The Daily Insight

Connected.Informed.Engaged.

Beyond added chemicals, it turns out all Christmas tree water is dangerous. Jordan explains that the water from Christmas trees is toxic to cats because of fire retardants that are sprayed onto most Christmas trees before they are sold, plus pine sap is toxic to kitties.

Why do cats love Christmas tree water?

Some guessed it was because cats like to be outside and trees remind them of the outdoors. Some guessed it was because cats like the lights and the shiny ornaments. … Such as it can be unsafe for cats to drink the water a real tree sits in. They can be harmed by swallowing real tree needles or tinsel.

Why does my cat bite my Christmas tree?

Christmas Tree Dangers for Cats. We hate to be too doom and gloom. … Those wires running through the tree, as well as the cord going to the outlet, are very attractive to cats who like to chew. They can catch a nail if they’re moving through the tree or batting at ornaments.

Are Xmas trees poisonous to cats?

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.

Why do cats like chewing on Christmas trees?

“First and foremost, you introduced them to something new and fragrant.” When cats are in familiar territory, they are often curious about new things. There’s enough to investigate in the tree, which includes outdoor odors and bark to scratch.”

How do you get sap off a cat?

You can loosen the sap by using olive oil, mineral oil, or smooth peanut butter. Massage the product onto the affected fur and let it sit for a few minutes. It’s important to only use products that are safe if ingested, since your pet may try to lick the oily substance off its fur.

How do I get my cat to stop drinking Christmas tree water?

Luckily, there are several ways to prevent your cat from drinking the tree water. “Getting a covered base, or covering the base with a cover, some tin foil or even a tree skirt can prevent a cat from getting into the water,” Coll says.

Why is my cat licking my fake Christmas tree?

Plastic Is His Bag Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist at Tufts University, says it’s likely a mild version of a compulsive disorder called wool sucking, which isn’t just about wool. … It’s often linked to pica, “the indiscriminate eating of inedible objects,” says Dodman, author of Pets on the Couch.

Is Christmas tree water bad for dogs?

Water: Tree water can poison your dog. Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents, such as aspirin, are commonly added to tree water to keep the tree fresh. Treated water can be harmful to a thirsty dog -so use a covered tree water dish to be safe.

How do I get my cat to stop eating my Christmas tree?

Steer your cat away. Most cats hate foil and citrus scents, so wrap your tree trunk in foil, and place a few lemon or orange peels around the base. You can also place pine cones around the base.

Article first time published on

How do I stop my cat from attacking the Christmas tree?

You can try placing orange peels at the base of the tree, using an orange or citrus-scented spray-on branch, or putting apple cider vinegar-coated pine cones near the tree. There are also ready-made cat deterrents available at most pet stores. Cover the trunk of your live Christmas tree with aluminum foil.

How do I keep the pets away from my Christmas tree?

  1. Lock Them Out. The only foolproof way to keep pets away from your Christmas tree is to simply bar them from the area. …
  2. Tie It Up (The Tree, That Is) …
  3. Use A Pet-Deterring Spray. …
  4. Wrap It In Foil. …
  5. Decorate Accordingly.

Are fake Christmas trees safe for cats?

ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE. The safest and my most highly recommended Christmas trees to have around cats are artificial trees with no flocking. … With artifical trees, pretty much any brand will do, just make sure that they don’t shed any plastic (or other) materials that your cat might ingest.

Do orange peels keep cats away from Christmas trees?

Try placing citrus peels like oranges and lemons under your tree skirt. In general most cats detest citrus and will keep their distance. … You can also use citrus oil sprays if you’re not into collecting peels, but either way it will keep your tree cat free and put your mind at ease.

Can cats lick sap?

Licking sap and ingesting it could cause some nausea and irritation, and you don’t want them to get a taste of liking the sap in any case (?) as any pine needles could be the next “edible” your kitty explores! And needles are really bad for a cat to ingest.

Can cats eat peanut butter?

In short, the answer is no. Since cats are carnivores, they rely on meat for nutrition. Much like cookies aren’t the best for us, peanut butter provides cats with no nutritional value and an excess of certain things, such as: High Fat: Peanut butter contains trans-fatty acids in order to make sure it’s shelf-stable.

Is olive oil OK for cats?

Olive oil is considered a healthy part of human nutrition, but can cats eat olive oil? Yes, although it may not be a good idea. Although olive oil isn’t considered poisonous to cats, consuming too much of any fat, including olive oil, may cause your cat to experience diarrhea and vomiting.

What kind of Christmas trees are safe for cats?

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. Plus, some cats like to eat stray needles, which can cause choking and seriously upset tummies.

Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs and cats?

Christmas trees are also generally safe for pets. However, pine needles can cause damage to eyes if pets should run into the tree, such as a corneal laceration. Should pets ingest the sap produced by the tree, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, but natural trees are generally non-toxic for cats and dogs.

Are Christmas trees toxic to cats Aspca?

Christmas trees are not particularly toxic, but precautions should be taken to ensure the tree is securely anchored so it doesn’t tip or fall. Tree water—which may contain fertilizers and bacteria that can cause stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea if ingested— should be covered to protect pets from drinking it.

What's a smell cats hate?

Citrus: Just like their canine counterparts, cats hate oranges, lemons, limes and the like. Some cat repellents even use these smells to help keep cats away. … Be sure to avoid essential oils (including eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and more) because they are known to be especially harmful to cats.

What scent will keep cats away from Christmas tree?

Cats have an innate dislike for citrus scents. Try putting an orange- or lemon-scented room deodorizer near the tree, even attached to the trunk. Other home remedies that cat owners have tried: clove oil, peppermint oil, Tabasco sauce (for branch nibblers) and black pepper.