If your cat is attracted to a Christmas tree – so attracted to it that he tries to climb it that the decorations, tinsel and tree hangers are scattered all over the place? Or maybe he almost dropped the tree? Keeping the curious cat away from the Christmas tree is a great idea. This can prevent the cat from getting hurt while protecting the tree and nearby objects, as well as the people in your home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Decorating the Christmas Tree
Step 1. Decorate the Christmas tree ahead of time
This will allow your cat to get used to the tree, and give you time to train your cat so he doesn't damage it. Giving the cat time to adapt will prevent the animal from damaging the Christmas tree.
- Fill a spray bottle with water, then hold it in your hand. Lay down the tree as usual, then let the cat examine it while still holding the water spray bottle, just in case.
- If your cat shows signs of jumping into a tree, spray some water on its backside and say "NO" to make it understand.
Step 2. Get rid of the cat before decorating the Christmas tree
Not only will it be difficult to arrange trees, decorations, and small ornaments, you will also have trouble taking care of cats running after hanging decorations. The cat will assume you want to play with it. So, it's best to get the cat out of the room first before decorating the Christmas tree.
When decorating, if your cat passes by, resist the urge to tempt her with decorations to hang. This will make your cat think that the shiny objects you are holding are toys so they can play with them whenever they want
Step 3. Choose an ornament that won't catch your cat's attention
Some ornaments seem especially attractive to cats because they gleam, wiggle, and reflect light. Solid-colored ornaments that are not shiny and often wobble are unattractive to cats. Simple fabrics, paper, and embellishments are probably the best choices. Avoid using objects that easily sway, dangle, or spin.
- Try using plastic ornaments instead of glass decorations. Look for light bulbs and shatterproof ornaments.
- Twist the ornamental wire hooks around the tree branches instead of letting them hang from the hooks provided.
- Never place an object containing catnip on a Christmas tree. This will only make the cat damage the tree.
Step 4. Consider not putting up any decorations at all
Tinsel is very dangerous for cats who like to chew and swallow objects around them. Ribbons and other objects hanging from trees can also hurt your cat. Artificial snow is toxic and should not be used if you have pets or small children at home.
- Tinsel is not recommended for people who keep cats; this object can cause the animal to suffocate, as well as cause health problems if swallowed, such as blockage of the digestive tract.
- It's best not to use real candles on a Christmas tree if you have pets. Accidents are very likely if the animal hits a tree and causes the fire to spread everywhere.
- If you like decorating your Christmas tree with food, pay attention to what you put on. Any type of chocolate can be toxic to cats and the smell of hanging chocolate can attract the animal's attention. Most sugary foods are also unhealthy for pets.
Step 5. Place the most perishable ornaments at the top of the tree
Ornaments that break easily, attract attention, or are dangerous should be placed in the top 2/3 of the tree. Your cat will most likely not be able to reach them so keep them safe.
- Some people prefer not to decorate the lower 1/3 of the Christmas tree this way, no decorations are visible to the cat.
- Some cats are very active and will climb trees all the way to the top. If your cat is behaving this way, avoid installing perishable or dangerous decorations on the Christmas tree.
- Tinsel, if used, should be placed in the highest part of the tree as it easily attracts the attention of a curious cat and can be dangerous if swallowed as it can get stuck in the stomach and digestive tract.
Step 6. Secure the ornaments fixed to the tree
Use metal hooks that can clamp the tree so that the ornament cannot be lifted or pulled. Do not use thread, rubber bands, or anything else that is not strong enough. When attaching decorations, shake the decorations a little to make sure they don't come off easily.
Hang the ornaments using quality wire. Use pliers to secure the hooks to the branches so that the decorations don't wobble and are easier to pull out
Method 2 of 3: Adding Extra Protection
Step 1. Use cat repellent spray
Spray the Christmas tree with cat repellent, which you can buy at your local pet store. This can repel cats without causing unpleasant odors in the human nose. You can also try using lemon juice as cats don't like sour smells.
- Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a cat repellent.
- If you are using a plastic Christmas tree, spray lemongrass oil mixed with water on the tree. It smells bad to cats, but smells fresh and sour to humans.
- Spray the pine cones with lemongrass water, then place the fruit at the base of the tree. Cats don't want to walk on pine cones! This fruit also has the same effect if placed at the base of ornamental plants at home.
- You can also put orange peels under the Christmas tree to keep cats from getting close. Plus, cats don't like the smell of rotten apples, but you certainly don't!
- Spray the tree with a little lemon juice. Cats don't like sour smells, so orange juice can be used as a cat repellent. Orange slices can also be used as decorations.
Step 2. Be careful when installing power cables and lights
Make sure you use tape to tidy up the cables, as well as place the power cord in a place where the cat can't reach it. Don't let the wires hang – roll the wires around the base of the tree so they don't hang all over the place. You can also use a cable or pipe protector to prevent the cat from chewing on it.
- The wires on the Christmas tree can also be smeared with cat repellent liquid. However, be careful not to spray too much liquid on the power cord – spray only a little.
- Plug the lamp power cord into the electrical terminal in the room and secure the end of the plug to the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the power cord from the electrical terminal to turn it off.
- Consider using a cable that can automatically cut off power if it breaks.
- Turn off the lights on the Christmas tree if there are no adults in the room who can supervise the tree.
Step 3. Distract your cat
Place the cat's favorite toy in the same room as the Christmas tree and place the paw posts near the tree. The cat's favorite things will make him reluctant to damage the tree. Use up your cat's energy by playing with him. This will make him too tired to "attack" the Christmas tree.
Store cat food, water, and bedding in another room. This will make the cat less interested in the Christmas tree
Method 3 of 3: Selecting and Securing a Christmas Tree
Step 1. Choose a safe location to install the tree
There should be plenty of room around the tree so the cat can't climb on nearby objects. If there is a shelf or furniture that the cat can step on, it will most likely climb up and jump onto the Christmas tree. Make sure the tree is in a "clean" area so the cat can't figure out how to climb it.
- If possible, choose a room with a door so it can be closed at night or when no one is home to keep cats safe. Of course, sometimes this can't be done, but if possible, stick to it.
- You can pin the tree to the wall to make it more secure. Use screws and thin wire so that the supports are not visible.
Step 2. Consider the size of the tree
Small trees are certainly safer than large trees because they are lighter in weight if they fall due to cat actions. For kitten owners, a mini Christmas tree on the table may be a better fit until the cat is old enough and calmer.
If the tree is less than 180 cm tall, you may need to use duct tape to attach the supporting legs to a piece of plywood, then place the tree on a small sturdy table. This will keep the tree higher than the cat so it won't be attracted. Of course, you'll want to make sure the tree isn't anywhere near anything that can be used as a jumping platform
Step 3. Choose a strong and unshakable support to support the base of the tree
Be careful when choosing a tree brace and buy one that can actually hold the tree up when it hits you. It is important to keep children and pets safe.
- Artificial trees must also have strong supports.
- Use tree covers to cover areas that are unsightly but important for safety, including areas where electrical wires are present.
- Just like using strong supports, leaning a tree against a wall or ceiling is also useful for preventing the object from falling when "attacked" by a cat.
Step 4. Decide whether you want to use an artificial tree or a real tree
Real Christmas trees are probably more dangerous than artificial ones. The spines on real tree trunks are so sharp that they can puncture or scratch the skin of a cat that won't stay still, and can cause irritation or poisoning if chewed (depending on the species of tree used).
- The part of the artificial tree that the cat ingests is also not good for the animal's digestive system. So, balance the choice of tree species with how to protect it against cats at home.
- If you choose to use real trees, choose products with water containers that are protected from cats. The water that cats drink from these containers can trigger poisoning.
Tips
- Try not to attach ribbons to Christmas gifts as this can provoke a cat reaction.
- You can also attach additional tape to the end of the gift to prevent the cat from tearing it off.
- Don't place gifts near the Christmas tree, as gift wrappers can attract cats.
Warning
- Do not spray trees that have electrically powered equipment installed. Water and electricity can cause a short circuit which increases the risk of fire.
- Aspirin is very commonly used to water trees. This product is harmful to cats. Use sugar water instead, but keep your cat away as trees usually contain pine resin, preservatives, pesticides, and other toxic elements.
- When you've moved the cat to bed at night, close the door to the room where the Christmas tree is placed. You can sleep better if you know the animal can't damage the Christmas tree at night.
- Take good care of the kitten. Prevent him from chewing on the power cord so he doesn't get electrocuted. Anything that moves and sways will attract his attention.
- Never put a kitten in a gift box or cage and then put it as a gift under the Christmas tree; it is cruel and dangerous. Kittens should be gifts that all family members agree to and are willing to take care of together. On Christmas morning, make sure the kitten is in a safe and supervised area, then bring it into the house as a Christmas present.
