How to keep the cat away from the Christmas tree is a question that often crosses the minds of many cat owners who are considering decorating a tree in a room where their cat has access. Especially since “O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your ornaments are history” is the favorite carol of many house cats. Climbing among the branches of the tree and playing with the ornaments and tinsel is a delight for cats. Even the Christmas lights are not spared.
If you don’t want to hang the Christmas tree from the ceiling upside down or put it in a cage, you need to consider some very important factors. You have to take into account both your cat’s temperament and your own sanity. How much inner peace will you have while looking at the tree, adorned with broken ornaments and tinsel strewn throughout the room, and a cat covered in glitter from stars and other decorations?
Just like humans, cats have different characters and personalities. Some cats are very playful and curious, while others are more lazy and don’t pay much attention to new things appearing around them, and their appetite for play is not very high. A cat that has survived the houseplants, curtains, or drapes may very well survive the Christmas tree too.
I’ve seen many “experts,” cat psychologists, who offer all sorts of advice on how to get your cat accustomed to the Christmas tree. As if a cat were an object following a standard set of characteristics and personalities. If a cat is naturally mischievous and you scold it when it tries to reach the tree, it will probably behave while you’re present. Leave it alone at home with the tree, and after two or three hours, you’ll likely find a tree on the verge of collapse. No, it’s not because of the cat you “trained” to be well-behaved around the tree with those helpful tips. The tree experienced a sugar crash and couldn’t get back up. The cat tried to help, but… Take a deep breath, think that nothing too spectacular happened, and then proceed to revive the tree.
However, there are a few methods to try to get your cat used to and keep it away from the Christmas tree, but this doesn’t guarantee that if you leave it alone with the tree, it won’t want to show that it’s the true star at the top of the tree.
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How do you typically keep the cat away from the Christmas tree? Survival techniques for the tree.
1. Choose a smaller-sized tree.
A cat will be less tempted to climb a 40 cm tree compared to a 180 cm one. The emotional impact will also be directly proportional to the height of the tree placed in the middle of your home. Ah, before settling on the final position of the tree, it’s a good idea to do a little risk assessment and calculate the radius (circle) in which the tree could potentially collapse. It’s preferable to ensure there are no TVs or other important objects within that radius. That would be an additional bonus to avoid damage.
2. Get your cat accustomed to the decorative elements of the tree.
Whether it’s a natural tree or an artificial one taken out of the box, let your cat inspect the tree before you hang the ornaments. Naturally curious, your cat will want to know who the new addition to its space is. Let it sniff, climb, but be cautious not to let it “taste” the tree. Some cats end up with serious issues after nibbling on a tree, whether artificial or real.
After the initial inspection, allow your cat to be in the area where you’re decorating the Christmas tree. It will want to explore each ornament, sniff them, and check if they’re suitable for play. This way, you’ll satisfy its curiosity, and you’ll also get an idea of whether the tree decorations stand a chance in the presence of your cat. If it shows wide eyes at the sight of tinsel and they sparkle just as much as the lights… Good luck!
It’s crucial to let your cat inspect the lights before plugging them in. Many cats find the electrical cords of holiday lights irresistible to chew on. It’s advisable not to leave the lights on when your cat is alone with the tree.
To prevent accidents for both you and your cat, consider using plastic ornaments. Shattered glass brings happiness only when you don’t step on it or when your cat doesn’t ingest it.
After you’ve finished decorating the tree, allow your cat to satisfy its curiosity. Let it approach the tree, play with the tinsel, ornaments, and other decorations. It’s better for this to happen when you’re present rather than when it’s alone and might explore more than you can imagine.
3. Make sure you have securely anchored the Christmas tree.
Even if your cat doesn’t show any signs of being tempted to climb the Christmas tree, remember that they are felines, and they can be unpredictable. Try to determine whether the simple tree stand would be able to support both the tree and your cat.
4. Use repellent substances.
It is said that repellent sprays bought from a veterinarian or pet shop keep cats at a distance. To be honest, it didn’t work too well with my cats. That smell seemed to keep me away more than the cats.
However, the scent of citrus is very effective. Cats have a keen sense of smell, which is why they can’t stand pungent odors like alcohol and citrus. You can’t give the tree a shot of brandy, but you can leave fresh orange peels in areas where your cat might be “attacking.” It works.
Read also: Why Do Cats Chatter at Birds? Unveiling the Enigma.
These would be my tips on how to keep the cat away from the Christmas tree. Tips from experience, but if you know of other methods, the comment section is open.
Wishing you peaceful holidays with your loved ones!
