Why are Christmas trees poisonous to cats?

Christmas trees are considered to be mildly toxic to cats. The fir tree oils can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive drooling or vomiting.

The tree needles are not easily digested either; possibly causing GI irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture.

Artificial trees are also dangerous. If eaten, they can cause an intestinal obstruction.

Confining your pets away from the tree when you are not home is recommended.

This will allow you to be able to “supervise” any tree or plant-eating activity.

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Other plants, such as Mistletoe and Holly are also poisonous.

What to Look For

If your pet has chewed on the Christmas tree or other plants, monitor for any changes of behavior (excessive licking, salivating), appetite, activity, water consumption, vomiting and diarrhea.

Additional Tree Safety Concerns

While we are on the subject of Christmas trees, also consider the tree water.

Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents, such as aspirin, are commonly used in the tree water to keep the tree fresh.

These may have harmful or deadly consequences for cats who drink the water! A covered tree water dish is the safest.

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