How to Keep Your Cat Out of Your Christmas Tree
Protect your heirloom ornaments—and your sweet fur baby.
The holidays are like a gift that keeps on giving. From the Christmas presents and Christmas parties to the Christmas cookies and Christmas trees, it's no wonder it's considered "the most wonderful season of all." But with all those good things come situations that test our merrymaking mettle. The Christmas lights have been hung with care, but apparently one of the tiny fuses has blown. A renegade toddler caught sight of a part-way constructed bicycle and wants answers as to why it's not being put together at the North Pole. And what to do when the family dog decides to sample the chocolate fudge right before company arrives?
Speaking of pets, remember that our furry friends require extra supervision during the holidays—especially around that tempting, fully decked-out Christmas tree. In order to prevent super-curious cats from mistaking the holiday tree for a new scratching post, you're going to have pull out all the stops with alternative decorating techniques and cat-repelling odors. Cat-proofing the Christmas tree isn't just about vanity—some of the items on your tree can be very dangerous when ingested. And no one, especially your cat, wants to do the countdown to Christmas from the vet's office.
How to Cat-Proof Christmas Light Wiring
Everyone is mesmerized by Christmas lights—that's the whole point! Unfortunately, your cat may be compelled to act on her attraction by chewing on the wires. And whether the lights are shining bright or turned off, your cat can burn her mouth or even get electrocuted if she's chewing. So think about investing in a pet-proof cord protector to prevent injury.
How to Cat-Proof Christmas Tree Limbs with Bells
You know how you have bells around your cat's neck to keep track of where he's going and what he's into? You can apply the same solution to your Christmas tree. Move your more precious ornaments to higher positions on the tree and layer in some jingle bells on the lower section. When you hear the ring-a-ding-dings, it's time to put a stop to the paw-ty.
How to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree with Paper Garland
It's time to ditch the traditional tinsel. While it's not exactly toxic, it's also not easily digested. So when your dogs and cats eat tinsel, it can become an obstruction under their tongues or in their tummies, according to CL country vet Tricia Earley. If that happens, you'll be spending all your Christmas money on emergency surgery. Best to go with paper garland instead.
How to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree with Treated Pinecones
For a little rustic charm that will keep the cats away, Tricia advises spraying a few pinecones with apple cider vinegar and placing them at the base of the tree. "Cats generally hate the scent and will likely avoid the area," she says.
How to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree with Orange Peels
Did you know that cats don't fancy the smell of oranges? It's true. So take advantage of their aversion by eating an orange and placing the orange rinds beneath the tree! You get all the benefits of the vitamin C and none of the headaches that come with a cat getting too close to the Christmas decor.
Spray an Artificial Tree with Cat-Proofing Spray
Keeping the cat away from an artificial Christmas tree is a snap thanks to a quick spritz of a citronella and water mixture or a store-bought cat deterrent, like Four Paws Keep Off spray.
How to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree Stand
You know what seems fun to a cat? Playing with a Christmas tree stand. Remove the temptation! If you have an artificial tree, you can simply cover it with a piece of fabric or a tree skirt. But if you have a real tree, things get a little dicier. In addition to being fun to play with, cats also like to sample the water. Unfortunately, pine oils can be harmful, so you need to restrict access by wrapping the stand with aluminum foil to cover the opening.
Use Wire to Cat-Proof Ornaments on a Tree
One of your cat's main reasons for the season is pawing at your beloved Shiny Brites. If you don't have the heart to constantly clean up shattered ornaments, simply secure them to branches with wire or twine.
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