So, in an effort to have a cat-safe Christmas tree, they began anchoring their live trees to the wall. Although, that will not stop them from trying to reach through and grab. Should You Be Giving Famciclovir to Cats? Although the most common Christmas trees, such as real pine or fir trees, aren’t toxic to cats should your four-legged pal simply brush past it, if your kitty should eat pine needles, sap, drink the water or chew on the branches you may find yourself in hot water. You should be careful while purchasing these trees because some are toxic to your cats, while some are friendlier. Are the needles your kitty chewed on toxic? They are very good at jumping great distances. While pets can be attracted to delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, glittering decorations adorning the tabletops, or brightly colored greenery spread throughout your home, many cats and dogs are awed by the star of the show—the Christmas tree. If you’re a cat owner, it won’t surprise you to find that cats love Christmas trees. Of course this doesn't mean you can't have a Christmas tree — especially since most pets aren't interested in tasting it beyond a few curious licks. Cat Proof Christmas Trees at a glance. At most, your pet may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but will likely stop eating the plant once she discovers how irritating the sap is to her mouth and throat. With the many tasks filling your days, you may not be able to dedicate as much time as normal to your furry friend, allowing your pet to find mischief. What Cat Toys Should You Buy for Your Cat? Outfitted in sparkling lights, shiny baubles, and at the perfect height for climbing or chewing, many Christmas trees have met their fateful end at the paws of a pet. Christmas trees and their decorations can potentially cause harm to cats without the right care and attention but there are a host of different types of tree to choose from. But, if your pet nibbles on your plant, no matter what type, be sure to contact your veterinarian or animal poison control for advice. Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees, but their oils can irritate your pet’s mouth, leading to excessive drooling or vomiting. Before setting up your Christmas card photo of your pet bedecked in antlers or an elf hat in front of the tree, consider these potential hazards: Besides the star attraction of the Christmas season, other holiday plants can take the stage with causing toxicity in your pet. Christmas trees are considered to be mildly toxic. If your pet is a known chewer, choose artificial plants over real ones. The number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435. Tree needles, if digested can cause. Christmas trees, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard for homes with pets during the holiday season. Pesticides, fertilisers and tree preservers can leech out of the soil when the tree is watered which can pose a danger if the cat drinks the contaminated water. Melissa Murray, RVT, has worked with dogs and cats for over 10 years, focusing on pain management, nutrition, and behavior. I advised Shay about the dangers of Christmas trees and cats the year she brought Lex home from a shelter. I would recommend a baby gate, but to our cats–that’s a joke. The best way to cat-proof your tree is by placing smaller Christmas balls, as well as glass towards the top of the tree. Sharp needles can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract if they are swallowed. Even non-toxic Christmas trees still pose a risk to cats. The Christmas lights have been hung with care, but apparently one of the tiny fuses has blown. Done! The oils produced by some real Christmas trees are also mildly toxic if consumed, causing minor irritation to a pet’s mouth and stomach. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. I really think this information should have been shared. happy mother of 2 cats that keep my blood preasure down and my hubby teased. I purchased a flocked Christmas tree during Christmas in July, on sale. Others are pretty much uninterested. Barricade your Christmas tree behind baby gates or pens to keep your pet out. 2 Cats can get hurt, sick, or worse if they eat treated tree water, tinsel, pine needles, or glass ornaments. One of the things that really signals Christmas is here, is putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. Christmas Trees and Decorations. Let’s discover how dangerous Christmas trees are for cats and dogs, and what other holiday decorations may cause toxicity issues in your pet. My house mate wants to get a Christmas tree for the living room. Keep your cats safe by choosing non-toxic Bonsai trees. Brenda Martin's cat, Max, once toppled a Christmas tree in his zeal to leap into it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. A pet would have to ingest a massive amount of this plant to cause poisoning, and most pets won’t eat a large enough amount because of the irritating taste and feel from the sap. Consider keeping your holiday plants behind closed doors in people-only rooms instead. Christmas trees are considered mildly toxic and consuming the tree’s needles can be very dangerous for your pets. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Keeping the tree in an area where it stands alone is a great idea. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you have a cat, which shows an interest in chewing your Christmas cactus and displays any of the above symptoms we recommend you move the plant to an area (or room) your cat can’t access. The needles can create more of an issue, as they are not easily digested and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, … The good news is my friend’s Christmas tree is totally cat-proofed. Some artificial Christmas trees are made of combination of PVC or polyethylene (PE) which makes them better than artificial Christmas trees with 100% PVC material. As a cat person who has had everything from fake to real trees, I’d like to shed some light on the subject and give you some ideas as to what to expect and how to handle your cats being around fake Christmas trees. Christmas cactus; Conclusion. What can you do to protect your feline? Some cats are keen climbers, and a lit-up tree presents a challenge they won’t be able to resist. Be mindful of your cat’s activity with your tree. Jump! Now, most cats aren’t going to find the taste of pine or fir to be appealing, but it likely takes a nibble for them to figure that out. 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Artificial snow is a beautiful addition to a Christmas tree skirt, but it is toxic for cats and children. 3 Use repellent smells … In most cases, popular Christmas tree species, such as blue spruce and Douglas fir, are not poisonous to cats, though ingesting sharp needles can wreak havoc with a cat's digestive system. There are two points of concern with eating needles from live Christmas trees: 800.392.6468 "The oils produced by some real Christmas trees are also mildly toxic if consumed, causing minor irritation to a pet's mouth and stomach," the charity added. 100% non-PVC Christmas trees will be the most non toxic option although 100% non-PVC doesn’t mean they are chemical free. 5. From the Christmas presents, the Christmas parties, the Christmas cookies, and the Christmas trees, it's no wonder it's considered "the most wonderful season of all. But, too much chewing can lead to a foreign body obstruction if ingested. Christmas trees can be toxic Before you potentially expose your family to toxins, find out the facts. If possible, place your tree in a room where you have the ability to close the door when you have to leave. Other species of pine tree, however, particularly Norfolk pine, house pine and Australian pine, are toxic to cats. Additionally, most modern Christmas trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is toxic to animals and humans alike. Exciting household items emerge from the attic once a year, tempting your pet into causing trouble if you’re not careful. Real Christmas trees contain fir tree oil that is considered to be mildly toxic to cats. This evening, I read a couple of articles online stating that the flocking on trees is toxic to pets!!! Some cats regard Christmas trees as a delightful playground. Use Obstacles to Separate Christmas Trees and Cats You can surround the tree with a barricade or objects, like a cat pen , to obstruct access to the Christmas tree. Even without food-based and shiny decorations, your Christmas tree can pose a threat to your furry friend. The fir tree oil, if consumer by your cat, can cause mouth and stomach irritation. Last year I went to my friend Shay’s home and–Wowza! So, I’m thinking my light outlined Christmas Tree will have to be on the ceiling or a small tree in a cage. So I am out voted. (And does your cat go along with what most cats do anyway?) The short answer is, Yes. I will share the same advice with you; Why are Christmas trees and their decorations considered toxic? By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, The Dangers Associated With Christmas Trees, How to Prevent Christmas Plant Toxicities in Your Pet, The 13 Best Christmas Gifts for Your Dog in 2020, The 7 Best Advent Calendars for Pets in 2020, Insects That Are Toxic to Cats (And a Few That Aren't). Yes. Christmas trees can be dangerous for dogs and cats if your pets consume their needles or ornaments, drink the tree water or chew on the Christmas tree lights. Christmas trees and cats! We as cat lovers know that our curious babies want to know why lights are blinking, why balls are shining; Wait until the cats see the ornaments swinging! Pine trees are toxic for cats, notes Petcha, because they may cause liver damage and can be fatal. One of my cats, not the sharpest tool in the box, never noticed the tree was there till around 12th Night! Bonsai trees deepen the beauty of your house. Christmas trees aren’t a hazard to your cats and dogs by being poisonous, but the RSPCA advise that your pets only be allowed around the tree when supervised. Amaryllis Toxic To Dogs. The tree needles are not easily digested either; possibly causing GI irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture. f you have a household with one or both (cats and/or children), skip the artificial snow and wait for the real stuff! Most cats cannot resist them, as their branches serve as swings and punching bags for some felines. Though most cats typically will not eat the needles of a tree, there are some cats that be curious enough to do so. Christmas trees and decorations hazardous to cats. Cat Tip of the Day: How to Deal With a Lazy Cat, How to Choose Cat Litter and a Cat Litter Box. Christmas Tree Decorations are a target for most cats. I have heard that they are toxic to cats so I was not a huge fan of having a Christmas tree (unless it was a fake Christmas tree) but then my other house mate said that he wanted a Christmas tree too. I could keep my cat Mia downstairs for the whole of Christmas. There’s nothing quite like heading out on a chilly Lol. The holidays are like a gift that keeps on giving. Here we look at the dangers to look out for and how to keep your cats and dogs safe around the festive trees. Christmas trees themselves, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard if your cat has a tendency to climb things they shouldn’t. NO. What is the Best Oil For Your Cat’s Health? Christmas cactus is non-toxic to cats although the Pet Poison Helpline does say that mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in some cats. If your cast insists on biting the tree there is a product called. Some can even be deadly. While trees aren't the greatest concern for pets, they are considered "mildly toxic," according to pet supply company Hartz. My friend Shay placed the tree away from tables, bookshelves, and other launching pads Lex typically uses. Double check your plant placement, as cats can jump high enough to reach plants placed out of reach. Her cat “Lex” had a love affair with her Christmas tree! During the holiday season, you’re likely overwhelmed by your to-do list—picking the perfect gifts, cutting down the most beautiful tree, and baking mouth-watering goodies to share. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats Plants Toxic to Cats Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) | Scientific Names: Arum maculatum | Family: Araceae Avoid dampening your holiday cheer with an emergency veterinary visit by following these tips: When in doubt, check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants before adding greenery and bright blooms to your home. Should You Be Giving Vitagravy to Your Cat? The tree oils can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, which causes excessive drooling or … Max is gone now, but Brenda and her husband, John Myers, learned their lesson: Cats and Christmas trees can be a destructive force. Meow! Philippe Huguen/AFP via Getty Images You know how cats can jump, so giving them a head start, like setting the tree next to an end table, is a bad idea. Additionally, you should regularly dispose of any stray needles–no matter the tree type–because they're sharp and may be dangerous to your kitty's internal organs. Poinsettias, or Christmas Stars A very popular decorative plant at Christmas because of their pretty, brightly colored leaves, poinsettias can give cats and dogs digestive problems and irritate their skin. Pounce? Even though the question refers to “live” trees, artificial trees, such as the one… Avoid these four most dangerous plants when decorating for the holidays: You may wonder why the poinsettia is not listed as a toxic holiday plant. If you wish to have a live tree, choose a fir or spruce. The fir tree oils can irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive drooling or vomiting. While you may have visions of stringing popcorn garlands, tinsel strands, and salt dough ornaments along your beautiful fir tree, your pet will be drooling at your feet, eager to make a snack out of the conveniently hung treats. Related Articles: But are Christmas trees toxic to cats? Lex would fight with the branches, jump in the tree; Lex is crazy and that is just the way we love him. Can we say, challenge? The only place our 4 cats cannot reach is the ceiling. Are Christmas trees toxic to cats? Pet Poison Helpline. Stop your cat from knocking the Christmas tree over Christmas Tree. Fake Christmas trees are definitely safe for cats. "But with all those good things come situations that test our merrymaking mettle. What about the water in the tree stand that your pup slurped up? Although you may be worried about your Christmas tree’s demise, what about your pet? To be on the safe side, ensure all plants are kept out of paw’s reach. Real Christmas Trees Can Make Cats Sick. Though most cats typically will not eat the needles of a tree, there are some cats that be curious enough to do so. Although many people believe that poinsettias can kill their pets, that is a rarity. However, they still contain PVC and will emit toxic chemicals. Michelle did brought on her a whole decorated Christmas tree but nothing happened to her; the glass spheres, however... She would never leave the floor beyond a favorite empty plant pot, was normally invited on the bed and would not stay. I had no idea, and gave it no thought! Christmas tree dangers to cats. Call animal poison control if you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic. Others are attracted by sparkly decorations. It’s because live trees — like some other holiday plants — *link to holiday safety tips piece* — can potentially be toxic to pets. Christmas trees are one of many holiday plants that can be toxic to pets. 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