Is your cat an avid tree-climber?
Does she love to jump onto every bit of furniture and onto counters in your home?
If you answered yes to these, then this post is for you! Your Christmas tree could become a major attraction and end up in the horizontal position if not careful! And he could be hurt in the process, so read on for some safety tips.
1. If you don’t have a tree yet, then your cat might influence its size and type. A smaller tree may be a good idea in case Cat topples tree! And check to see if the needles of that particular kind are toxic. If you’re going with an artificial, remember that those branches can be toxic too. Be sure to keep foil around the base of the live tree so your cat can’t drink the toxic water.
2. Place your tree in a corner with no close options for jumping! If the tree is really close to furniture, you know your cat will plot a way to jump from armchair to tree.Try a bitter spray to deter kitty from climbing. Bitter apple spray has been used to keep cats away from furniture and could help with the tree, too. Spray the entire tree with a nontoxic formula, though it may add a bitter odor to your home for a bit! Coat protected cords in the bitter spray too, so that your cat won’t be tempted to chew on those, either.
3. Invest in some citrus deodorizers or orange peels. Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Adding some citrus ornaments, using an essential oil or extract, or placing a citrus air freshener nearby will help keep them away.
4. Shiny ornaments dangling from the bottom branches can really catch kitty’s eye, so move them to the top two-thirds of the tree out of their reach and eyesight. Keep your most loved ones up high out of paw grasp!
5. Tinsel can also be dangerous for cats – both digestive wise and because it’s so sparkly and enticing. It’s best to leave that decoration for non pet owners!
6. And the obvious – make sure the base is stable – and even surrounded by presents.
Oh yeah – and wait to put the catnip presents under the tree until the last minute, too!
You could always just decorate the cat’s tree stand with sponge toys, felt cut outs, and plushy mice. I mean – who doesn’t love a mouse tree at Christmas!
Does your cat climb your tree or bother the ornaments? Let us know in the comments below!