Most cats also enter a spell of drowsiness and inactivity as the ‘high’ wears off. The Christmas cactus is considered non-toxic to cats. Show Less. Published on 12/11/2020. 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. Lex would fight with the branches, jump in the tree; Lex is crazy and that is just the way we love him. Some people put aspirin in the water to … Of course you love looking at your perfectly decorated Christmas tree — but your dog or cat might prefer eating it. Meow! Are fiber optic Christmas trees dangerous to cats if they chew on the ends? There are many potential dangers to cats at Christmas time, from food which can harm them to common indoor plants. I really think this information should … Because you know they'll try to eat it By Danielle Esposito. While we are on the subject of Christmas trees, also consider the tree water. Her cat “Lex” had a love affair with her Christmas tree! Category: Cat. Christmas Cactus (which actually isn't even a cactus) isn't toxic to pets, but the fibrous material can cause digestion issues if your pet chews on it. And it's not only attractive, it's also very dangerous for them, as it can easily cause a … Poinsettia: Poinsettias are one of … Cat Up a Tree . Mia has never been around a Christmas tree so I guess I don't know if she would eat the needles or not, and I know that My house mate will make sure that the cats can't get at the Christmas tree water. 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. Also known as a rubber plant, ficus, or fiddle-leaf fig, the fig tree is a plant that is poisonous to cats not only when ingested, but also if the tree’s sap gets on your cat’s skin. Keep Your Furry Friends Safe With This Guide . Keep an eye on your Christmas tree. Chinaberry Tree (Bead Tree, China Ball Tree, Paradise Tree, Persian Lilac, White Cedar, Japanese Bead Tree, Texas Umbrella Tree, Pride-of-India) | Scientific Names: … Are Christmas Trees Safe For Dogs And Cats? Mistletoe and Cats. Live Christmas trees are not necessarily toxic to dogs and cats, but pets might experience gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) or skin irritation if they ingest or come into contact with tree sap or pine needles, says Dr. Osborne. Christmas trees are part of the winter holiday season for many of us. If you wish to have a live tree, choose a fir or spruce. Another hazard comes when pets drink the tree water, which can be filled with bacteria or worse. Aside from all the dangers of the ornaments, ornament hooks, lights and tinsel, there is a real danger to your cat from ingesting tree needles. Christmas trees themselves, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard if your cat has a tendency to climb things they shouldn’t. The level of poisoning is also related to the amount ingested. However, if by some unfortunate event they do, the worst that can happen is needles to lodge in your kitten’s intestines. NancyH, Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert. The best bet, she says, it to place the tree in a room you can close off when no one is supervising your fur baby. Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents, such as aspirin, are commonly used in the tree water to keep the tree fresh. Christmas Tree. 2. Tinsel comes in two types, the garland tinsel and the long strands of tinsel (known as angel hair or lametta tinsel. Try aluminum foil or double-sided tape, materials that cats cannot dig their … The oils produced by some real Christmas trees are also mildly toxic if consumed, causing minor irritation to a pet's mouth and stomach. Is a Christmas cactus poisonous to cats? Are Christmas trees actually poisonous to cats? This includes the decorations on the Christmas tree, but also the tree itself and other Christmas plants. Sap from the tree that settles in the reservoir is toxic, as are any tree preservatives used to extend the life of the cut tree. The water in the reservoir is also a danger for cats. Source: Animogen Toxicity of holiday plants varies from mild to extreme. Show More. Most people know that ivy and holly are toxic for humans, but are Christmas plants poisonous to dogs and cats? Christmas trees are mildly toxic to cats, and although the sharp ends of the ‘needles’ will normally stop your cat actually trying to eat them, there is still a risk that they could work themselves into a paw and cause severe discomfort. These may have harmful or deadly consequences for cats and dogs (and children) who drink the water! Are Christmas trees poisonous to dogs and cats? Christmas trees and decorations can be an attractive hazard for many pets. How worried should I be? The answer is one big NO! Additional Tree Safety Concerns. How to Keep Cats Away From Poisonous Plants Submitted: 14 years ago. Of all the plants on this list, this one is actually the safest. Tinsel is especially dangerous, and cats love to play with it. Christmas trees and decorations hazardous to cats Christmas trees themselves, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard if your cat has a tendency to climb things they shouldn't. I had no idea, and gave it no thought! Most cats cannot resist them, as their branches serve as swings and punching bags for some felines. Philippe Huguen/AFP via … And The ASPCA have it listed as a non-toxic indoor plant, so you’re safe to have it around pets too. But although Christmas trees are fun for us, they can be dangerous for our cats. Are trees dangerous to dogs and cats? Although this may sound alarming, a … The oils produced by some real Christmas trees are also mildly toxic if consumed, causing minor irritation to a pet’s mouth and stomach. Mistletoe Ingestion of it causes serious intestinal problems that usually require surgery. If it’s a purifying plant you want to grow indoors, this is among ten of the best – so say NASA. Generally speaking, Christmas trees pose little risk for dogs and cats. Pine trees are toxic for cats, notes Petcha, because they may cause liver damage and can be fatal. Q: I love all things Christmas and am looking forward to celebrating more than ever this year. Category: Cat. One thing I do love to have in my home is a few 6 – The Bamboo Palm. Why are Christmas trees dangerous? Am I being paranoid about the tree, how dangerous are Christmas trees really for cats? These things can grow from a few inches up to about 2.5 meters. With little in the way of needs, the Christmas … If you have pets or children, it's important to do your research on a plant before blindly bringing it into your home. So what do you guys think? Christmas trees are considered to be mildly toxic. Beyond logistical hassles, Christmas trees pose another issue. The risks of some plants outweigh the benefits, as they can be toxic to both people and pets. Cats … That way you can simply shut the door when you're away and guarantee you won't come home to any surprises. Such symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and dry heaving in an attempt to get rid of the plant material. Christmas Cactus. Christmas trees such as firs, pines and cedar can cause drooling in pets and vomiting in children. When cats consume large quantities of fresh catnip, they exhibit symptoms that are similar to poisoning. Make sure your pets cannot access the Christmas tree water. By Kelly Wynne On 12/10/18 at 1:23 PM EST. Share this conversation. Christmas can be a hazardous season for pets, especially cats who can’t resist the tree and other holiday plants, many of which are poisonous. So you've probably wondered just how safe that Christmas tree really is, especially if your pet seems eager to … Last year I went to my friend Shay’s home and–Wowza! A cat in a Christmas tree really can be a hilarious holiday sight — until it's not. Poinsettias , holly and mistletoe are poisonous. There are a few types of mistletoe poisonous … The pines of most Christmas trees are not toxic and better yet, most cats won’t ingest any. 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. Here we look at the dangers to look out for and how to keep your cats and dogs safe around the festive trees. Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Pets? This evening, I read a couple of articles online stating that the flocking on trees is toxic to pets!!! On the whole, unless you have a very placid, possibly older cat, Christmas trees and cats really don’t mix! Generally, these trees are only mildly toxic. With so many Christmas flowers and plants firmly on the no-no list, many families wonder if having a Christmas tree in their home is safe for their pets. Cat pens like the MidWest exercise pen with step-thru door can help to prevent the cat from going under the tree and climbing into it, but unfortunately, this will not stop aerial attacks. Cats are especially … If you have a real tree rather than a fake one, make sure to vacuum regularly to keep any fallen needles off the floor. 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. That’s how irritation happens. Festive plants like poinsettia and berries found in holly and mistletoe are poisonous to cats, so keep them out of reach ; Tinsel and other decorations can be dangerous if they are swallowed; Festive foods are often poisonous for cats – from chocolate … And, if she happens to nip at one of the serrated leaves, don’t fret. You can surround the tree with a barricade or objects, like a cat pen, to obstruct access to the Christmas tree. One potential risk to cats is tinsel which most homes use to decorate their Christmas tree. Contact of the sap with skin can cause irritation, while ingestion can cause irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal problems resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. If so, how? Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) Festive up your house with the strange blooms of the Christmas cactus. Larry, the Downing Street cat, sits near the Christmas tree … I purchased a flocked Christmas tree during Christmas in July, on sale. Cat Vet: NancyH, Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert replied 14 years ago. Ask Your Own Cat Question. Christmas Tree … Christmas trees, whether real or artificial, can be a hazard for homes with pets during the holiday season. Satisfied … During the Christmas season, our home is filled with shiny baubles and decorative ornaments that can pose a serious risk to our pets. Eating other indigestible Christmas decorations can cause intestinal blockage, also requiring surgery. Some of the most popular houseplants which are of potentially dangerous poisonous levels are listed here. Christmas trees and cats! Potential Problems with Family Pets and Christmas Trees. Christmas trees can be toxic Watch out for fallen Christmas tree … Don't use tinsel — cats are extremely attracted to the dangly and shiny nature of tinsel. They may be a potential hazard for inquisitive pets. Cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett offers several ways to keep cats and Christmas trees safe this holiday season. Additionally, what Christmas trees are poisonous to cats? An interesting plant with easy propagation tendencies, your cat will enjoy gazing upon the bright flowers. Christmas Tree. Did you know that you can even grow a tree for an indoor cat? 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.. Cat behaviour expert Marilyn Krieger of CCBC told Petcha that “pine needles can … Christmas trees for cat owners can be a nightmare – especially if your cat likes to climb! How toxic are Christmas trees … Dogs and cats that drink the water can get ill from the preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, or other agents, such as aspirin, that are commonly put in the tree water to keep the tree fresh. Answered in 37 minutes by: 12/18/2006. Kittens will love you with one of … Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats?