to enjoy scent this December, the Advent Calendar gives you one small tealight a night.

Related reading

• Candle Safety at Home: Simple Habits for Winter Evenings: the basics every home needs, pets or not
• Scented Tealight Candles: Where to Put Them and Why: the best spots for small candles, room by room
• Scented Wax Melts: Safe Habits for Cosy Winter Evenings: good habits if you prefer melts to a flame