Your Cat versus Your Christmas Tree

Many find themselves this time of year in a whirlwind of glorious decking of halls, hauling out of holly, and jingling of bells. But some households know the decorations come with a cost. If you’re unsure of what we’re referencing, just ask your neighbors with feline attachments. 
 
It’s true. Those curious kittens typically have other plans for our festive adornments, with special focus to the main decoration in most homes – the Christmas tree! 
 
So, what can you do to keep with the Christmas spirit, when those crafty kitties are hatching plans to go to war with sparkly, twinkly intruders? First, realize all of the lights, garlands, and principally the Christmas tree represent a change in their structure and routine. The decorations really are intruding into what they see as their domain, if only for a few weeks. 

What Kind of Tree? 

A small battle can be won in the choice of your tree. Prefer a live tree? Be sure to keep a vacuum handy so your kitty doesn’t ingest dropped needles and choke or cause an upset stomach. An artificial tree may be less enticing to chew on and should at least drop less needles. A smaller tree setup could be better. Feeling creative? Consider an upside-down tree to keep those tempting decorations out of reach from your cat.  
 

Anchor the Base 

You might think you’ve put enough weight on the bottom of your tree. Don’t be so sure! Consider securing it to the ceiling or wall along with extra weight to the base. Remember, this tree is an intruder! Some cats may take drastic measures to protect their domain including climbing, jumping on, nesting in, or marking this weird, glittery foliage. 
 
Opting for a live tree? Be sure to cover the water in the base, and don’t pour anything in the base that isn’t water. Other additives contain hazards for your feline.  
 
Some have had luck guarding a tree base with aluminum foil. Cats have shown to not like how it feels on their paws and might be deterred from trying to cross into enemy territory all together. 
 

Shiny and Pointy 

This should be an easy battle to win, but avoid placing ornaments, especially twinkling ones, on the lower branches. Glass or sentimental decorations are placed at their own peril (and your kitty’s peril should they chew or step on a broken glass ornament). Skip the tinsel outright. Your feline will be too tempted to go after this shiny trapping and eating plastic is never good for their tummies.  
 

A Good Defense 

Like the aluminum foil mentioned above, there are ways to keep your cat away from your tree. Gates and fences may have some defense for your tree, but these are sometimes easily avoided by jumping over or using a nearby piece of furniture to vault them closer.

You might try a light citrus spray on your tree or citrus peels around the base or in the tree water. Cats are known to not like this taste or smell.  

—
We leave you with one cat family’s best solution for this yearly issue. We’re not saying it’s the best one, but we may not have found a better one yet.  Be creative and be cautious in your decorating endeavors, but most of all we wish you a very happy holiday season.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us here at AVC. We’ll be happy to help you!