5 Tricks to Cat-proof Your Christmas Tree

The vacations are a magical time of yr. From gatherings with family and friends to seasonal decorations, there’s loads to like in regards to the holidays. Your cat may even benefit from the festivities as a lot as you do!

But for sure cats, the vacations is usually a worrying break from routine, full of guests and unfamiliar additions to the house atmosphere. Take the Christmas tree, for instance. Meant to be an expression of vacation cheer, lined with lights and adornments, the Christmas tree’s sudden look will be complicated, tempting, and even dangerous for our feline associates.

Let’s discover why some cats can’t include their pleasure across the Christmas tree and methods to hold it (and your cat) protected this vacation season.

Why Cats Love Christmas Bushes

Christmas tree ornaments resemble dangling cat toys and supply an ideal batting alternative for curious cats. Mariya Zimarina / Shutterstock.com

Cats are clever animals and curiosity is of their nature. The surprising arrival of one thing as important in measurement because the Christmas tree is sure to set off temptation. Nevertheless it’s extra than simply the novelty that attracts cats to the Christmas tree.

Listed below are a number of the causes cats love Christmas timber.

Cats Are Desirous to Discover New Issues

As predators, cats are naturally territorial they usually’re keen to research something new that enters their territory. Not solely is the Christmas tree one thing new and unfamiliar however it’s full of thrilling out of doors scents and engaging textures. Even for those who go the substitute route, the tree will carry scents your cat will wish to discover.

It Supplies Climbing Alternatives

Cats have sturdy legs and sharp claws for a motive—they’re constructed for climbing. To a cat, the Christmas tree seems like the proper place to survey their territory from on excessive. The temptation could also be notably onerous to withstand in case your cat doesn’t have applicable alternate options like a cat tree or cat apartment.

Cats See Tree Decorations as Toys

Christmas ornaments made out of glass or ceramics are good batting alternatives for a mischievous cat who lacks indoor play alternatives. Tinsel, garland, and different ribbon-like adornments might also be onerous for a curious cat to withstand.

Sparkly trinkets and hanging decorations seem like enjoyable new toys to your cat however they arrive with a threat of breakage and unintended ingestion which might trigger your cat hurt.

It Presents an Attractive Scratching Floor

Scratching is a pure habits for cats and a obligatory one. It helps them shed the brittle outer layers of their claws, exposing the wholesome new progress beneath. With its tough bark, the Christmas tree could supply a satisfying scratching floor on your cat.

There’s additionally the peak of the tree to contemplate. Small scratch pads don’t permit your cat to completely stretch their limbs as they scratch, however a tall Christmas tree may.

Cats Could See It As a Place to Cover

Composed of layered boughs and needles, the Christmas tree presents a shy cat a pleasant place to cover. Some cats could benefit from the safety of curling up on the base whereas others may climb up into the branches, looking for a better hiding spot. As soon as the tree is embellished, after all, the act of climbing out and in of the tree places your cat in danger for damage.

5 Methods to Hold Your Cat Out of the Christmas Tree

Considerate placement and cautious ornament can hold each your cat and your Christmas tree free from hurt. Alena Haurylik / Shutterstock.com

With its dangling globes of fragile glass and tangled strings of twinkling lights, the Christmas tree presents sure dangers to your cat. Taking steps to maintain your cat out of the Christmas tree is crucial for their very own safety—to not point out safeguarding the centerpiece of your vacation decor scheme.

Cat-proofing your Christmas tree helps make sure you get to spend the vacation at dwelling, not within the vet’s workplace. Listed below are 5 methods to do it.

Select the Proper Location

The right spot shows your Christmas tree in all its festive glory, however the location that appears greatest may not be the most secure possibility on your cat. Place your Christmas tree away from cabinets or cat furnishings which may give your cat quick access to the upper boughs.

And don’t overlook to safe it correctly. Select a sturdy base and contemplate anchoring your tree to the wall or ceiling, simply in case your cat decides to go for a climb.

Choose Cat-Pleasant Adornments

Select unbreakable ornaments and place them excessive sufficient on the tree that your cat can’t bat them off from the bottom. Shiny, reflective ornaments will doubtless pose the best temptation. Comfortable material ornaments could also be greatest, simply in case they fall or cling low sufficient on your cat to achieve.

When you beautify the tree with tinsel or garland, restrict it to the higher half of the tree. Not solely do these decorations pose a choking hazard if swallowed, but when your cat catches maintain of 1 finish they may topple the tree over on themselves.

Keep away from Uncovered Wiring

Unaware of the danger of electrocution, some cats can’t resist chewing on uncovered wires. Select your Christmas tree lighting fastidiously, avoiding skinny wires that is perhaps simple to chew by way of. When inserting the lights, hold them towards the middle of the tree and use a twine protector to cowl the top of the string that plugs into the wall.

Hold the Base Lined

Be certain that your Christmas tree base is sturdy and safe. When you’re utilizing a dwell Christmas tree, cowl the bottom to forestall your cat from consuming the water. A tree skirt could do the trick however decided cats could require further deterrents. Strive wrapping the trunk in foil and place presents or heavy decorations on high of the skirt to weigh it down.

It’s notably necessary to cowl the bottom for those who’re utilizing a potted Christmas tree. The soil might include fertilizers which may make your cat sick, to not point out the temptation of the soil-filled pot as a litter field different.

Supply Attractive Alternate options

Your cat could also be much less within the Christmas tree if there are extra engaging alternate options out there. Arrange a devoted play space away from the tree and encourage your cat to make use of it with toys and treats.

Even higher, shock your cat with an early Christmas current of a brand new cat apartment, timing its arrival to coincide with the Christmas tree. Simply make sure to place cat furnishings far sufficient away from the Christmas tree that your cat can’t use it to leap onto the tree.

By adorning with care and taking sure precautions, you possibly can hold each your cat and your Christmas tree protected this vacation season. Even for those who do, nevertheless, be vigilant and test the tree each day to ensure there’s nothing to tempt a curious cat right into a probably harmful state of affairs.