Is your cat madly in love with the Christmas tree, to the point of climbing and handing out needles and Christmas decorations everywhere? Did he even come close to knocking it down completely? It is always a good idea to keep a curious cat away from the Christmas tree, both to prevent injury and to prevent it from causing damage to nearby objects and unfortunates.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Decorate the Tree
Step 1. Consider not decorating the tree at first
The goal would be to give the cat time to adapt to the presence of the tree and learn to let it be; once he gets used to the new element in the environment, he will be less inclined to jump on him.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it handy. Place the tree, then let the cat come over to study it, but stand ready behind him with the sprayer.
- If the cat gives a sign of wanting to jump on the tree, a light sprinkle on the back and a sharp "No!" will be enough to make him understand to stay away.
Step 2. Decorate the tree without the cat bothering you
It's hard enough to tinker with flimsy branches and decorations without having a pet walk around your feet and want to grab the items you're trying to hang. The cat will think it's a game, so it's best to keep it away until it's all set up.
If your cat is around while you are decorating the tree, resist the temptation to let him play with the decorations while you hang them - you would encourage him to see those objects as toys that he can paw at whenever he likes
Step 3. Choose unattractive decorations for the cat
The more eye-catching ones, which sparkle, swing and sparkle, are irresistible to cats, while opaque or otherwise less shiny objects that do not dangle are less fascinating. The best choice is plain-colored felt and paper decorations; also avoid hanging things that move, sway or spin.
- Opt for plastic rather than glass ornaments, as they are less fragile, and try to find unbreakable light bulbs and decorations.
- Twist the threads that the decorations are attached to around the branches instead of just hanging the hooks.
- Never put objects filled with catnip on the tree: it would mean inviting the cat to jump on it.
Step 4. Consider giving up on a certain type of decoration
Wreaths are dangerous for cats, who may chew and swallow them. Likewise, flakes and all hanging and swinging objects are dangerous. Artificial snow is toxic and you shouldn't use it around pets and small children.
- Ribbons and garlands are not recommended: if ingested, they could lead to choking or other internal problems, such as intestinal obstruction.
- It is not advisable to use real candles on the tree when you have pets: only one paw would be enough to cause a fire.
- If you like to decorate the tree with food, be careful what you hang: chocolate of any kind is toxic to cats and the smell may attract them; more generally, most sweets are not healthy for them.
Step 5. Put the most delicate decorations on top
The most fragile, tempting or dangerous decorations should go on the upper two thirds of the tree; at that height the cat is less likely to reach them, so they should be safe.
- Some people avoid decorating the lower third of the tree altogether so that the cat doesn't have anything interesting in sight.
- Some cats cannot restrain themselves and try to climb the tree at all costs. If your feline companion falls into this category, avoid hanging fragile or dangerous objects altogether.
- If you decide to use the wreaths anyway, place them high enough to prevent your cat from pulling them down and chewing them.
Step 6. Securely secure the decorations to the tree
Use metal hooks that attach to the branches like pliers, so they can't come off easily. Avoid using cords, rubber bands, or anything that makes objects dangle. Once the decorations are hung, try to hit them firmly to check their stability.
Use quality metal hooks for decorations. Secure them around the branches using a pair of pliers, so they don't dangle and can't be removed easily
Method 2 of 3: Take Additional Precautions
Step 1. Use a cat repellent spray
Purchase one at a pet store and spray it on the tree - it will keep the cat away without emitting a scent that humans can perceive. Or you can try a citrus spray, which also has a deterrent effect on cats.
- You can also use apple cider vinegar as a repellent.
- If you have a plastic tree, you can wet it with a small amount of lemongrass oil mixed in a bottle of water, so as to perfume it with an unpleasant fragrance for the cat but fresh and pleasant for you.
- Sprinkle some pinecones with lemongrass and stack them around the base of the tree - cats don't walk on pinecones! You can use them for the same purpose on other plants you have around the house.
- You can also place orange peels under the tree to decrease the likelihood of the cat approaching. Another bad smell for cats is that of rotten apples, but you probably wouldn't like to smell it at home either!
- Try sprinkling the tree with some orange juice or using orange wedges as decorations - they can act as repellents, as cats hate the aroma of citrus.
Step 2. Pay attention to electrical wires and lights
Make sure you wrap the excess cord with tape and keep the cat from reaching the power supply and outlet. Don't let any strings hang down - wrap it around the base of the tree if necessary. A good idea is to protect the cables with sheaths or conduits to prevent the cat from chewing them.
- You can also use the repellent spray on the wires, but be careful not to wet the electrical cables too much: a light spray is enough.
- Connect the tree lights to a short extension cable and secure the plug in the socket with electrical tape; to turn off the lights you can simply disconnect them from the extension cable.
- Use a lighting system that cuts off the current flow in case of damage.
- Always remember to turn off the Christmas lights if there is no responsible adult in the room who can control them.
Step 3. Distract your cat
Place their favorite toys in the same area as the tree and place the scratching post in a nearby spot. this will encourage him to use his things instead of thinking about branches and decorations. Also, tire him out by playing with him, so that he has less energy to attack the tree.
Keep his kennel and bowls of water and food in another room so he is less tempted by the tree
Method 3 of 3: Choose and Protect the Tree
Step 1. Choose a safe location for the tree
He must stay away from objects on which the cat can climb easily: if there are shelves or other furniture that the cat can use as a support point, he will not hesitate to climb them and then jump on the tree. Keep it in an empty space where it would be difficult for the animal to climb.
- If possible, place the tree somewhere in the house that can be isolated by closing the door to keep the cat away when it is night or when no one is nearby. Obviously it is not always possible to do this, but if you have this option it is good to use it.
- For added security, you can also fasten the tree to the wall: use a screw and a thin wire, so that it does not show.
Step 2. Consider the size of the tree
A small tree is undoubtedly safer than a large one, because it would do less damage if the cat decided to climb and knock it down. If the kitty is still a puppy, perhaps the best choice is to stick to a mini table tree until the kitty has grown enough and has become calmer.
If the tree is lower than 180 cm, it is best to place it on a low but firm table, securing the base to a large plywood board with adhesive tape. This way he will be well above the cat's height, which will likely lose interest. Of course you will still need to make sure that there are no possible points of support near the tree that allow the cat to climb with a jump
Step 3. Choose a firm and strong base to support the tree
Always select the base very carefully and try to purchase one that will stay in place if the tree is hit. It is important not only for the safety of pets, but also for the safety of children.
- An artificial tree must also have a stable base.
- Use a cover to hide unsightly security measures at the base, including electrical cables.
- In addition to getting a stable base, anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling as an extra precaution: this way, even if the cat were to jump on it or hang and pull it, the tree would remain standing.
Step 4. Decide if you want a real or an artificial tree
Real Christmas trees are potentially more dangerous to cats than artificial ones, because they have sharp needles that can sting or injure an overly curious cat, as well as being irritating or even mildly toxic if chewed (depending on the species of the tree)..
- It won't do your cat any good to chew on artificial needles either, so make your choice by also considering the method you plan to use to keep the animal away from the tree.
- If you choose to buy a real tree, also make sure that the water container for watering the tree is inaccessible to the cat. If he could drink it, he could poison himself.
Advice
- Avoid putting bows on gifts, as they will attract the cat even more.
- You can also add extra masking tape to the corners of the gift boxes to make it harder for the cat to break the paper.
- Do not place gifts in front of the tree, as the wrapped packages may attract the cat.
Warnings
- Do not spray liquids on a tree that you have hung electrical devices on, or you risk causing a short circuit which could in turn cause a fire.
- Aspirin is often added to the water for watering the tree, but it is toxic to cats. You can add sugar as an alternative, but still make sure your cat doesn't have access to that water, as it will likely contain pesticides, preservatives, resin, and other toxic elements.
- When you put the cat in for the night, close the door to the room where the tree is located. You will sleep more peacefully knowing that your cat won't be able to use it as a swing.
- Be even more careful if you have small kittens. They will be even more attracted to dangling objects and will try to chew on electrical cables, risking shocks.
- Never leave a kitten as a gift in a box or cage under the tree - it is dangerous and cruel. A cat should be a gift that the whole family can agree on and are ready to care for. On Christmas morning, make sure the kitten is in a safe and controlled place, then carry him in your lap when you present him as a gift.
