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When Christmas comes around, it’s so much fun to put up the Christmas tree and all of its decorations! Decorating your home is also fun! This is a time that cats enjoy, as there are plenty of boxes and decorations to play with! But what happens if a cat eats an artificial Christmas tree?
Has your cat eaten an artificial Christmas tree? Are you worried the artificial Christmas tree will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about artificial Christmas trees and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is an Artificial Christmas Tree?
An artificial Christmas tree is a tree that’s made to resemble a living pine or fir tree. The trees are made especially for Christmas season decorations.
Most artificial Christmas trees today are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The PVC is used to make the pine tree’s “needles.” The trees can be very pretty!
But what happens if a cat eats an artificial Christmas tree?
Artificial Christmas Trees & Cats
Unfortunately, artificial Christmas trees can make a cat sick. Thankfully, the artificial tree pine needles are made with PVC, which is not toxic to cats.
However, if a cat eats a bunch of these artificial pine needles, it’s possible she could become sick. The kitty can develop vomiting or even an obstruction. An obstruction can form if the fake pine needles clump together and create a blockage somewhere in the digestive tract. Left untreated, this can be a life-threatening condition.
On the other hand, if your cat has eaten only a few fake pine needles, chances are she will be OK. As long as she’s not choking, you’re the artificial pine needles will pass through your cat’s digestive system and come out in her poop. So, you can monitor your cat for a couple of days. During this time, if she develops any symptoms or the fake pine needles don’t come out in her poop, it’s best to call the vet.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Artificial Christmas Tree Ingestion in Cats
Treatment will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. If your fur baby has developed an obstruction, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove the fake pine needles. This is done to safely remove the blockage and repair any damage it may have caused.
If your fur baby is choking on the needles, the vet may use an endoscopic procedure to remove the fake pine needles. If your feline companion is vomiting and the needles may come up; however, your fur baby may still need medication to soothe her esophagus and stomach.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical attention after eating artificial Christmas tree needles. If your cat loves to eat fake pine needles, it’s best to keep her out of the room where the tree is located. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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