Is grand fir toxic to cats?
Grand fir (Abies grandis) is non-toxic to cats and is considered safe to keep as a Christmas tree in homes with pets, as long as safety measures are followed.
What is grand fir?
| Family | Pinaceae – Pine |
| Botanical name | Abies grandis |
| Common names | Giant fir, Lowland white fir, Great silver fir, Western white fir, Vancouver fir, Oregon fir |
| Mature height | 40–70 m (131-229 feet) |
| Needle retention | Excellent |
| Scent | Citrus like |
| Native to | Northwestern United States and southern British Columbia |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats |
Grand fir is a rapid-growing coniferous evergreen tree native to the American Pacific Northwest. Softwood lumber is used for papermaking and packing crates. Grand fir has excellent needle retention, and an attractive citrus scent, which makes it a popular Christmas tree.
Care
Grand fir can grow in full sun to partial sun, in well-drained, slightly acidic neutral or slightly alkaline chalky loam. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
After Christmas, place the tree in a shady spot and gradually reintroduce it to a sunnier position. Repot into a larger planter as required.
Safety
- Fertilisers, fire retardants, fake snow and pest control can be potentially toxic to cats, therefore we recommend homes use cat-safe products to prevent accidental poisoning.
- Do not add aspirin to Christmas tree water as cats are unable to metabolise aspirin effectively, which can lead to a fatal overdose in as little as a single tablet.
- Ingestion of large volumes of needles can potentially lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction but this is unlikely as the needles act as a deterrent. 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 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. Place breakable ornaments high on the tree to prevent the cat from pulling them off and breaking them.
Toxicity of common Christmas trees
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 |