Is Tinsel Toxic to Pets?
Yes — tinsel is toxic to cats. Yes — tinsel is toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Linear foreign body
- Toxic parts
- Strands, ribbon
- Also known as
- ribbon, string
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
- Belly pain
- Straining or no stool
- Lethargy
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
- Belly pain
- Straining or no stool
- Lethargy
What to do
If your cat ate tinsel
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate tinsel
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Tinsel and ribbon are not poisonous, but they are a classic cause of a dangerous linear blockage in cats that often needs surgery. Never pull visible string out of a pet's mouth or rear; call a vet.
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Frequently asked questions
Is tinsel toxic to cats?
Yes — tinsel is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, not wanting to eat, belly pain.
Is tinsel toxic to dogs?
Yes — tinsel is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, not wanting to eat, belly pain.
Which parts of tinsel are toxic?
Strands, ribbon.
What makes tinsel toxic?
Linear foreign body.
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