Is balsam fir toxic to cats?
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is non-toxic to cats and is safe to keep as a Christmas tree or an ornamental plant in the garden.
What is balsam fir?
| Family | Pinaceae – Pine |
| Botanical name | Abies balsamea |
| Common names | Balsam fir, blister pine |
| Mature height | 60-80 foot (18-24 metres) |
| Needle retention | Excellent |
| Scent | Woody, fresh, Christmas |
| Native to | Northeastern America and eastern Canada |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats |
First described in 1768, balsam fir is a North American evergreen fir native to northeastern America and eastern Canada. Mature trees can reach a height of 60 – 80 feet.
Balsam fir is often used as a Christmas tree due to its hardiness and ease of care, making it the perfect beginner’s tree.
- Pros: The balsam fir has a strong Christmas tree scent, symmetrical conical shape and doesn’t lose its needles.
- Cons: The flexible branches are not ideal for heavy ornaments.
Safety
- While Balsam fir is non-toxic, fertilisers and pest control can be potentially toxic to cats.
- Ingestion of large volumes of needles can potentially lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction but this is unlikely. If you do have a cat who is interested in eating the plant, consider moving it to another location the cat cannot access and bring in some cat-friendly plants such as catnip or cat grass.
- Secure the Christmas tree to a wall by attaching a wire or fishing line to prevent the tree from accidentally toppling over.
- Avoid tinsel in homes with cats as ingestion can cause gastrointestinal obstruction or telescoping of the intestines, which are both life-threatening.
- Place breakable ornaments high on the tree to prevent the cat from pulling them off and breaking them.
Toxicity of common Christmas plants
Common name |
Scientific name |
Toxicity level |
| Norway spruce | Picea abies | Non-toxic |
| Blue spruce | Picea pungens | Non-toxic |
| Serbian spruce | Picea omorika | Non-toxic |
| White spruce | Picea glauca | Non-toxic |
| Nordmann fir | Abies nordmanniana | Non-toxic |
| Fraser fir | Abies fraseri | Non-toxic |
| Douglas fir | Pseudotsuga menziesii | Non-toxic |
| Noble fir | Abies procera | Non-toxic |
| Balsam fir | Abies balsamea | Non-toxic |
| Grand fir | Abies grandis | Non-toxic |
| Scotch pine | Pinus sylvestris | No information available |
| White pine | Pinus strobus | No information available |
| Virginian pine | Pinus virginiana | Listed as toxic to dogs, no information on cats |
| Norfolk Island pine, house pine | Araucaria heterophylla | Non-toxic |