Cats, as you know, are curious creatures. Any new feature in their territory is worth careful inspection. When you start pulling out your holiday decorations, they’re likely nearby to keep an eye on things. Unsurprisingly, your Christmas tree would be an immediate curiosity they’re drawn to examine. Let’s discuss how to keep your cats (and other pets) safe during the holiday season—without sacrificing your decorations.
Why Are Cats Attracted to Christmas Trees?
Beyond the simple fact that it’s a large new object in your space, Christmas trees hold plenty of appeal for your curious cat. Cats love to have a high vantage point to observe their territory, and climbing that tree, with all its interesting toy-like ornaments, is a challenge they’re likely to accept.
The twinkling lights, shining ornaments and interesting new climbing surface may be too big a temptation to resist. If you’re lucky, your cat will just nap beneath the tree with all your wrapped gifts. However, it’s just as likely they’ll want to climb your tree and potentially end up stuck. That’s not the only potential hazard your cat could encounter with a live tree in your home, though.
Common Hazards Christmas Trees Pose to Cats
With a live tree like a pine, spruce or fir comes that wonderful winter smell—and potential dangers to cats. Educate yourself on potential dangers to lower the risks to your pets.
Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats?
Your Christmas tree is most likely an evergreen tree with needles, not leaves. Needles are mildly toxic to cats when ingested, causing stomach upset and potentially irritating their mouth due to oils found on the needles. The good news is that your cat would have to eat more needles than they likely could for them to be severely toxic. However, even one needle can puncture their sensitive digestive tract or esophagus, leading to illness, so it’s best to prevent them from eating any needles for their safety.
Are Decorations and Lights Hazards?
Decorations like snow globes and electric lights can be hazardous to cats, especially if you have a mischievous kitty who likes to investigate new objects (and knock them off shelves or tables). Let’s break these down:
- Snow globes often contain chemicals in the solution inside the globe that may be harmful to your pet.
- Electric lights, especially with stronger voltage, can electrocute your cat if they bite into the cord or lights. Blinking or twinkling lights can be particularly tempting to cats.
- Some common holiday plants like poinsettias and Christmas lilies are also toxic to cats, so keep those well out of reach or out of the house.
- When ingested, tree decorations like garlands and shining ornaments can cause intestinal obstruction, which is especially dangerous with something string-based like tinsel.
Is Tree Water Dangerous to Cats?
Tree water is possibly the most dangerous hazard here to cats, especially since it may seem like a perfectly fine water source to them. Most cats avoid water bowls too close to their food bowls since instinct tells them the water may be contaminated. (You can address this by simply placing their water across the room from food or putting another water bowl or two around your house and seeing which bowl they favor.) Water under the tree will seem like a good source, though you know that the tree water contains chemicals, potentially even bleach, that can harm your curious kitty.
Though it may prolong the longevity and freshness of the tree, tree water additives should be discarded to keep your pets safe. Regular water is fine, though you should still discourage cats from drinking it. They have a perfectly good water bowl, and you should train them to search there first.
Real Vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Are Safer for Cats?
Real trees are beautiful hallmarks of the season, but they’re not a safe choice for homes with pets, especially cats who chew on plant leaves or drink tree water. An artificial tree is overall the best option, though it still has some hazards you’ll need to watch for with a curious cat. However, with proper precautions, you and your pets can enjoy the season with plenty of festive decorations on display.
Preventative Measures to Keep Cats Safe Around Christmas Trees
Whether by redirecting or just blocking off the tree, there are steps you can take to have a holly jolly holiday season for you and your cat.
How Do You Keep Cats Away from a Christmas Tree?
The best thing you can do to protect your cat from harm is keep them away from the tree. Whether that means a physical barrier or distracting your cat with nearby toys, do what you need to keep them safe. Here are some ideas:
- Provide a nearby safe alternative like a scratching post or grass plant, depending on what aspect of the tree appeals to your cat.
- If you have a particularly persistent cat, spray the tree with a cat deterrent or a citrus-based spray.
- You may need to place a physical barrier around the tree.
- Make sure you’re playing with your cat daily. Tiring them out reduces the likelihood they’ll get into mischief—plus, it builds your bond.
Cat-Proofing Your Christmas Tree
Keep your feline friend happy and safe with some of these tricks to keep them away from your tree:
- Use battery-operated lights on your tree and turn them off when you’re not in the room.
- Avoid using blinking or twinkling lights in your tree, which may signal playtime to your cat.
- Cover any wires for lights or decorations, and wrap any in the tree itself closely to the branches to keep them from dangling down.
Enjoy Safe, Stress-Free Holidays for You and Your Pets
We hope your holiday season is filled with joy—and ensuring your home is a safe environment for your pets certainly makes that easier! Your cat is an important part of your family, and making sure they can have a safe, enjoyable holiday season is just as important as the rest of the family. Sometimes, even with the best protections and distractions, your pet manages to cause some mischief or drink from the wrong water source. If you’re in the Triangle and need us, our emergency vets are here to help throughout the entire holiday season (yes, even Christmas Day). We’ll be ready to help you get back to what matters most: time spent with your loved ones.
