Are Christmas trees dangerous for cats? Here are 5 simple tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season

Things to remember to make the coming holiday season a safe and happy time for your pet cats as well.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO

A pet cat sitting near a Christmas tree. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | denozy)

Many cat owners love the look of a bright holiday tree, but some begin to worry when they notice their pets treating it like a new playground. Questions about safety come up every year, especially when decorations start appearing around the house. One common concern is whether Christmas trees can harm cats, and this worry grows as soon as a cat begins chewing, climbing, or drinking from places it should not. These issues become more noticeable as people prepare their homes for the season, raising interest in what parts of a Christmas tree might be dangerous. The risks are not always obvious, and many hazards hide in plain sight, mixed in with the lights, branches, and festive ornaments that make the tree so appealing.

A woman holding her cat and standing near a Christmas tree (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Kaboompics.com)

Hazardous objects

As reported by How Stuff Works, real Christmas trees such as pine, fir, and spruce contain oils in their needles that may irritate a cat’s mouth or stomach if chewed, leading to vomiting and drooling. Swallowing the needles could also puncture or block the digestive tract. While artificial trees avoid sap and oils, they carry other risks, as cats may chew on plastic branches, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages, or try climbing the tree, which could result in falls or the tree toppling over. Furthermore, decorations make the situation worse. Glass ornaments, snow globes with antifreeze-like liquids, salt dough ornaments, tinsel, and ribbons can break, be ingested, or cause serious injuries. Holiday plants such as mistletoe and poinsettias may also cause cats to drool or vomit if they nibble on them or come into contact with them.

Cat getting treated at vet. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Predrag Popovski)

Watch what they drink and eat

Additional hazards come from tree water and mechanical injuries. Cats often drink from the tree stand, which may contain bacteria, additives like aspirin, fertilizers, or sugar substitutes such as xylitol. According to PetMD, these substances can cause mild stomach upset or more severe effects like seizures, liver problems, or kidney damage. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose serious risks when bitten, as cats can suffer burns, heart problems, breathing issues, or life-threatening shocks.

Cat near Christmas ornaments. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay)

Anchor your Christmas tree

To help cats enjoy the holidays safely, owners can follow several practical tips. First, anchor the tree securely to prevent tipping, and consider attaching it to the wall or adding weights to the base for extra stability. Using a heavy tree base can make it harder for a cat to knock the tree over. Second, use a tree skirt or cover to block access to the water stand, and avoid adding chemicals or preservatives to the water. Third, place fragile, edible, or tempting ornaments out of reach or on higher branches. Fourth, hide electrical cords or use protective covers to prevent chewing and reduce shock risks. Fifth, provide toys, scratching posts, or climbing structures that can help redirect their energy away from the tree.

Cat near Christmas lights. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Elina Sazonova)

Additional measures can further protect curious felines. Consider using an artificial tree to reduce mess and cleanup while still keeping an eye on potential chewing of plastic or aluminum branches. Deterrent sprays around the base can discourage cats from approaching. Partitioning off the tree with a tall cat gate or pen may be necessary for very persistent cats. Installing a pet camera can also help owners monitor their cats while away.