Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, christmas trees are mildly toxic to cats

Real Christmas trees are mildly toxic. Tree oils irritate the mouth and stomach, and needles are hard to digest. Tree water can contain fertilizer, preservatives and bacteria, and ornaments, tinsel and lights are often a bigger risk than the tree itself.

Christmas Trees and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Abies (fir), Picea (spruce) and Pinus (pine) spp.
Also called	fir, spruce, pine
Toxic compound	Pine oils and resin
Toxic parts	Needles and sap; also the tree water
Signs usually start	Within hours
Plant type	Holiday plant

Symptoms of christmas trees poisoning in cats

Drooling
Vomiting
Mouth irritation
Rarely: a blockage or puncture from swallowed needles

Why christmas trees are toxic to cats

Tree oils and sap irritate the mouth and stomach. Needles are sharp and indigestible, and tree water can contain fertilizer, preservatives and bacteria.

What to do if your cat ate christmas trees

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for drooling, vomiting, mouth irritation. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most pets need only monitoring. See a vet if your pet keeps vomiting, stops eating or has a painful belly, which can mean a blockage.

How to keep your cat away from christmas trees

Place christmas trees on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
Holiday decorations add extra risks: tinsel, ribbon, ornaments and light cords. Supervise cats around the tree and table.

Pet-safe alternatives to christmas trees

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Christmas Trees and cats: FAQ

Are christmas trees poisonous to cats?

Christmas Trees are mildly toxic to cats. Pine oils and resin can cause drooling and vomiting, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of christmas trees is toxic to cats?

Needles and sap; also the tree water.

Can cats die from eating christmas trees?

It is very unlikely. Christmas Trees usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating christmas trees will my cat show symptoms?

Within hours.

Are christmas trees toxic to dogs too?

Yes, christmas trees are mildly toxic to dogs.

Is tinsel dangerous for cats?

Yes. Swallowed tinsel can cause a linear foreign body, a surgical emergency. Skip tinsel in homes with cats.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats?