are cats allergic to christmas trees

Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats? Fir trees are mildly toxic and may produce oils which can cause irritation to a cat’s mouth and stomach, but it’s very unlikely that your cat will eat large enough amounts to hurt themselves.

Because you know your cat will try to eat it

Although your cat might prefer to eat your beautifully decorated Christmas tree, you still enjoy looking at it.

If your cat appears eager to take a bite out of the tree, you’ve probably wondered just how safe it really is. So, are Christmas trees toxic to cats?.

We spoke to Dr. Paul Cunningham, a senior emergency clinician at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Michigan, to find out what cat parents need to know this holiday season.

How to Create a Cat-Safe Christmas Tree

It’s not impossible to have a Christmas tree despite the risks that cats face. These are some pointers for ensuring your cat’s safety during the holidays near the tree.

Using an artificial Christmas tree can help you avoid the risks associated with ingesting tree needles and water additives. You must exercise caution though, as chewing on plastic or aluminum can still cause oral irritation and intestinal blockage if small pieces are swallowed.
If you’re looking for a real tree, consider a Nordmann Fir or another “non-drop” option. Unlike other real Christmas tree options, these trees typically do not lose their needles.
Deciding how to partition off the entire Christmas tree can be challenging and not the most tasteful option. To keep your cat out, you could attempt using a gate or cat pen to block off the tree.
To prevent your cat from toppling it over, use a heavy tree base or secure weights to the base. To prevent it from toppling, you could also fasten the tree to the wall.
Try dousing the base of the tree with deterrent sprays or diluted vinegar, both of which are bitter to cats. The smell of these sprays can even make some cats shy away. These will lose their flavor and scent over time, so you’ll need to reapply.
Pet-deterrent air sprays that are activated by motion can detect movement up to a few feet away and release a hiss of air. To deter cats from becoming overly interested, place these air sprays at the base of the tree.
To reduce the risk of electrocution, use battery-operated tree lights and conceal the battery pack inside the tree. Additionally, to prevent easy access to danger, make sure to tie up any extra wires and electrical cords.

In general, you should keep your cat out of the room where the Christmas tree is kept if you are unable to keep them safe around it despite your best efforts to safety-proof it. This is the best way to ensure your cat is happy and healthy during the holiday season because too many injuries can occur.

Featured : iStockphoto.com/ Siarhei SHUNTSIKAU

Dr. 2009 saw Katie Grzyb graduate from Ross University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. She continued her clinical training at.

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FAQ

Is Christmas tree toxic to cats?

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.

Are cats allergic to pine trees?

The oils in pine trees can be harmful to cats, potentially leading to liver damage and even death. Meanwhile, pine needles are sharp and can damage a cat’s internal organs if ingested. They also pose a hazard to paws if stepped on. Cover the tree stand so your cat won’t drink the water.

Why do cats like biting Christmas trees?

“And as cats, they naturally seek out high places to rest and observe. They’re also attracted to moving and wiggling things, so the moving and shimmering ornaments can look like prey.” OK, we get it—Christmas trees are like catnip to them.

Do cats like Christmas trees?

It’s no secret in the world of pet owners: Cats love Christmas trees. They like to scratch them, climb them, bat at things attached to them, and even chew on them. We’ve gathered some great tips for keeping cats off Christmas trees along with reasons why you should.