HOW TO CAT-PROOF A CHRISTMAS TREE

WHY DO CATS LOVE DESTROYING THE CHRISTMAS TREE?

Have you found yourself searching for a cat-proof Christmas tree? Of course, you have! You’re a “pawsome” parent like that.

According to Inverse, the reason why cats love destroying Christmas trees, according to science, is because cats find Christmas trees very exciting.

For starters, you are bringing something new into their territory. Being naturally curious, your cat can’t resist taking a closer look. The tree has new smells and an enticing amount of bark to scratch, so there is a lot to see and do.

Many kitties will also try to climb the tree because it’s fun and it’ll be the tallest vantage point they can get to in your home. Then you add the decorations. What does this mean in your cat’s eyes? Lots of sparkly, dangling toys to play with and to enjoy.

While cats in Christmas trees can make for the perfect Insta moment, it can be dangerous. “Un-fur-tunately” getting a cat-friendly Christmas tree is not as easy as it sounds and can be expensive.

That is why we have put together some quick and easy ways to help keep your cat and your current Christmas tree safe.

Depending on how determined your kitty is, there are some tips and tricks that’ll help you cat-proof your Christmas tree and keep your cat safe at the same time.

It is important to consider your cat’s age and nature as this will help you decide on the right solutions for your home. After all, cats have such different personalities. Without further ado, let’s get to it!

Cat-Proof Your Christmas Ornaments

• Avoid Glass Ornaments

Glass Christmas ornaments are so pretty but these can be very dangerous for cats. They are inclined to want to play with these decorations, and if they break them, there will be glass shards everywhere. What a “cat-astrophe”! Rather stick to wood, yarn, or plastic ornaments.

• Put Ornaments In The Right Place

It's better to put ornaments in the center of the tree branches than at the ends of the branches.

Put plastic ornaments on the bottom half of the tree and place fragile decorations at the top where your cat is less likely to reach.

You could even place a few bells on the lower branches as a warning system so you have some time to react and avoid “cat-astrophy”.

It is also advisable that you fasten decorations using twine or wire rather than using metal hooks so your cat can’t swat them off.

• Say No To Tinsel and Mistletoe

Tinsel and ribbon look beautiful hanging from your tree and can definitely cause a twinkle in your kitten's eyes as well!

They may look like toys to your cat, but they pose a very serious health risk. If your cat eats them they can build up into a tangled knot, causing them to get stuck and block the stomach and intestines of your cat.

If your cat eats pine needles it can cause injury to their mouth and stomach; and even if they do go down smoothly, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy due to the mild toxicity.

Real trees also require water bowls at the base. This poses another health risk for your kitty as tree water is often treated with additives such as fertilizer, aspirin, and other harmful ingredients for cats. If your cat drinks this water it can be detrimental for their health.

Lastly, the water bowl sitting stagnant becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. So if you have a real tree, make sure the water bowl is always covered with a skirt or lid.

• Squirt Lemon Juice Around the Tree Trunk

Another new cat owner tip! Spraying some lemon juice, or vinegar, around the base of your Christmas tree will deter your cat from coming near this area. Why? Cats do not like citric or acidic smells.

This will work with other plants too. However, not all plants are cat-friendly. Find out which plants are safe, and which are not, in our blog showcasing 10 things that are poisonous for cats and dogs.

To make things easier we have put together a Christmas tree cat-proofing checklist just for you!

Now that you’re armed and ready to defend your Christmas tree, it’s time to start decorating (if you haven’t already). Why not distract your cat from the tree by making them some “paw-some” homemade Christmas treats?

If you’re struggling to keep your dog or toddler away from the tree and Christmas ornaments, then Door Buddy can help. Be sure to have a look at our Door Buddy door prop to baby-proof your home this festive season. Happy “how-lidays”, “fur-mily”!