Christmas, the magical time of year – but if you’re a cat parent, you’ll know the festive season comes with a few extra challenges. Read on to discover why cats like Christmas trees so much, our tips on how to stop your cat from climbing up the tree and how to keep your cats safe at Christmas.
For many of us in December, the Christmas tree is the centrepiece of our festive decorations. Unfortunately, for our feline pals, it’s also the ultimate playground. From climbing the branches to batting ornaments, cats and Christmas trees can be a tricky combination. So, how do you stop cats from climbing Christmas trees? Let’s delve into why cats are drawn to them, how to keep them safe, and which trees work best for households with more-than-curious cats.
Why Do Cats Like Christmas Trees?
If you’ve ever caught your cat scaling your Christmas tree or napping among the presents, you might be wondering: why are cats so fascinated by Christmas trees?
For starters, trees are the perfect place for cats to climb and explore. It taps into their natural instincts as hunters and climbers. Add in shiny ornaments, twinkling lights, and dangling tinsel, and you’ve essentially created the ultimate sensory playground. The scent of real trees, the rustling of branches, and even the texture of the tree trunk can all be irresistible to your feline friend.
Unfortunately, this fascination can lead to some not-so-festive mishaps, from knocked-over trees to swallowed decorations.
How to Stop Cats from Climbing Christmas Trees
Keeping your cat away from the tree might feel like an impossible task, but with a little creativity and preparation, it’s entirely doable. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend safe while preserving your holiday decor:
1. Secure Your Tree
Start by stabilising your tree. Use a heavy-duty stand (ones that clam the trunk are ideal) and if possible anchor the top of the tree to a nearby wall or ceiling. This way, even if your cat does attempt to climb, you’ll avoid a full-blown, Christmas-ruined topple.
2. Go Bare at First
We know that cats are neophillic (love new all things new). So, when you first set up your tree, leave it undecorated for a few days. This will let your cat adjust to the new addition without being tempted by the adornments to come.
3. Choose Decorations Wisely
If you’d be devastated to see them break, don’t put them up. This means you can pass on the fragile glass baubles and opt for shatterproof options instead. To take it further, avoid tinsel and ribbons, as they can be hazardous if swallowed. If you really want to see them up, try to hang decorations higher up on the tree (out of paw’s reach) and secure them tightly to branches.
4. Use Deterrents
Cats dislike certain smells, so consider using a pet-safe citrus spray around the base of the tree. Tin foil or double-sided tape on the tree skirt can also deter climbing. Neither are a texture cats enjoy.
5. Offer Alternatives
Sometimes, the best way to keep your cat off the tree is to give them their own holiday fun. Chritmas tree shaped scratching post anyone?
What Christmas Trees Are Safe for Cats?
If your cat is determined to interact with your tree, choosing the right one is crucial. Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding between a real or artificial tree:
Real Trees
Real trees, like pines and firs, are beautiful but come with some risks. Needles can be sharp and potentially harmful if ingested, and the water in the tree stand may contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. If you opt for a real tree:
- Regularly vacuum up fallen needles.
- Cover the tree stand to prevent your cat from drinking the water.
Artificial Trees
Artificial trees are generally safer, as they don’t shed sharp needles. However, some cats may still chew on the plastic branches. Look for high-quality artificial trees that don’t easily shed pieces and avoid trees with small detachable parts.
What Keeps Cats Off Christmas Trees?
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping cats off your Christmas tree. Along with the deterrents mentioned earlier, here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
Strategic Tree Placement
Choose somewhere in a low-traffic area for your tree where your cat won’t be tempted to make it a central part of their play zone. If possible, keep furniture like sofas or tables away from the tree to limit launching points.
Repellents and Barriers
Using pet-safe repellents or barriers can discourage climbing. Items like tree collars or baby gates around the tree’s base can help keep curious paws away.
Supervised Access
Whenever possible, keep the room with the tree off-limits when you’re not around to supervise. This not only protects your decorations but ensures your cat stays safe too.
Additional Hazards to Watch Out For
While the Christmas tree may be the main attraction, it’s not the only festive hazard to watch out for. Keep an eye on the following:
- Electrical cords: Secure cords for lights and decorations to prevent chewing.
- Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias: These common festive plants are toxic to cats.
- Candles: Always supervise lit candles and keep them out of your cat’s reach.
Conclusion
Christmas time can be a wonderful time for everyone in your home – including the cat! Understanding why cats are drawn to Christmas trees and taking steps to keep them safe ensures you can enjoy a festive (and stress-free) season. From stabilising your tree to using safe decorations and deterrents, you will help protect both your decorations and your furry friend.
Still struggling with holiday hazards? Don’t worry, every cat parent has been there. With a little patience and planning, you can keep the Christmas chaos under control and make it one to remember!