Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Cats? The most common type of trees that are used for the holidays are fir, spruce, and pine. The needles from these trees are all mildly toxic to cats if they eat them. Needles can cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation to the mouth due to the oils.
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The whole family will enjoy decorating your house for the holidays, but it’s important to know which plants are harmful to cats.
It’s difficult not to decorate the halls with all of the gorgeous live plants that are in abundance at this time of year. Sadly, some of the most well-liked holiday plants are poisonous or dangerous to cats. To help ensure your cat has a safe holiday season, stay away from these popular holiday plants.
Please contact your veterinarian immediately or give the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center a call at (888) 426-4435 if you believe your cat may have consumed any of the plants covered in this article.
It seems that no holiday table is complete without a beautiful poinsettia with its dark leaves and velvety red petals. This traditional holiday plant has received a bad rap over the years as being a highly toxic plant for cats, but its not as dangerous as others, says PetMD. Poinsettias arent life-threatening, but they may give your kitty a stomachache or diarrhea if she ingests or licks the plant. Stick to admiring other peoples flowers, or display the plant out of your cats reach (if there is such a place in your home!). There are also many faux options available that can bring your holiday display to life without threatening your cats.
Amaryllis is a desirable holiday plant because its fun to watch the bulb grow into a tall, majestic flower. However, its toxic to pets due to the presence of the chemical lycorine, among other properties. According to the ASPCA, possible reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and hypersalivation. Amaryllis plants may be beautiful, but theyre not worth the risk.
With its dark leaves and velvety red petals, it seems that no holiday table is complete without a beautiful poinsettia. However, the ASPCA explains that, while poinsettias arent life-threatening, they may irritate your kittys mouth and stomach and can cause vomiting if ingested. This is no fun for your cat, so stick to admiring other peoples flowers or put your poinsettia someplace out of your cats reach — if such a place exists. You can also go with a faux option to bring your holiday display to life without risking your cats well-being.
Christmas trees are often pine, spruce or fir trees. According to Texas A&M Universitys School of Veterinary Medicine, pine needles in particular can cause health complications for your cat. If ingested, pine needles can irritate their mouth and may also lead to gastrointestinal issues. If you wish to have a live tree, choose a fir or spruce. No matter what kind of tree you get, regularly dispose of any stray needles.
Additional risks associated with Christmas trees include your cat toppling the tree or consuming ornaments like tinsel, ribbons, string, and beads. To help prevent accidents, if at all possible, secure your tree to the ground. You should also raise any choking hazards high enough on the tree so your cat can’t reach them. To prevent your cat from drinking the water, cover the tree stand. Tree water may include sap, pesticides or preservatives.
When it comes to ornaments, stay away from those that are tiny enough for your cat to eat and take extra caution around ones that have sharp edges. Make every effort to secure your ornaments to the tree so your cat can’t remove them. In conclusion, prevent your feline from gnawing on electrical cords and disconnect them when you’re not present to oversee them.
If youre looking to hang mistletoe or holly in your doorway, opt for artificial plants. The ASPCA explains that mistletoe can cause several health concerns, including vomiting, diarrhea, low heart rate, low blood pressure and even difficulty breathing. Holly berries and leaves can also cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, as well as depression. Cats are nimble, curious little creatures, so even if these festive decorations seem out of reach, think again. Plus, you dont need mistletoe to kiss your cat!
Once more: Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you believe there is even a possibility that your cat may have consumed any of these poisonous holiday plants. You should also contact your veterinarian right away.
Christmas trees can be toxic
The pet care company Hartz warned that falling Christmas tree needles “are not digestible and can be mildly toxic depending upon your dog’s size and how much she ingests.”
“The oils from fir trees may irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, resulting in vomiting or excessive drooling.” Additionally, tree needles may puncture or obstruct her gastrointestinal system,” the business stated.
Artificial Christmas trees require extra caution because they age and become more brittle. “If your dog eats small pieces of plastic or aluminum, it could cause an intestinal blockage or irritation to their mouth,” according to Hartz. Read more.
“There is a very small risk that sharp pine needles can cause internal damage if swallowed, or can get into eyes or ears—but cases are extremely rare,” issued a warning from the UK pet charity Blue Cross for Pets. If this worries you and you’d still like a real Christmas tree, you might want to get one of the non-drop varieties.
The charity also stated that some real Christmas trees produce oils that are somewhat toxic if ingested and can cause minor stomach and mouth irritation in pets.
Several cheerful Christmas plants that are brought inside during the holiday season can be dangerous for pets.
“Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who decide to eat them,” stated the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Poinsettias can be troublesome as well. “.
Visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website to view a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats.
Tree water can be dangerous
Because Christmas tree water is frequently treated with aspirin, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, it can be harmful to your pets.
“Water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous to your pets,” the AVMA issued a warning. If you have pets in your home, never add anything—not even sugar or aspirin—to the water for your tree. “.
“The amounts [of tree water] usually consumed by children, cats, and dogs are not poisonous,” stated the National Capital Poison Center. Although some upset stomach and possibly vomiting are possible, no major issues are anticipated.
But the National Capital Poison Center also noted that some homemade preservatives “contain both bleach and vinegar or lemon juice; this combination can form a poisonous gas called chlorine.”
The ASPCA issued the following warning: “Your pet may experience nausea or diarrhea if he drinks stagnant tree water, as it serves as a breeding ground for bacteria.” “.
According to Blue Cross for Pets, “many fertilizers are toxic to cats and can seep into watering trays, so be cautious when applying them or planting food on your tree if it’s potted.” “.
To prevent your Christmas tree from toppling over and its water from spilling onto the floor where pets could eat it, use a covered dish for the water from the tree and secure it to a sturdy object.
FAQ
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