Photo Credit: Flickr
Shiny dangling adornments are just the perfect Christmas presents in the eyes of your beloved feline. Cats are notorious climbers and wreckers of all your holiday decorations. Ocicats and Balinese are just some of the cat breeds that climb or jump onto perched spots. Whilst the cats enjoy the rugged playtime, they run the risk of ingesting these potentially harmful ornaments. Fortunately, there are many cat proof Christmas tree ideas as well as Christmas tree alternatives for cat owners like you.
Choosing the right tree
Look for a better option when choosing a cat-friendly Christmas tree. Using real trees especially the Norfolk Pine may bring the traditional scent of the festive season, however, these trees have needles that can easily harm your pet.
Further, the size of the tree is another important factor to consider. Do not choose tall and thin trees as they are easy to knock over. The ideal Christmas tree for a household with cats is one that measures around five feet with a firm and unwavering base at the bottom.
Proper placement
Having the safest Christmas tree will not stop your furry pets from attacking it. There is a collection of pictures where cats and dogs joined forces and successfully knocked over Christmas trees and destroyed holiday ornaments.
The ideal location for the tree should be in a room that is off-limits to your cats. It is safely hidden from your cat and needs no supervision. All you have to do is shut the door and everything is intact when you go back.
Make sure that the Christmas tree is not placed in a location near potential launching pads for your cats such as a couch, a table, or a chair. Make sure to clear off fragile objects around or under the path of the tree. Do not underestimate your cats because they can be furballs of destruction. Be one step ahead of your cats to avoid Christmas cat-astrophe!
Create a solid ground
The usual Christmas tree in shops is simply designed as ornaments. This means that it normally cannot take the force of a climbing feline or a pouncing pooch on its structure. As such, it is best for pet owners to provide some reinforcement to secure its base. You may simply elevate the base of your tree.
Another ideal cat proof Christmas tree requires certain tools including, tie, fishing line, and nails.
- Securely tie an end of a fishing line to the tree.
- Pull the end of the tree in an upward position straight to the surface of the ceiling.
- Secure the position with nails in the ceiling.
Use cat-proof or pet-friendly decorations
Don’t let your pets limit your decorations; instead, use your creativity and ingenuity to avoid cat-related mishaps. You may still use ornamental glasses but be sure to put it in safe places. Fragile pieces that you wish to hang should be placed in the highest branches. Pet-friendly ornaments such as wood or paper things can be placed below the tree. Remember to avoid using sparkly tinsels because they can lead to bowel obstructions when ingested.
Avoid food as decorations
One of the Christmas customs is to hang candy canes and treats in the tree. Too much intake of these kinds of foods may cause an imbalance in the cat’s diet. Remember that there are toxic foods, and poisonous plants that are dangerous to your cat so make sure that the treats don’t contain ingredients from the list.
Keeping cats safe from Christmas decorations
It’s possible to enjoy Christmas without cat-related accidents. Just keep in mind that how you handle your persistent pet during the Christmas season may affect his overall behaviour. Here are some things you have to strictly avoid when keeping her from the Christmas tree:
- Are you thinking of getting a Christmas tree defender such as X-pen free? Sure, this would be an effective tactic for your small pooch, but it is a different matter for cats.
- Avoid using electronic deterrents. Whilst this may discipline your furry pets, this can also be a distressful experience for them. It often leads to a negative response in a multi-cat household. They are likely to lash out their frustration and anger to the other cats.
- When you do choose a real tree over the plastic ones, be sure to forbid the access of the water reservoir for the live tree. Tree sap and other tree preservatives gathered in the water are toxic for your pets.
Cats and Christmas trees sure look fine and dandy in pet photography, but things can take a disastrous turn when cats turn naughty and not nice. Have a happy and safe Christmas season with your furry pets! Don’t forget to spread these ideas with your pet owner friends!
