Is it ok for a cat to eat tinsel?

Question

I let the cat eat the tinsel off the christmas tree, that's what cats do. My husband is worried that she will get sick or die from eating tinsel all the time. What do you think?

There has definately been a fair share of "poop on a string" in the cat box, but she seems fine. We had a cat that ate tinsel every year, and lived to be 21

Answer 1

Hi there...oh no. It's not good to do this because it could become twisted within the intestinal tract when it bunches up and can even cut through the intestinal wall. Either could be fatal. If the amount was less than 1/2" she will eliminate it, but anything longer should be of concern.

Here's articles on this:
http://www.galenorn.com/catscorner/ccholidays.htm
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1621 (see end of page)
http://www.holisticvets.com/NewsLetter/Burning/Burning%20Dogsv2.htm (see section Winter Stuff you need to Know)
Tinsel Kills Cats! Yes it does... so don't let your cats get anywhere near the tinsel. Most cats love it because its shiny and oh so tasty. But it gets stuck in the intestines and then makes the intestines accordion in on themselves. It requires surgery in most cases and can be often fatal. NOTE: if you see tinsel coming out your cats rear end, DON'T PULL IT [sic you'll pull the intestines out if you]. Bring her in the next day to the vet.

Answer 2

I would not recommend it. Animals that have a tendency to eat non-food items usually suffer problems somewhere down the line. Also there is the problem of the animal not being able to pass the non-food items , when this happens it will bind up the digestive tract and cause serious health issues. It is ok to let the cat play with the tinsel but I would greatly discourage the cat from eating it. Also call you vet or vet tech to ask what problems will arise if the cat continues to eat the tinsel. By the way ,most tinsel is made from toxic materials. Not trying to scare you , just passing on the facts. Have a great holiday.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

i had a dog that ate tinsel. she pooped it out for a week later. i think it could cause problems though probably in her intestines. make sure you scoop the litter box every day to see if the tinsel is passing through the cat. good luck and don't let the cat eat tinsel anymore.

Answer 5

NO don't let her or him the cat eat tinsel I read in a cat care book that you should not let them eat tinsel I never put it on my tree.

Answer 6

No its not ok! My cat ate tinsel 3 years ago, It turned out it got caught all up in his intestines, and $2590 after the surgery it was removed. Be careful and watch him closely. If he at all looks like he's having a hard time going to the bathroom, eating, vomitting, blood in urine, take him to the vet immediatley

Answer 7

But tinsel is not food for any kind of animal. Why would you let your cat ingest it? You may have to foot a really large vet bill if you continue to indulge your cat's penchant for eating tinsel.

Answer 8

I had a cat that did the same and had choked once. Luckily we were there to help her. Fact is, it is dangerous. If you can deter your cat, i recommend it. Keep a spray bottle with water close by to giver her a squirt when you catch her. Cats can learn when they aren't supposed to do stuff. Also, just a tip for Christmas time. No Poinsetta plants if your a cat owner. They are poisonous if your pet likes to nibble plants. Good luck!

Answer 9

I would discourage the cat from eating tinsel, but if she accidentally swallows some she should be fine.

Answer 10

It is NOT ok. Your hubby is right on this one. It's not digestable and can cause serious harm. It can get knotted up in the gut causing a blockage or it's sharp edges can even result in cutting up the digestive tract. I once saw a puppy die at the vets because his people fed him baloney with out taking the red wrapper strips off first. Perforated intestines.