The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year! However, if you have a furry feline friend, they may see your beautiful Christmas tree as a fun toy. Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to make sure your cat and your tree can coexist happily. In this guide, we’ll give you some awesome tips on how to cat-proof the Christmas tree so you and your kitty can enjoy the festive season!
Why do cats go crazy with Christmas trees?
Did you know that cats have an instinct to explore and investigate new things in their environment? That’s why bringing a Christmas tree with sparkly ornaments and bright lights into your home can quickly catch a cat’s attention and become its new favorite toy!
But did you also know that this curious behavior can be dangerous for your feline friend?
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Many cats visit the vet during the holiday season due to ingesting ornaments or decorations, falling from the tree, or other tree-related accidents.
If you want to avoid spending Christmas at the vet’s office and racking up emergency bills, it’s important to take precautions and make sure your cat is safe around the tree. So, are you ready to learn a few tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for you and your furry buddy?
How to cat-proof the Christmas tree?
Don’t let Christmas turn into a catastrophe!
Imagine having to constantly install and decorate your Christmas tree because your cat knocks it down.
But don’t worry, with these easy tips you can save the holiday season and even have a standing tree, which you don’t need to re-installing and re-decorating a few times daily.
Plus, you’ll avoid any emergency vet bills and ensure your presents are the only surprises under the tree. Check out our guide to cat-proof the Christmas tree now.
1. Choose a safe location for the tree
To ensure your Christmas tree remains stable and your furry friend stays safe, it’s crucial to choose the right location for your tree. By setting your tree in a corner and away from any furniture that your cat could use to leap onto the branches, you’ll ensure a stable and secure tree that won’t end up on the floor.
2. Choose a small tree if your cat loves to climb
When it comes to choosing the right size of Christmas tree for your home, keep in mind that a smaller tree is not only easier to manage, but also safer for your furry friend. The smaller tree is less likely to hurt your cat or break other objects if it falls to the ground accidentally.
3. Secure the tree to a wall
To prevent your cat from knocking the tree down, it is necessary to secure it properly. Use a heavy fishing line near the top to attach the tree to the wall. Ensure that the base is also stable and doesn’t move even if your cat tries to climb it. This is needed as even well-behaved cats often can’t resist the temptation to climb the Christmas tree, which can lead to catastrophic results.
4. Place aluminum foil or double-sided tape over a few pads and spread them under the tree.
The use of double-sided tape and aluminum foil can be an effective method to deter cats from walking on surfaces that you don’t want them to, such as the Christmas tree or countertop. Cats are generally averse to walking on sticky surfaces. They also dislike the sound and feel of aluminum foil under their paws.
5. Make the tree smell bad to your feline friend.
Cats have a keen sense of smell and many of them dislike the scent of citrus fruits. To deter your feline friend from climbing the Christmas tree, mix water with citrus juice and spray the lower branches of the tree with it. Additionally, placing peels of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits under the tree skirt or on the lower branches can also be effective. This approach not only keeps the cat away from the tree but also leaves your home smelling wonderful.
6. Avoid the tinsel on the tree and keep the presents for the big day not under the tree.
The tinsels and the ribbons of the presents are not easily digested. When ingested, these materials are not easily digested and can lead to life-threatening blockages in your cat’s digestive system. Therefore, it is important to keep these items out of your cat’s reach to ensure their safety and well-being.
7. Avoid glass ornaments of any kind
Glass ornaments for the Christmas tree can pose a serious threat to cats as they break easily. When a cat plays with a glass ball, it can be broken into sharp and small pieces. They can injure the delicate pads of their paws and mouth. To avoid any potential injuries, consider using alternative materials for ornaments, such as wood, felt, paper, or plastic. These materials are completely shatter-resistant, ensuring the cats’ safety even if they gouge or paw at the ornaments.
8. Keep any electrical wires out of your cat’s reach.
The Christmas tree is complete when its lights are on, but some cats are prolific chewers. Chewing a strand of Christmas lights can cause death or severe burns. If you can’t block access to the cables, place them in cable ducts or cover them with insulating tape. You can spray any lights within your cat’s reach with a deterrent. To further reduce the risk of injury, always make sure to turn off the lights on the Christmas tree when there is no responsible adult in the room.
9. Create barricades and restrict the access to Christmas tree
To ensure the Christmas tree stays upright, and to keep the festive atmosphere, you can use a child gate, fence, or exercise enclosure to enclose the space around the tree.
Is a real or artificial tree safer for my cat?
When it comes to pet safety during the Christmas season, artificial trees are a better option than real ones. Real trees can be toxic to cats as they often contain pesticides, pine resin, preservatives, and fire retardants.
But if you prefer a real tree, it is necessary to cover the water to prevent your cat from drinking the water from the tree.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, don’t let your feline friend ruin your Christmas celebrations! When it comes to protecting your Christmas tree from cats, it’s better to be safe than sorry later. Taking the time to implement these simple strategies can prevent your cat from causing havoc during the holiday season. So, if you’re a cat owner, take steps now and cat-proof your Christmas tree to avoid cat disasters. With a little effort, your tree will stay upright, your ornaments will stay unbroken, and your holidays will be merry and bright.
