As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to decking the halls with boughs of holly and, of course, setting up the quintessential Christmas tree.

It's a time-honoured tradition that brings joy and a sense of wonder to our homes.

However, a recent warning has emerged that could dampen the holiday spirit for some, particularly those with furry family members.

The Kmart 'H' Tree, a flocked slim pre-lit Christmas tree, has become popular for its convenience and space-saving design.

It's a hit online, especially for those in smaller living spaces who appreciate the ease of not having to add lights to their tree.

Kmart's pre-lit 'H' Tree sparked debate for its compact size and built-in lights. Credit: @brunchgirl_ / TikTok

Priced at an affordable $50, it's no wonder this tree has gone viral and sells out quickly each year.

But before you rush out to snag this trendy tree, there's a severe warning that all pet owners should heed.

Flocked trees, while beautiful with their snow-like appearance, can pose a significant risk to our pets.

A vet cautioned that these trees can be 'life-threatening' to cats and dogs.

The danger lies in the flocking, the white material that gives the tree its snowy look.

While many flocked trees are made from non-toxic materials, some contain unsafe chemicals for pets.

If a curious cat or dog licks or ingests the flocked parts of the tree, they could be at risk of toxicity.

Symptoms of exposure to harmful flocking can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

In severe cases, ingesting Christmas decorations or parts of the tree can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, which are emergencies.

Dr Natalie Slade of The Beaches Vet advises pet owners to be vigilant.

'If your pet comes into contact with a flocked tree, monitor them closely for any signs of illness or toxicity,' she said.

'Contact your veterinarian promptly if you suspect they've ingested a significant amount of flocking.'

To keep your pets safe around the Christmas tree, place the tree away from areas where your pet eats, sleeps or spends a lot of time.

Use a small playpen around the tree’s base to restrict access, and supervise your pets when they’re nearby to prevent them from ingesting flocking.

Additionally, clean around the tree daily to remove any fallen flocking that could pose a hazard.

Despite the warnings, many Kmart shoppers are still enamoured with the 'H' Tree.

Social media posts show happy customers sharing their finds and decorating tips.

'The tree is so cute! I just need to fluff it out a little more, lol!' one shopper commented.

Another mentioned purchasing it for their mother's small apartment to bring her holiday cheer.

Some shoppers have criticised the tree's quality, with one person calling it a 'cheap piece of trash' and another remarking on the mess the flocking made in their home the previous year.

Key Takeaways

• Kmart shoppers are divided over a pre-lit flocked Christmas tree known as the 'H' Tree, which has gained popularity, particularly for fitting into smaller spaces and not requiring additional lights.
• Some individuals, alongside a veterinary warning, have highlighted the potential risks posed by flocked trees to pets, stating that the chemical materials can be poisonous if ingested.
• Symptoms of pet ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy, encouraging pet owners to monitor their pets closely and keep flocked trees out of reach.
• While some shoppers are thrilled about the tree and its features, others criticise it for looking cheap and for the mess created by the flocking.

Have you purchased a flocked tree before? Have you encountered any issues with your pets? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

 

[Ebby]

l remember spraying our tree white and we had to wash it off the smell was horrible.

 

[Veggiepatch]

@brunchgirl_ / TikTok.

Another head on a stick.