are christmas trees poisonous for cats

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.

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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.

Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Cats?

Pine, spruce, and fir trees are the most popular varieties used for holiday decorating. If cats eat the needles from these trees, they will all become somewhat poisonous.

Because of the oils in them, needles can irritate the mouth and upset the stomach. But for your cat to become extremely toxic, a large amount would need to be consumed. The lining of the stomach, intestines, and esophagus can be damaged, obstructed, or punctured by falling needles, which can result in serious illness.

Additionally, cats frequently lap up the water at the base of Christmas trees, so it’s crucial to avoid adding anything to make the trees last longer. The most widely used alternatives, such as aspirin, sugar substitutes (particularly xylitol), preservatives, and fertilizers, can be toxic and extremely dangerous for cats. These can result in mild symptoms like upset stomachs or severe symptoms like seizures, problems with the liver and kidneys.

To prevent ingestion, if you do use water additives, get a covered tree base or completely cut off your cat’s access to the tree.

FAQ

What kind of Christmas trees are safe for cats?

What Kind of Christmas Tree Should You Buy? Live trees: Choose a Christmas tree with pet-friendly, pliable needles, such as a Douglas fir or white pine. Their needles won’t stick in your cat’s paws. Some cats like to eat stray needles, which can cause choking and seriously upset tummies.

Are Christmas trees toxic to pets?

The Dangers Associated With Christmas Trees Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees and are generally non-toxic to pets. The needles, however, can cause oral irritation and in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset.

Are pine trees poisonous to cats?

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.

Is Christmas tree scent safe for cats?

Several essential oils are toxic to pets including some that are popular holiday scents such as pine, wintergreen, mint, eucalyptus, lavender, and clove oil.