If you are a cat owner, one question circling your mind this holiday season is probably how you can keep your cat out of the Christmas tree. What hazards do you need to be mindful of when introducing a tree to your feline’s home quarters and how can you keep your cat away? Here are our 14 tips to have a stress-free Christmas without any tree-sasters.
Christmas tree and cats: 5 hazards to look out for
- Be mindful of Christmas lights. Your cat might be tempted to jump into them and get tangled, or they might chew through them. This can result in electrocution or burns, so it’s best to keep any cords away from your cat.
- Parts of the tree, tinsel and small ornaments are a choking hazard for your feline. Choose larger baubles that your cat can’t swallow and check the floor space around your tree regularly for small pieces that may have fallen or broken off.
- Christmas trees can fall over and hurt yourself or your cat. Let alone whatever falls off getting damaged (special family treasures included).
- Speaking of ornaments, broken pieces can be sharp and hurt your cat’s paws. Or worse, be a major hazard if swallowed.
- If you go the natural route this year and purchase a real Christmas tree, be mindful that your cat might mistake the water container in the tree base for a litter box.
Cat-proof Christmas tree: 14 tips how to keep your cat safe
1. Introduce Christmas decorations slowly
Cats are known to be anxious and can get frightened (or perhaps just skeptical) of anything that is new to them, so try and introduce your Christmas tree slowly. Put the tree up first without any decorations for a day or two, and then continue to decorate it with baubles and tinsel after they are familiar with the giant green object in the room.
2. Pick up an artificial tree
Natural Christmas trees can be stunning, but with a cat at home it might be best to opt for an artificial tree. Real trees shed like crazy and pine needles can damage your cat’s paws as they are sharp, or cause harm if ingested.
3. Anchor your Christmas tree to the wall
If your cat is a jumper, you might want to anchor your Christmas tree to the wall. This prevents the tree from falling over in case your cat gets tempted to get into the Christmas spirit a bit too much.
4. Cover the tree’s water container
Make sure you cover up the tree’s water container if you have a real tree in your home. This will stop your cat getting to the water or mistaking it for a litter box – that’s not a Christmas surprise anyone wants.
5. Opt for a small(er) tree
If you don’t mind sizing down this Christmas, choose a small(er) tree to embrace the festive season with. This will cause less harm if your cat decides to freefall into the tree and knock it down.
6. Hang breakable or special ornaments higher up in the tree
Cats like shiny things (who can blame them?) and baubles hanging on the same height as them might be subject to a bit of playfulness. Hang ornaments that can break higher up in the tree where your cat can’t reach them.
7. Don’t hang any lollies in the tree
We all love our fair share of candy canes and chocolate baubles as well as hanging them in the tree (and eating them when no-one is watching). These can however be dangerous for your cat if they get their paws on them. Best to keep any treats in the cupboard until Christmas – we’re pretty sure your cat won’t tell anyone where your secret stash is hidden.
8. Place the Christmas tree away from furniture
The best spot for your Christmas tree is a corner of the room that isn’t close to furniture. Your cat might otherwise decide to parkour their way up to the tree topper.
9. Restrict access to the tree
Is there a spot in your house where you can showcase your tree but also restrict access for your cat? A room with a door, a baby gate to block a doorway or a puppy playpen to place your tree in are great ways to ensure your cat isn’t fully engulfed in the Christmas spirit.
10. Distract your cat
If your cat is in the same room as the Christmas tree, try to distract them with treats or their favourite toy. This way, they will learn that there is more fun to be had instead of launching themselves into the branches of your Christmas tree.
11. Unplug Christmas lights when not in use
Cords if chewed on can be a major hazard for your cat. You can purchase a cord protector or wrap the cord around the centre and base of your tree so it isn’t exposed. The best option is to unplug the lights when they’re not in use.
12. Don’t place presents under the Christmas tree until the last minute
Your cat might otherwise be tempted to unwrap the gifts for you and get into something they shouldn’t. You can pop them under the tree right before Christmas Eve, or choose a good spot that is out of reach.
13. Check the area around the Christmas tree frequently
Even artificial trees can shed and tinsel can scatter on the floor. Or you might be unaware that your cat knocked a bauble out of the tree that they didn’t like the look of. Try to clean up around the tree frequently so your cat can’t get their hands on things they shouldn’t.
14. If nothing else works: a deterrent spray might help
Cats are known to dislike the smell and taste of citrus and citronella. Try spraying the base and branches of your Christmas tree with a deterrent spray to see if it keeps your cat away. Only use products that are safe for pets and ask your vet for advice which products are harmless before using them.
If you create a safe and happy environment for your cat this Christmas, you will both be able to enjoy the magic of the holiday season together. What works well in your home? Let us know!