Despite its Christmas appearance, artificial snow is toxic for cats. The synthetic material has been known to cause minor gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea in cats. However, the majority of these cases are minor and only affect a small proportion of cats.
Full Answer
Are fake Christmas trees safe for cats?
Fake Christmas trees are definitely safe for cats. As a cat person who has had everything from fake to real trees, I’d like to shed some light on the subject and give you some ideas as to what to expect and how to handle your cats being around fake Christmas trees. What if my cat eats my fake Christmas tree?
Is artificial snow safe for a Christmas tree skirt?
Artificial snow is a beautiful addition to a Christmas tree skirt, but it is toxic for cats and children. f you have a household with one or both (cats and/or children), skip the artificial snow and wait for the real stuff! *smile* My friend Shay placed the tree away from tables, bookshelves, and other launching pads Lex typically uses.
Are artificial Christmas trees toxic?
Artificial Christmas trees contain toxins in the materials used to make the Christmas tree. These toxins, if digested can be released can be dangerous. The sharp points on the needles of the tree can also cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
What happens if my cat eats fake snow on an ornament?
However, some fake snow on ornaments from countries without the same safety standards as the UK may be much more toxic - there have been reports of pets dying as a result of eating it. If your cat has been nibbling on fake snow and is salivating more than usual, vomiting or has diarrhoea, take her to the vet immediately.
Is artificial tree flocking toxic to cats?
Flocking is pretty, but it's mildly toxic to pets if consumed. Falling trees: Cat and dog owners should anchor their real or faux tree to the ceiling to prevent their pets from knocking it over.
Is Christmas tree snow toxic to cats?
Fake snow is found on many ornaments at this time of year, and some pet owners are very worried about it. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service says that most fake snow is of low toxicity, but could upset your cat's tummy if eaten.
Are fake Christmas trees with snow safe for cats?
Artificial Christmas trees aren't toxic to dogs or cats so they are technically safer than live Christmas trees, but they can still be dangerous. Artificial needles can still fall off of the tree and pose a threat to your pet if ingested, however they are considered much safer than real trees overall.
What happens if a cat eats fake snow?
Fake snow It is usually made from polyacrylate or polyethylene and these substances are of low toxicity. If eaten fake snow could cause a mild gastrointestinal upset with hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea, but the majority of animals remain well, and serious effects are not expected.
Can animals eat fake snow?
Fake Snow. Whether you like to spray fake snow on your tree or throughout the yard to capture that special winter feeling, it's something that you need to be extra careful about using with a dog or cat at home. While ingesting small amounts probably won't harm your furry friend, too much of it can become toxic.
Why does my cat lick the fake Christmas tree?
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. Cats with this condition lick or suck on plastic, including shower curtains or shoelaces.
Is spray snow toxic to cats?
Artificial snow, which can come in spray and solid forms is another substance which is toxic to cats if ingested and should be avoided. Antifreeze or ethylene glycol can be very dangerous if ingested.
How do I keep my cat out of my artificial Christmas tree?
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.
Is the fake snow on Christmas trees toxic to dogs?
Flocking (the artificial snow that is sometimes put on live trees) can be harmful to your dog if consumed, so if you decide to have a live Christmas tree, select one that does not have “snow” already on it.
What is the fake snow on Christmas trees made of?
The Full Story The powders that turn into artificial snow flakes when mixed with water are sometimes called instant snow. The mixture is almost entirely water (99%), but a very small amount is made out of a non-toxic polymer. The spray-on artificial snow products are called snow spray, flocking snow, or holiday snow.
Can you have a Christmas tree with a cat?
Although the most common Christmas trees, such as real pine or fir trees, aren't toxic to cats should your four-legged pal simply brush past it, if your kitty should eat pine needles, sap, drink the water or chew on the branches you may find yourself in hot water.
Are there chemicals in artificial snow?
Fake snow, which is made with surfactants and bacteria as “seeds” (see related article on the next page), keeps our ski resorts busy, and gives winter Olympic athletes adequate surfaces to compete on.
What type of Christmas tree is toxic to cats?
Besides pine needles from your Christmas tree, the IVPA says to watch out for poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly berries, all of which can cause mouth irritation, gastric distress, even death for cats. Amaryllis is toxic for cats too.
Can you have a Christmas tree with a cat?
Although the most common Christmas trees, such as real pine or fir trees, aren't toxic to cats should your four-legged pal simply brush past it, if your kitty should eat pine needles, sap, drink the water or chew on the branches you may find yourself in hot water.
Can cats be around Christmas trees?
Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats? Fir trees are mildly toxic and may produce oils which can cause irritation to a cat's mouth and stomach, but it's very unlikely that your cat will eat large enough amounts to hurt themselves.
What happens if my cat drinks Christmas tree water?
Should your pet ingest the oils in the water from the Christmas tree it can cause mouth irritation, vomiting and/or excessive drooling. The needles from the tree are not easily digested and can result in vomiting, GI irritation or possible obstruction.