We’ve all seen, and laughed at, those videos where cats utterly destroy a Christmas tree. But I bet it wouldn’t be so funny if it happened to you! So I’m sharing some ways to lessen the chances of your tree and your cat having an unfortunate encounter. Of course nothing’s 100 percent, but most of these are worth a try.
Where You Put Your Tree Makes a Difference
Did you remove the cat tree to make room for the Christmas tree? Or did you place it so that it looks pretty in a window, completely ignoring the fact that it’s also within launching area from a shelf or comfy chair? Think about where you’re putting the tree, and the hazards surrounding it.
I know most people don’t give a second thought to moving a cat’s things to temporarily make room for their holiday decor. But look at it from your cat’s perspective. Cats like routine, and they like having things just-so. And here you are, moving their stuff around. And you’re replacing it all with an item they’re not supposed to touch…in an area that still smells like them! So you can see the problem here. Maybe come up with a different spot for the tree. Move your own furniture, not your cat’s.
And where ever you put up the tree, take a look around to see potential threats. Are there tables or shelves where your cat could reach out and grab a tempting ornament or make a flying leap? You may want to move them farther away from the tree.
Real Tree or Fake Tree?
With its inviting smell of pine and the outdoors, real trees may be more appealing to your cat, and a bigger invitation for trouble. Plus the needles and sap will make your cat sick if they eat them. And there’s also the bacteria-laden water bowl to keep the tree fresh, which could harm your cat if they drink from it.
If you are sure your cat won’t chew on the tree (but can you really be sure?) and you are careful about keeping the water container covered, then get a real tree. Otherwise, it’s almost always better to opt for fake.
Fake trees still have dangers because cats may chew on the branches and “needles” or climb them, just as they would any other tree. But overall, they are less likely to harm your cat.
Either way, if you can somehow secure your tree to the wall or ceiling, that will help keep your cat from toppling it over. It’s not that hard. You just need some cord or fishing line, and a hook or screw, plus a ladder if you are securing from the ceiling.
Christmas Tree Don’ts
Don’t leave electrical cords uncovered. Cats may chew on them. Use cord covers. If you already know your cat chews cords, chances are you have a few sitting around right now! If not, be on the safe side anyway and get some.
If your cat is a known chewer, consider whether to use electrical lights on your tree at all. LED lights are safer than the old-fashioned incandescent type, and battery powered lights are safest.
Never, ever use bubble lights, pretty and fun as they are! They contain methylene chloride, a toxic chemical, and could really harm your cat if they break.
Never use decor like fake snow, angel hair or tinsel (also known as “icicles”). All these are toxic or dangerous for your cat. My human thought that people stopped using these when she was a child, but apparently they are still floating around.
Put non-breakable ornaments on the bottom third of your tree — the area cats are most likely to hunt for shiny playthings. Use that area for metal, paper and plastic ornaments. If you have any treasured heirloom ornaments, place them in areas where your cat is the least likely to touch them.
The Not-That Great Advice
Some websites suggest covering the tree trunk and floor around the tree with aluminum foil. Fine, if you want ugly tinfoil all around your pretty tree. The small possibility that it may discourage your cat makes it not worthwhile.
Some people also advise putting a baby gate around your tree, or keeping your cat out of the room where the tree is altogether. A baby gate is practically useless — most cats can jump right over them. Cats that can’t clear a baby gate are probably too old or out of shape to bother a tree much.
As for keeping your tree locked away from your cat, think about this. Nothing inspires curiosity in your cat more than a closed door, or to be barred from a certain spot in the house. A cat will do everything they can to get into an area where they aren’t allowed. When you shut your tree away from the cat, it increases its appeal.
What’s better is to give your cat a chance to explore the tree before you put it up, along with the boxes of ornaments and decorations. Give them a chance to examine them and realize they are just boring human things. Take away the mystery. Then play with them or have treat time in another room, away from the tree, to show that there’s more fun to be had elsewhere.
Like I said, nothing will 100 percent cat proof your tree. But following most of these will make your tree safer, your cat less interested in it, and make everyone happy.
Now, excuse me while I go take a nap in my new favorite spot…right under the tree on the velvet tree skirt. As it should be.
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