Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats? What About Tree Water?

Pretty much everything in this photo can be a hazard for your cat. Yikes. Simol1407 / Shutterstock

The holiday season brings twinkling lights, festive decorations, and of course, the classic Christmas tree. But if you’re a cat owner, you may be wondering: Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?

The answer isn’t entirely jolly. While not always deadly, Christmas trees and their accessories can pose real risks to your curious kitty.

Contents

Real Christmas Trees: Not Always Cat Safe
Artificial Christmas Trees Aren’t Hazard-free
Dangerous Decorations and Christmas Hazards
6 Tips for a Cat-Safe Christmas Tree
When to Call the Vet

Real Christmas Trees: Not Always Cat Safe

Real Christmas trees like pine, fir, and spruce aren’t highly toxic, but they can be mildly toxic to cats. The tree needles contain oils that can irritate your cat’s mouth or cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and drooling.

Sharp pine needles can puncture or irritate a cat’s digestive tract if swallowed. Ingesting a large amount of needles could also lead to an intestinal blockage.

Water in the tree stand poses another risk. Cats love to drink from odd places, and stagnant tree water may contain mold, bacteria, or even additives like aspirin or fertilizer, all of which are potentially toxic to cats.

Artificial Christmas Trees Aren’t Hazard-free

Artificial Christmas trees eliminate the problem of toxic oils and sharp needles, but they come with their own dangers.

Cats may chew on plastic branches, which can lead to choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Cats may also try to climb artificial Christmas trees, which can result in falls or the tree being knocked over.

Dangerous Decorations and Christmas Hazards

cat — Christmas decorations and artificial trees aren't a whole lot safer than pine or fir trees. Nadezhda Gerasimova / Shutterstock

Whether you use a real tree or an artificial one, it’s the decorations that often pose the biggest threat. Cats and Christmas trees are a risky combo when you consider:

Glass ornaments that can break into sharp pieces
Salt dough ornaments that are highly toxic if ingested
Electric cords and twinkling lights that invite chewing
Tinsel and ribbons, which can cause blockages if swallowed
Snow globes, which may contain antifreeze-like substances

Even holiday plants like mistletoe (which is toxic to cats) and poinsettias (which, while not highly toxic, can cause drooling or vomiting if ingested) should be kept out of reach.

6 Tips for a Cat-Safe Christmas Tree

To enjoy holiday cheer without vet visits, try these preventive steps.

Anchor the tree securely to avoid tipping.
Use a tree skirt to block access to the water stand.
Keep ornaments off lower branches.
Avoid edible or breakable decorations.
Hide electrical cords or use cord protectors.
Provide plenty of cat toys and a nearby scratching post.

You can also deter your feline friend by placing lemon peels or comforting pheromones around the tree. Most cats dislike citrus scents, and pheromone sprays can create a calming, peaceful area.

When to Call the Vet

Consulting a vet sooner rather than later can save you (and your cat) some major angst. Maria Sbytova / Shutterstock

If your cat shows signs like excessive drooling, vomiting, or seems to have eaten part of the tree or decorations, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even mildly toxic materials can become dangerous, depending on how much your cat consumes.

With a few precautions, your tree can be a safe addition to your house—for both you and your feline friends.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.