Keeping Cats Off Christmas Trees |
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The only fool proof way to keep your cat away from your Christmas tree is to put the tree in a room the cat can't access. Unfortunately, this is often not practical. So the next best solution is to make the tree as safe as possible. - Ensure the tree has a good solid base so it won't easily be knocked over by your cat. Try not to have the tree near furniture & or shelves which the cats could use to jump onto the tree.
- Keep valuable & breakable objects closer to the top of the tree where they can't easily be reached by your cat.
- Properly secure breakable objects with wire hangers or twist ties.
- Place a 'Scat Mat' under the tree, to deter your cat.
- Secure your tree by attaching some clear fishing wire to the top of the tree & attaching to a ceiling hook.
- Try placing some orange or lemon peel around the base of the tree. Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Replace the peel often.
- Peppermint is another scent that cats dislike. Try spraying some peppermint oil around the tree.
- If your cat is prone to nibbling on the branches, spray some bitter apple on.
- Place some plastic carpet runner, turned upside down on the floor around the tree. Cats dislike the feel of this on their feet.
Safety:
- When there is nobody around, unplug Christmas lights, you may want to try applying a cat repellent such as bitter apple to the lights to deter your cat from chewing the wires, obviously if this was to happen it could cause a fatal electric shock.
- Avoid using tinsel, this can easily be swallowed & can cause choking & cause damage to the intestines.
- Real Christmas trees are more dangerous to cats than fake plastic ones. Pine needles can puncture internal organs if eaten, they are also toxic to cats. If you do have a real tree, make sure the drink stand has plenty of water to prevent the tree drying out & losing needles. It is important that your cat isn't able to get to this water & drink it as it could result in poisoning. Vacuum needles daily!
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