Keeping your cat out of your Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is an important symbol for many people. The focal point of all the celebrations. Setting up a Christmas tree can become a significant ritual for families all over the world. A time for you to connect, to get nostalgic, to reminisce as you pull out all our old decorations. So the last thing you want is for your curious kitty to ruin it all with one misjudged investigation.

If you’re a cat owner, you’ll know that they are naturally very curious creatures. We’ve all seen the YouTube videos of distraught owners cry-laughing over their decimated Christmas trees. And it’s hard to blame them really. Mimicking the same trees that they are able to climb and explore happily outside but covered in shiny playthings and interesting lights, you can see why an unsuspecting mog might find them irresistible.

Aside from ruining your own Christmas, the effects of an inquisitive investigation gone wrong could have devastating consequences for your cat too. Luckily, there are some things you can do to try and cat-proof your Christmas tree and unfortunately, you’ll also just have to accept that you need to keep a closer eye on them during the festive season.

The Christmas lights are probably the most obvious hazard that adorns your tree. Even if they are switched off, your cat could still end up electrocuting itself or burning its mouth if they can’t resist the urge to chew. You can purchase pet-proof cord protectors to add an extra layer of safety to your Christmas lights.

When it comes to your decorations, keep your most prized and most fragile ornaments out of reach at the top of the tree. A clever way to alert you to any feline tampering is to add some bells to your decorations near the bottom of your tree. That way, if they are tempted to touch or tap your tree, the sound of the bells will work as an alarm and you can put a stop to any tinkering straight away. Another neat trick is to place some pinecones laced with apple cider vinegar near the bottom of your tree as the smell will deter your cats from getting too close. You can also achieve the same effect by placing some orange rinds under your tree.

It’s also a good idea to ditch the tinsel. Tinsel can cause an obstruction in your cat’s stomach or become lodged underneath their tongue. Stick to paper garlands or paper chains as a fun alternative. Baubles can also pose a risk to cats as many of them shatter easily and can cut your cat’s paws or mouths. If you can’t keep the more breakable ornaments out of reach, try attaching them more securely by adding some wire.

If all else fails, maybe consider an advent calendar for your cat that includes new treats and toys each day to keep them entertained and away from the tree!

Thu Dec 5 2019