Are you worried about your cat drinking Christmas tree water? While real trees bring so much to the fun of Christmas, the water that a live tree requires can definitely pool–and your cat may be tempted to drink the water in the Christmas tree stand. We have advice from a veterinarian Dr. Audrey Harvey!
Veterinary Advice
One of my neighbors said I should never let me cat drink the water that my Christmas tree is standing in. Is that true?
According to Dr. Harvey:
Christmas tree water contains preservatives that help the tree last longer. These are usually dextrose (a sugar) and some fertilizer, as well as tiny amounts of some metals.
It’s not likely that drinking this water will make your cat sick. Sometimes they will get an upset tummy from it, but that’s about all.
If the water has been contaminated by bacteria and fungi, this can cause more of a problem for your cat. However, this isn’t common.
I guess if it’s unavoidable, then don’t worry too much if your cat has a sip from the water occasionally. But, if you can keep them away from it, that would make sure they would stay well.
Our Personal Experience
Well, we tried live trees for several years with our cats–and that soon proved to be a losing battle. Between the cats drinking the water and chewing the branches–and my own allergies–we soon decided that an artificial tree was the best solution in our house.
If you do opt for a live Christmas tree and you see your cat drinking water:
- Monitor for Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your cat for any signs of illness. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking or urinating, drooling, or changes in behavior.
- Consult a Veterinarian: If you’re concerned about the amount of water your cat drank or if you notice any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance on any necessary steps or treatment. As Dr. Harvey mentioned above, be sure to let your vet know how much water your cat drank and if you had added any additional solutions to the water to preserve the tree (which is NOT recommended in cat households).
- Prevention: To prevent your cat from accessing the tree water:
- Use a tree skirt or similar barrier to cover the stand and water reservoir.
- Consider using a covered tree stand with a smaller opening.
- Regularly check and clean the water, refraining from adding any chemicals or preservatives.
- Ensure your cat has access to fresh drinking water elsewhere in the house to deter them from seeking water from the tree stand.
Remember, cats are often attracted to Christmas trees out of curiosity, so it’s essential to ensure the area is safe for them to prevent any potential health hazards.
Covers to Prevent Your Cat from Drinking Christmas Tree Water
While the old-fashioned Christmas tree stands leave the base of the tree and the water exposed to cats, you will find several bases and covers that are designed to shield the water, keeping it away from your cat! Click any image for more details (affiliate links).
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The purpose of this column is to educate. CatTipper shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this site. This column does not replace the importance of specific advice from your own veterinarian. If you have any concerns at all about your cat’s health, please make an appointment with your vet.
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