My cat keeps drinking Christmas tree water. Is it safe for them?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The tree itself will not harm him, nor will drinking the water. The only thing that possibly could harm him if he eats ornaments, ornament hooks, pine needles or tinsel. That can cause an stomach or intestinal obstruction. You can use a motion detector noise deterrent near the tree that goes off as he approaches it that scares him away. You can confine him when you are not home and use a water bottle to squirt him when he is out. Overall Christmas trees and cats are commonly an issue. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bandit the best!

Drinking from salt water pools is generally safe. A properly maintained “salt water” pool has about 1/10th the salt of sea water. Increased salt intake can make cats drink more and urinate more. Additionally, cats with heart disease, kidney disease, and those eating salt-restricted diets shouldn’t drink from saltwater pools. If possible, employ a pool cover or a barricade to restrict access. Always provide fresh, clean water for your cat. You can place a bowl indoors as well as on the way to the pool to deter your cat.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Luna. I love Christmas time so much, but cats can be such a pain in the butt about trees and climbing them. I don't know if this is an option for you, but I moved our tree into a room where the door is kept shut all the time, and the cats cannot get in it. That prevents them from having any access at all to the tree. Gates won't work with cats, they climb over them. A bitter apple spray may work to repel the cats, and you can get that at a pet store. Cats hate the smell of citrus, but the problem with things like citrus essential oils is that they are toxic to cats, so you want to avoid that. Try the bitter apple spray, do not allow them around the tree alone, and if you can, move it to a room that you can shut the door so they have no access. I hope this helps!

Sweetie is doing something that is extremely common in cats. Some cats (and dogs) simply prefer to drink water that is in motion versus stagnant in a bowl. If you prefer that your cat does not drink from a dripping faucet but she refuses to drink from the regular bowl, many pet stores sell water fountains that continually cycle the water. This is often the best solution for cases like one you are describing. In terms of the safety of the water, this is hard for me to speculate about. If the water is safe enough for you or your family to drink, it is almost certainly safe enough for Sweetie. If your water source is coming from a well or spring and is not routinely tested, use of a bottled or distilled water may be a safer option.

There are various sprays available at the pet store. Bitter apple is safe and usually effective. Other products may be necessary if this doesn't work and are generally safe if labeled for use as a pet deterrent. Avoid using any essential oils or other products that are not labeled for this use. I hope that helps and this stops Luna from chewing on things she shouldn't.

Christmas tree flocking is made out of plastic and is not much of a concern once it's dry, unless your cat ingested a large amount that could cause an intestinal obstruction. If a large volume was eaten or if it was wet when it was ingested you should contact your veterinarian. Otherwise I think it's okay to monitor for any vomiting or decrease in appetite.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Tap water should be fine to be honest. It would not hurt to use bottled water but it is not necessary unless you are concerned about the quality of the tap water where you live. Have a good night!