Can I have a real Christmas tree with a pet?

Real trees are understandably popular - they just feel that bit more festive, bringing with them Christmas scents and vibes. But are they ok for pets, and should you choose a pet-safe option instead?

Here, we answer whether you can have a real Christmas tree with a pet, the risks involved, and methods to have a festive time without worrying about your cat or dog.

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Can I have a real Christmas tree with pets?

Yes, you can. But there are risks, and you’ll need to take precautions. Things like the needles, sap, water, and any decorations you’re using can all harm our cats and dogs - a lot depends on your pet’s personality and habits, too.

We wouldn’t say to never get one. But consider what your pet’s behaviour is like and how proactive or present you can be; your pet may need supervision around the tree, for example.

Are Christmas trees toxic to cats and dogs?

They can be. The sap these trees produce can cause stomach upset and other issues in dogs, while the water that pools at the bottom can contain harmful chemicals, like fertiliser.

Are real Christmas tree needles (pine, fir, spruce) actually poisonous to cats and dogs?

No, the needles themselves aren’t. But the oils and sap they can carry from the tree can cause toxicity and mild irritation.

The main thing to worry about is the physical irritation the needles can cause, like getting stuck in paws or your pet’s mouth. The most toxic part of a real Christmas tree is usually the water.

Is the water in the real Christmas tree stand safe for my pet to drink?

No, absolutely not. The water may contain chemicals, such as preservatives or fertilisers which are added to keep your tree looking healthy for as long as possible.. It will also contain tree sap, moulds and bacteria. This means if your cat or dog drinks it, it’ll potentially cause problems like:

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Stomach upset

• Vomiting

If your pet consumes tree water, give your vet a call just to be on the safe side. Try to block your pet’s access to tree water to stop accidents from happening in the first place.

Do I need a specific, pet-safe Christmas tree?

Artificial trees aren’t completely safe, but they are less hazardous than real trees. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have a real one; you just need to be more proactive at keeping your pet away from it .

But no: you don’t need a specific, pet-safe Christmas tree. You may want to limit the risk and go for an artificial option if you have a particularly pesky cat or dog, though.

What’s the safest real Christmas tree?

Nordmann Firs or Fraser Firs are typically safer for pets because they have blunter, softer needles. This means there’s less risk of your cat or dog eating or getting irritated by the tree needles, and if they do eat some, it’s less likely to cause mouth injuries or ingestion problems.

These trees also shed fewer needles, which naturally lowers the risk. They look very Christmassy too!

How to secure your real Christmas tree

There are two ways to secure a Christmas tree: with a stand or through anchoring. You must make sure your tree is secure, especially if you have pets. Christmas trees can easily get knocked over by playful pets causing injury and breaking ornaments.

With a stand

This is the easiest way, and probably the best method if you’re not interested in DIY or if you live in a rented home.

Your real Christmas tree may come with a stand, but you can also buy one online. Usually, you’ll need to:

• Pop a protective mat or tarp under the stand to catch water and needles. You must keep your pet away from this area as it’s a hub for all the “bad” stuff Christmas trees can give off.

• Set up the stand. You may need a second person to hold the tree while you tighten the screws.

• Let the tree go and see if it’s stable on its own.

• You may want to place the tree in the corner, tighten it with a tie to the wall or use heavy objects around the base to form a barrier.

Anchoring

Anchoring is a fancy way of saying securing your tree to a wall or ceiling. It sounds complicated, and it is a job you should do properly, but it’s pretty easy.

It depends on how your home is set up, but you can use a clear fishing line (or strong wire) tied around the tree trunk and then secure an eyebolt drilled into a wall or ceiling stud.

Then you secure the base. Some people like to use plywood, for example. Then you place the tree in the corner so it has two walls to knock against should it fall.

How to stop your cat (and maybe your dog) from climbing the tree

Some pets, especially cats, love to climb, and your brand-new, real Christmas tree is the perfect challenge for them. But you shouldn’t resign yourself to a Christmas filled with chasing your cat or an inquisitive, small dog up the tree - there are ways to prevent it.

Redirection and positive reinforcement

Redirecting your pet’s attention when they’re excited by the tree, when paired with positive reinforcement training, is an excellent way to proactively stop their jumping.

Essentially, all you’d need to do is:

• Provide an alternative to your pet’s strong natural drive to climb and jump by offering an alternative, like a new cat tree, scratching post, toys or any other enriching activities.

• Give your pet a reward when they’re calm or playing with their new toys instead of the tree. This is called positive reinforcement, and it’s the best way to train your pets.

• Supervise your pet carefully and redirect their attention with a firm “no” or other basic command. Reward them when they follow the behaviour with playtime, a toy, or a treat.

If training isn’t going so well, then you’ll need to block your pet’s access to the tree.

How to block a pet’s access to the tree (if necessary)

We get that you can’t always be around to stop your cat or dog from hopping on the tree and training them. But you can block their access to the tree if you’re worried.

Some things you can try are:

Choose a smaller tree

If you’re open to it, and you’re a dog pet parent, picking a smaller tree and placing it at height and well out of reach can work.

Gates

Baby gates or stair gates can be used to cordon off the room from your pets when you’re not around. Just make sure they have everything they need in the rooms they can access first.

Scent-based deterrents

Pet parents have seen mixed success with this, but using scent-based deterrents, like pet-safe sprays or citrus, can keep pets - especially cats - away from your Christmas tree.

What should I do if my dog or cat eats pine needles?

Pine needles aren’t very toxic, but they can cause concerning symptoms like gastrointestinal upset. Problems can occur because cats and dogs don’t get along well with the oils in the pine needles, and their sharpness can cause problems for their mouths and stomachs. In rare cases, it could cause choking, and obstruction, if your pet ate enough of them.

If your pet has eaten a large amount of pine needles, we recommend contacting your vet immediately for an assessment, especially if they have symptoms like:

• Appetite loss

• Choking

• Diarrhoea

• Drooling

• Lethargy

• Vomiting

We don’t want you to panic too much, especially over the holiday season, but since the pine needles can cause unseen problems, you should contact a vet for advice.

Are flocked (fake snow) Christmas trees safe for pets?

We would avoid fake snow - it’s an unnecessary risk. These fake snow products are full of chemicals and can cause issues if they’re ingested, from mild stomach upset to more severe issues.

For example, too much fake snow can cause intestinal blockage, which is life-threatening. We know fake snow is fun, but it’s probably not worth it, and it’s better to wait for an actual white Christmas.

Decorations to avoid

We’ve covered this in more detail in our Christmas safety guide, but generally, we’d recommend avoiding:

• Candles - They smell good, they feel cosy, and we all love them, but curious cats and dozy dogs can knock them over and cause big, big problems.

• Fake snow - We mentioned why above, but it’s toxic and can cause blockages.

• Edible decorations - We’re not sure how in vogue chocolate decorations on the tree are now, but if you have some, your cat or dog will sniff them out, and they (most likely your dog) will eat them. (See why chocolate is so bad for our pets here).

• Glass baubles and ornaments - They look great, but glass baubles and ornaments can cause issues, namely being smashed to bits by your excited cat or dog. We’d avoid them.

• Poisonous plants - Unfortunately, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are toxic to pets.

• Ribbon and tinsel - Cats go literally crazy for this, and not in a good way - sometimes they eat some, and it’ll need surgery to remove. Just an all-around glittery-but-bad time.

Decoration tips - how to put them up safely

• Place ornaments high up the tree, well out of your pet’s reach.

• Secure cords and ornaments well, and use things like twist ties to keep your cable management nice and neat.

• Use cord covers to disincentivise chewing and turn off your lights and other electrical bits when you’re not supervising your pet.

Should I leave the tree undecorated for a few days to let my pet get used to it?

You can do. It’s a good time to build positive habits around the tree, like teaching them to “leave it” and using positive reinforcement whenever they listen to you.

Hopefully, your pet can learn to leave it alone before all the shiny, fun stuff gets put on it.

How to stop pets chewing your lighting cables and wires to bits

Some pets just love to chew on wires which can be annoying at the best of times and an unplanned trip to the vet at the worst of times. But stopping it comes down to the same methods as we described earlier: positive reinforcement and redirection.

Redirection

Whenever your pet is interested in the lights, redirect their attention with a toy or something else.

Positive reinforcement

Positively reward your pet whenever they’re doing something that doesn’t involve the lights, like resting near them and not biting them. Never use negative reinforcement like shouting, though, as it doesn’t work and only makes your pet scared.

Positive reinforcement training is really the baseline for any behaviour-related issue - it builds new habits quickly.

If training doesn’t work

If training and redirection doesn’t work, then you’ll need to block access to the lights and the tree and use cord protectors. Some pet parents have seen success with pet-safe scent and taste deterrents too.

It can take a while for pets to learn, so be patient and, if now isn’t the best time to train them, then keep them physically away from the tree with safe, proactive methods.

Hopefully, with a bit of planning and proactivity, you and your pet can have a festive, vet-visit-free Christmas.

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