Christmas is right around the corner, and for many of us that means bringing some fresh things into your house. From Christmas trees to wreaths and other seasonal pine items, there are a lot of new additions to our home that just come around the holiday season. And if you are a cat owner, then you already know that they love to investigate these new additions to their surrounding.
Over the years, cats have proven time and time again that they have no problem causing a little bit of chaos at Christmas. And don’t get me wrong, we’re here for it, as it adds a little spice to life. However, there is one thing that we have noticed about cats that can be very problematic. Cats have a tendency to chew at things. And this includes chewing the pine needles on Christmas trees, wreaths, and other Christmas florals and centerpieces.
Maybe it is us, but as soon as we noticed that our cat was heading straight for the Christmas tree, we needed to know if those pine needles were safe. Are pine needles toxic to cats? And unfortunately, the answer is yes. Pine needles are in fact, toxic to felines.
Pine needles are toxic to cats
As Kinship points out, “like most toxins, the danger of pine needles ranges in severity.”
It is important to note that chewing one or two pine needles might not be deadly to a cat, but it can still cause gastrointestinal problems. We could see our cat having diarrhea or vomiting. But the problem comes if they are continually chewing at the tiny needles and eating them.
Beyond the problems that pine needles can cause for our cat’s stomach, the other thing to pay attention to is the fact that pine needles can cause obstructions. And that’s not all. When our cats swallow the pine needles it can also cause some damage in their throats, their mouth and beyond.
If you actually notice your cat eating pine needles, it’s important to reach out to your vet. While they might ask you to monitor your cat, they will also have advice on things to do to keep them safe and what to look out for.
When it comes to being a cat owner, we already know that they have no problem getting into trouble. And the holidays are no exception. In fact, the holiday season might just bring them more ways to get in trouble. And this is why it is important to pay attention to not only what you are bringing into your home during the holidays, but also what your cat is getting up to when you are bringing those new items into their environment.