Christmas is a time that everyone looks forward to, including our cat!
After all, kittens—being curious, lively, and playful animals—are naturally strongly drawn to everything that defines Christmas: the tree, the colors, the flashing lights, the shiny garlands, the glittering baubles, and gifts wrapped with ribbons and bows…
For him, it’s as if you’ve brought an entire amusement park home!
And here’s the fun part: how to make our cat understand that the Christmas tree and other decorations aren’t his playground, and that he can’t just run around destroying everything?
Here are some tips on how to set up your Christmas tree at home, without having to give up on it even if you have a cat, and at the same time protect the decorations and, most importantly, the safety of our beloved kitten! After all, let’s not forget that many of these Christmas attractions can be very dangerous for him.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CHRISTMAS TREE IF YOU HAVE A CAT AT HOME
An artificial Christmas tree is definitely the best choice, since it’s the least dangerous for your kitten. First, real fir needles are sharp and could hurt the animal’s eyes or prick its skin. Plus, the needles are toxic if ingested, and being pointed, they could cause internal perforations.
If you go for an artificial tree, though, make sure to pick one that’s good quality and sturdy.
If you really can’t give up on a real Christmas tree, just be aware that you’re bringing an extraordinary attraction into your home for your cat, which is also dangerous for him, as we explained earlier.
So if you choose a real fir, you need to take care to cover the pot and the saucer of the plant, to prevent your cat from drinking the water (which may contain chemical fertilizer residues) or digging in the soil. You can cover the pot with aluminum foil, which cats don’t like, and put pine cones or stones on the soil—both things cats dislike. You can also cover the tree trunk with aluminum foil, so the kitten won’t be tempted to scratch it.
It will also be important to sweep often to remove needles from the floor, since they’re dangerous if ingested.
Whether it’s an artificial Christmas fir or a real one, try to pick one that’s smaller in size, so you don’t risk hurting your kitten in the unlikely event the tree falls on him. Also in this regard, make sure the tree has a sturdy pot or support base that’s very stable.
HOW TO DECORATE A CAT-PROOF CHRISTMAS TREE
- When possible always opt for shatterproof plastic baubles and decorations over glass ones.
- If you have glass baubles among your decorations, place them on the highest branchesthat are less reachable.
- All decorations must be secured very tightlyto the branches so they don’t fall.
- The most colorful and shiny decorations should also be placed in the highest partof the tree, as those are the ones that attract cats the most.
- Avoid decorating the tree with sweetsof any kind. If one accidentally falls and your cat eats it, it could be dangerous for him.
- Avoid using tinsel: it attracts cats a lot, and since it’s light and placed on the tree’s surface, it often falls off. There’s a risk your kitten could ingest it.
- Avoid using real candles and snow spray: both are very dangerous.
- Christmas lights: they’re the best part, but potentially the most dangerous for your kitten too! So, try to place them as far inside the tree as possibleand not on the outer branches, making them hard for him to reach. At the same time, make sure to cover any remaining wire with adhesive tapeor cable channels.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAT AWAY FROM THE CHRISTMAS TREE
The first thing to do is find the right spot for the Christmas tree. The best spot is far from furniture, tables, and chairs that could act as ramps to climb up the tree.
Ideally, you’d place the tree in the corner between two walls, maybe securing it to the wall or ceiling to avoid any risk of it falling.
If you can’t have a space like that, you can use a small playpen to place all aroundthe tree.
Finally, here are some tricksto keep your cat away from the Christmas tree, which involve using substances he doesn’t like but that are definitely harmless, such as:
- Spritz some apple cider vinegaron the tree
- Coat the branches with citronella
- Sprinkle the pot with orange peels, pine cones or stones
- Cover the pot with double-sided tape
- Cover the pot and trunk with aluminum foil
Of course, the topic of cats and Christmas doesn’t end here… To have peaceful holidays with your kitten, also read:
- How to have a great Christmas with your dog or cat
- Cat Friends: What to Put Under the Tree
- Dogs and Cats on New Year’s Eve: What to Do During Fireworks
Happy Holidays from Life Natural!