Many people are aware that certain holiday plants can be poisonous for pets. Mistletoe, Holly and other plants are poisonous to pets. But did you know that your Christmas tree is also poisonous? Pet owners are worried about it falling over, but they don’t think it will happen if the pet eats it.

It is possible that Christmas will be the time when you add new items to your home. Families like to have a festive, colorful home. This suggests that you bring in live trees and beautiful plants. Most cats will chew on your vacation tree and plants. Most of these plants are poisonous for your cat. The levels of toxicity range from mild to severe. The amount of plant consumed is used to determine the level of poisoning. The new plants are most attractive to kittens. The dose is dependent on the size of the kitten, so they are at greater risk.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are mildly toxic. The oils in the fir tree can cause excessive drooling and vomiting.

The needles of Christmas trees are not easily digestible. This could cause GI irritation or vomiting. It may also lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction.

Eating artificial trees can also be harmful. The toxin and ileus that can be released by the synthetic material is the biggest concern. Your cat cannot digest the needles.

The quantity consumed will determine how much worry you need. Most cats do not consume a lot of tree substance.

Consider the water in your trees as an additional precaution. To keep trees fresh, pesticides and fertilizers are often used. They can be harmful or even deadly to cats who drink them. To be safe, use a tree-water dish that is covered.

Plants for the Holidays

Bright holiday plants are great for gifts and decorations at this time of the year. They can also be toxic to pets, ranging from mild to severe.

Poinsettias have been labeled highly toxic many times. This is usually just a urban legend. The sap of the poinsettia tree is considered mildly toxic or irritating. It can cause nausea or vomiting but not death.

Holly and Mistletoe are both moderately toxic to severe. The leaves are also a problem because they make the berries slippery. Contact your veterinarian or poison centre immediately if ingested.

Daffodils and Lilies are toxic to cats. This can also be said for Narcissus and Amaryllis plants. Rubs from your cat against the lily are as bad as eating it. Your cat is ingesting pollen when it grooms itself to wash. Bulb kits that contain plants from the lily, daffodil or other family members could be dangerous to your cat. Keep these plants away from your cat. There are severe symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias or renal failure, gastrointestinal signs and convulsions.

What To Seem For

You should watch for any behavioral changes if you suspect that your cat has eaten some of your Christmas trees or plants. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and excessive drooling are the most common signs of toxic plant ingestion. In some cases, Holly berries can cause tremors or seizures. In these cases, comas and deaths are not uncommon.