Before you fully deck the halls, it’s essential to consider your cat’s safety around the tree. Cats’ love for Christmas trees can be a challenge for their owners. Festive decorations make dangerously irresistible playthings to feline friends. Here are some practical tips to help keep your Christmas tree and kitty intact.
#1 Choose Your Tree Wisely
Real trees, especially pine and fir, can pose risks if ingested, potentially leading to stomach injuries or nausea. If your cat tends to nibble on your shoelaces or other things they shouldn’t rather get an artificial tree. Just like you, your tree can survive on tap water alone! So don’t add water additives to the tree stand. These can be dangerous if your cat were to sneak in a little sip. Is your cat still a tree terror unfazed by your attempts to save Christmas? Try a smaller tree or a tabletop tree. It may be the best option for you.
Poisonous Christmas Trees
Few cat owners know that oils, sap, and resin from common evergreen trees can be toxic if ingested by cats. It can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues, but it is rare for cats to consume enough to be seriously poisoned. Just be sure to monitor your cat and take steps to minimize their contact with the tree.
So Real or Fake
Real or artificial, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While you won’t have to worry about toxic oils or needles with a fake tree, your cat may still be captivated by the decorations or the tree itself. That’s why how you decorate and secure the tree plays a bigger role than the kind of tree you choose.
#2 The Power of Spray Repellents
Using spray repellents can be a useful strategy to prevent your cat from going near the Christmas tree. Cats typically dislike citrus scents. A simple mixture of water and citrus or citronella oil can do the trick. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can also ward off the menacing zoomy spirits. For a stronger smell barrier, scatter some fresh orange or lemon peels around the tree. Refresh these scents regularly to maintain their effectiveness and delight your guests.
#3 Foil Keeps More Than Aliens Away
Most cats hate the sound and feel of aluminum foil under their paws, making it a strong deterrent. You can keep your cat from clambering up the tree or drinking from the water-filled stand by wrapping the foil around the trunk of the tree and the opening in the stand. Many cat owners swear by this quick and affordable method. Not to mention it can be funny to watch your cat jump when you foil their plans on the first step!
#4 Secure Electrical Cords
Like fairy lights for emotional teen girls, dangling cords are a huge temptation for cats. If your cat chews on or bites through an electrical cord, their hair won’t just stand up like in the cartoons. They can burn or even electrocute themselves! To prevent this, use cord covers and secure the cords to the wall or tree trunk, out of your curious claw’s reach. Remember to unplug the lights to reduce the risk of accidents when you go out or go to bed.
#5 Mind the Decoration
Beautify your Christmas tree with a less is more approach. Especially if your cat is a sucker for new dangly toys! Avoid placing breakable ornaments on the lower branches within trouble’s reach. Rather use unbreakable decorations or leave the lower branches bare. Fasten ornaments securely with a wire to reduce the chance of decor falling off. If you want to be extra clever, hang bells on the tree’s lower branches. It will alert you if your cat gets too close and give you a chance to intervene before any chaos occurs.
#6 Kitty Proof Physical Barriers
When mental barriers fail, physical barriers can make a last stand. Remove nearby furniture that your cat could use as a bounce board onto the tree. You can also encircle your tree with baby gates, exercise pens, or fences to restrict your cat’s access. Believe it or not, even placing pine cones or crumpled plastic bags around the base of the tree can deter your cat from getting too close. These simple obstacles can help ensure your Christmas tree remains cat-free.
#7 Prevent Toppling
Some cats simply have superior best ninja maneuvers! Despite your best efforts, your cat may still find a way to interact with the tree. To prevent your tree from getting tipsy and falling over, make sure it’s securely anchored. Use a heavy tree stand or add weights to a lighter stand to keep it stable. Position the tree near a wall and attach it to the wall or ceiling with thin wire or clear fishing line. These extra steps give your tree a fighting chance and prevent it from crashing down on an unsuspecting feline.
Why Cats Love Christmas Trees
Cats come with a deep-rooted instinct to scale heights. This behavior can be traced back to their ancestors, who were excellent tree climbers. The Christmas tree, with its height and abundance of shiny, dangling objects, simply tempts our feline friends into destruction. Your cat may knock over the tree or ingest harmful thistles or a runaway ornament. Understanding why your cat is so attracted to your Christmas trees is the first step to preventing mishaps this holiday season.
In Short
Keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree requires a bit of planning and creativity. It may be difficult to avoid a not-so merry crashmiss, but it is possible. Remember, each cat is unique, it may take a few approaches to find out what best repels your little tree-loving hooligan. Good luck and happy holidays!
