Is Noble Fir (Abies procera) Toxic to Cats? A Vet Explains

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  • What is Noble fir?

    • Botanical name: Abies Procera
    • Common names: Noble fir, Red fir, Christmas tree
    • Needle retention: Excellent
    • Scent: Earthy, citrus
    • Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats
    • Toxic parts: None
    • Severity: N/A
    • Toxic principle: N/A

    Noble fir is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 70 meters tall and is native to the Cascade Range and the Coast Ranges of the Pacific Northwest of Washington and Oregon and in southwestern Canada.

    The Noble fir is easy to recognize with its unique 6 – 9 inch cones that sit upright on the top of the branches. The soft blue-grey needles are arranged in spirals on the shoots and are blunt at the end.

    Its conical shape, low needle shedding, and hardiness make the Noble fir one of the most popular varieties of Christmas trees in the United States.

    Safety

    • Fertilisers and pest control used on or around the plant may 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.

    Is noble fir Toxic to Cats?

    Abies Procera (Noble fir) is non-toxic to cats and is safe to keep as a Christmas tree or an ornamental plant in the garden.

    Toxicity class – how dangerous is it for my cat?

    Noble fur is non-toxic and safe to keep around cats.

    What happens if a cat eats a noble fir plant?

    While this plant is non-toxic, ingestion of plant material can make cats sick. The most common side effect of ingestion of plant material is vomiting. Sometimes drooling and diarrhea can be seen.

    How much would a cat need to eat to experience serious issues?

    No amount of this plant ingested will cause toxicity. Consumption of larger amounts of the plant may cause your cat to vomit.

    What should I do if my cat eats a noble fir plant?

    No action needs to be taken if your cat eats this plant. Just monitor them closely for tummy upset.

    Do I need a first-aid kit at home?

    First aid kits are ideal for any pet owner. Discuss what you should have on hand with your family veterinarian.

    Signs you need to see the vet / How can the vet help?

    You should seek veterinary advice if your cat vomits more than 3 times, stops eating, or seems lethargic. Your veterinarian will perform an exam and discuss diagnostics if necessary. Otherwise, your cat may just need an injection of anti-nausea medication and a bland diet for a few days.

    Could my cat die if they eat a noble fir plant?

    No, ingestion of this plant is not lethal.

    Prognosis

    Excellent! Most cats will be unaffected by Noble Fir ingestion.

    Should I keep noble fir plants if they are poisonous? How to keep them safely?

    Noble Fir makes wonderful Christmas trees, especially because they are easy to care for and non-toxic to pets. If your cat is a plant eater, it is still important to keep them out of reach to prevent trauma to your tree and tummy upset for your kitty.

    Can you have a real tree with cats?

    As long as you choose a pet safe tree, there should be no worries unless your cat is prone to eating plant material. You also may need to be prepared for daily cleaning of needles, replacing fallen ornaments, and your cat going missing in the branches of the tree.

    Toxicity of common Christmas plants


    Common name
    Scientific
    name

    Toxicity level
    Holly Ilex spp. Mild to moderate
    Mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens, Phoradendron
    serotinum and Viscum album
    Mild to moderate
    Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima Mild
    Ivy Hedera spp. Mild
    Lily Lilium spp. Severe
    Daylillies Hemerocallis spp. Severe
    Hippeastrum Hippeastrum spp. Mild to severe
    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

     

    Frequently asked questions

    Why do cats attack Christmas trees?

    • Trees make excellent playgrounds for inquisitive kitties. Their height and branches make them fun perches for cats. The ornaments are enticing toys. Most cats see a Christmas tree as a jungle gym and want to play or hide in them

    Is Christmas tree sap poisonous to cats?

    • The sap is not toxic but can make cats drool, nauseous, or even vomit.

    What if my cat eats pine needles?

    • Ingestion of pine needles generally will not cause significant harm unless your cat eats a large amount. This can cause tummy upset or even a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract if a significant amount is eaten.

    How do you get tree sap out of cat fur?

    • The quickest way to get sap out of fur is by using an oil-based product like mineral oil or olive oil. Rub the oil into the fur and then allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe away the residue.

    What are tips to keep kitty out of the Christmas tree?

    • Consider wrapping the trunk of the tree with foil
    • Spray the tree with citrus-scented products or place orange peels around the base
    • Keep ornaments on the top half of the tree
    • Spray a few pine cones with apple cider vinegar and place them around the base of the tree

    Is watering my Christmas tree dangerous?

    • No, but Christmas trees are often sprayed with chemicals and fire retardants. It is recommended to not allow your cat to drink tree water. Cover the container with a mat or tree skirt.

    Author

    • Dr Paula Simons, Veterinarian

      Dr Paula Simons graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2019. She is currently working at 'Cornell University Veterinary Specialists' (CUVS) in Connecticut as an Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian resident (see her work profile). CUVS is a 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Facility certified by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, indicating the highest level of patient care.