Flocking, or imitation snow, can be very hazardous to pets who ingest it. Some pets love to chew on the flocked branches of indoor Christmas trees, especially the kitties. This fake snow is considered mildly toxic but can lead to intestinal blockages if too much is ingested.
Fake snow
It is usually made from polyacrylate or polyethylene and these substances are of low toxicity. If eaten fake snow could cause a mild gastrointestinal upset with hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea, but the majority of animals remain well, and serious effects are not expected.
Artificial snow, which can come in spray and solid forms is another substance which is toxic to cats if ingested and should be avoided.
Whether you like to spray fake snow on your tree or throughout the yard to capture that special winter feeling, it's something that you need to be extra careful about using with a dog or cat at home. While ingesting small amounts probably won't harm your furry friend, too much of it can become toxic.
Flocking Spray
This canned snow looks pretty, but is extremely toxic for pets. If you must use it, do so sparingly and keep it well out of your pet's reach.
The powders that turn into artificial snow flakes when mixed with water are sometimes called instant snow. The mixture is almost entirely water (99%), but a very small amount is made out of a non-toxic polymer. The spray-on artificial snow products are called snow spray, flocking snow, or holiday snow.
If your cat does manage to take a chunk out of your fake tree, the plastic could cause choking, an obstruction in your cat's digestive tract or poisoning. But the chance of that happening is probably pretty low because your cat would have to spend some time gnawing on the tree to eat a piece big enough to pose a risk.
One of the easiest ways to make realistic fake snow is to mix sodium polyacrylate and water. The resulting snow is white, wet, fluffy, and cool to the touch. It is also non-toxic and reuseable. Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer used in disposable diapers, growing toys, sanitary napkins, and gel water sources.
Is Instant Snow safe? - Absolutely! Instant snow is safe to use around children and pets. Instant snow is a synthetic polymer with super water absorbing properties. It is the only non-toxic faux snow on the market today that erupts in seconds when water is added.
SnoWonder is 100% safe and non-toxic.
Flocking is pretty, but it's mildly toxic to cat's and dog's if consumed. Falling trees: Cat and dog owners should anchor their real or faux tree to the ceiling to prevent their pets from knocking it over.
Snow, salt, sand, and chemical deicers are all dangerous for cats. Fluffy could get sick just by licking her paws after walking through a treated area! Antifreeze is another issue: it's poisonous to kitties, but unfortunately has a taste that many of our furry friends enjoy.
Avoid tinsel
Tinsel and other hanging tree decorations can look just like cat toys. Your cat could swallow them, or even break glass ornaments, causing injury. Tinsel in particular can cause serious illness. If it's eaten, it can cause a blockage in the stomach and intestines, and in some cases this can be fatal.
You should never allow your cat to chew on an artificial Christmas tree because they can accidentally break pieces off and ingest them. In addition, while artificial trees made of plastic are generally safer than the live alternative, they can still pose potential choking hazards and cause intestinal blockages.
Ice melting agents like harsh chemical de-icers and rock salt are necessary in colder climates. While they help by melting snow and ice on driveways, yards and sidewalks, some are toxic and potentially fatal if ingested by dogs and cats, and need to be avoided as much as possible.
Most cats hate foil and citrus scents, so wrap your tree trunk in foil, and place a few lemon or orange peels around the base. You can also place pine cones around the base.
Thermic Ice Melt is non-toxic to humans and animals and is fully biodegradable. PET, CHILD and PLANT SAFE – Perfectly safe Snow Melter for areas used by kids and pets. Even if they carry it indoors it is safe for carpets, floors and furniture and causes no damage.
fluffy, white snow appears! This is due to a chemical called sodium polyacrylate. It is a polymer, meaning that it is made up of many repeating molecules that can absorb about 300 times its own weight in water. In its natural state, sodium polyacrylate molecules are coiled up.
You can use any glass cleaner, but window cleaner in an aerosol can stays in place better and you don't have to worry about dripping. After the cleaner has been applied, take a paper towel and rub the cleaner into the artificial snow until it starts to come off.
Does Fake Snow Melt? Fake snow will not melt like real snow, it will however dry out and turn back into its powder form.
How long does fake snow last? It will last for 7 to 10 days, stored in an air-tight container. Over time it will absorb moisture from the air, and the consistency will change. But it is super easy to whip a new batch of fake snow to play with!
The most common, and often sole ingredient in ice melters labeled “Pet Safe,” is Urea (sometimes listed as Carbonyl Diamide or Carbamide Resin). Urea is a bio-degradable chemical that is most commonly used in fertilizers. Although Urea won't harm your pet's paws, it also won't melt your ice.
The combination of novelty, toys, and a tall structure to climb, makes Christmas trees the perfect 'home entertainment system' for felines." A multi-feline house can also cause the cats to group up around the Christmas tree and mark the territory as their own by climbing, scratching, and urinating.
"It can provide height, a place to hide, and is full of toys — all things that cats love." In a sense, it is the perfect playground for your feline friend. Dr. Casali concurs, adding that your Christmas tree could give them a sense of shelter or comfort.
Christmas trees, both artificial and real have a natural and distinctive scent so they are generally quite enticing for your cat.