Expert: Tina - 12/22/2008

Question
I have a kitten who has decided she likes to chew on our real christmas tree needles...I have seen answers to artificial trees but not real ones do you know if this hurts the cats?

Answer
Hi Jerry,

Yes real pine needles could harm your cat, though they are less dangerous than artificial ones. Most likely she will vomit them up if swallowed but they can lodge in her throat or intestines. Also electrical wires and ornaments can be dangerous to curious kittens. It is best to close your kitten out of the room with the tree when you are not around to supervise.

You can also use a product like this to train her to stay away from the tree:

http://www.ssscat.com/english/index.html

But closing her out of the room is safest of all.