Christmas trees and cats are a match made in...well, they’re not a match at all. Cats are naturally curious, so it’s no wonder the sudden addition of a 6-foot tall unidentified object to the living room would make them a little suspicious.

During the holiday season, veterinarians receive numerous calls from well-intentioned pet owners dealing with cats and Christmas tree mishaps. While dogs might seem like the usual troublemakers, cats are equally prone to causing mischief, often with a touch of stealth.

Ensure your Christmas tree doesn't pose a threat to your cat with these considerations:

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Threat #1: Electric Shock

The lights on your Christmas tree can deliver a surprising amount of power, potentially causing harm to your cat. To mitigate this risk, turn off and unplug the lights when you're not in the room with your cat. Alternatively, consider using battery-powered lights, as their amperage is not enough to cause harm.

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Threat #2: Poison Tree Water

Commercial Christmas trees are often coated with preservatives that can leach into the water in the tree stand. This concoction is not safe for your cat to consume. Choose a covered tree stand, change the water daily, or opt for an artificial tree to eliminate the risk. If your cat is drawn to chewing on the tree's needles, a natural bitter cat spray can act as a deterrent.

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Threat #3: A Fall from the Tree

Cats are natural climbers, and a tall, wobbly Christmas tree might be too tempting for them to resist. To prevent potential injury or damage, consider a smaller tree or keep the tree in a cat-free zone unless you're present to supervise.

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Threat #4: Intestinal Blockage

Christmas decorations vary in safety, and some can pose a serious threat to a curious cat. Avoid breakable ornaments, and ensure that all removable pieces are too large to be a choking hazard. Keep stringy objects like tinsel, ribbon, and twine out of reach, including those on presents.

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If all else fails, and you find yourself needing veterinary assistance, get in touch with your Parker & Ace veterinary team today.

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Sources:

Poison.org - Christmas Tree Preservatives
PetMD - Cats and Christmas Trees
Pictures of Cats - Injuries to Pets at Christmas
Wales Online - Family Hangs Christmas Tree Upside Down