The approaching Christmas is a time of joy, but for cat guardians it can be a challenge. The Christmas tree at home can be an object of great interest for cats. Therefore, it is worth thinking about how to secure it so that it poses no threat to either the cat or the Christmas decorations. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to cat-proof your Christmas tree to avoid damage and stress over the festive period.
Why are cats interested in the Christmas tree? What attracts their attention?
Cats are curious by nature and a Christmas tree, as a new element in the house, immediately attracts their attention. The smell of a fresh tree, if natural, acts on the pet’s senses, stimulating their instincts.
In addition, pets love to climb, and a tree in the house is the perfect climbing object for them. A Christmas tree with a cat therefore becomes a place to explore, investigate and often to scratch and try to climb to the top.
Christmas decorations, especially those that are shiny and moving, act as toys for cats. Hanging baubles, Christmas tree lights and chains are ideal hunting targets for them. That’s why it’s important to secure the Christmas tree properly before your cat starts treating it as his playground.
How to make a cat-proof Christmas tree? Proven ideas
Cat-proofing your Christmas tree requires a few simple but effective tricks. Firstly, it’s worth investing in a sturdy stand or pot to keep the tree stable. This is essential if you want to avoid the tree toppling over if the cat tries to climb on it. You can also attach the tree to the wall with string or special brackets, which will further increase its stability.
It is a good idea to consider placing the Christmas tree away from furniture that your cat could use as a jumping start point. This will reduce the risk of your pet finding a way to get to the higher branches.
How to protect your Christmas tree from the cat? Ingenious ways
To protect your Christmas tree from the cat, it is advisable to choose more damage-resistant decorations. Those made of wood, paper, felt or plastic will be less interesting for the cat and also safer if knocked down. Instead of glass baubles, which can easily break, it is better to choose decorations that are sturdy and do not pose a danger to your cat.
Also, never use lamé, otherwise known as angel hair – the thin strips of foil used to make it can be easily swallowed by your cat, and this can lead to very serious health complications that may even end up in surgery to remove the foreign body from the digestive tract.
It is also a good idea to avoid hanging the most tempting decorations on the lower branches, such as shiny baubles or rustling ribbons. We also recommend you hang the decorations closer to the trunk of the Christmas tree, which will make it harder for your pet to knock them down.
You should also make use of cat scratching posts, which can provide an attractive alternative to the Christmas tree and distract your pet.
Which Christmas tree by the cat? Artificial or natural?
Deciding which Christmas tree next to your cat is best depends on several factors. An artificial one has the advantage of not giving off odours that could attract your cat.
In contrast, a natural Christmas tree, especially spruce or fir, has stiff and prickly needles that can discourage your pet from climbing. However, some pets may develop a cutaneous allergic reaction after contact with the tree, and should this happen, the Christmas tree should be removed from the house immediately.
With a live Christmas tree, you should also make sure that your cat does not bite the branches, eat the fallen needles or drink the water from the reservoir in which the tree is fixed. After all, any of these activities can lead to serious health problems, and a trip to the vet on call during the holidays is probably not what a carer would want to do.
Whether you choose an artificial or natural tree, make sure it is not poisonous to your cat. Some species, such as yew, can be dangerous to pets, so avoid them.
Remember that a cat-safe Christmas tree must be properly secured and guarded! It is best not to leave your pet alone in the room with the tree if they are interested in it.
How do I position my Christmas tree to make it stable and safe?
The stability of your Christmas tree is key to protecting it from damage. A sturdy stand or a pot filled with sand or water will ensure that the tree won’t topple over, even if your cat tries to climb it. It’s also a good idea to place it in an area that is harder for your pet to reach – away from furniture, shelves or bookcases that your cat can use as a springboard to jump over.
Cables from Christmas tree lights should be well hidden, preferably behind furniture or in special cable covers. Cats often play with dangling wires, which can lead to dangerous accidents – so pay attention!
What precautions should I take when decorating my Christmas tree?
Decorating your Christmas tree is a tradition that brings festive cheer to your home, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some precautions to take:
lighting safety
Electric lights: check that the lights are in good condition, with no rubbed wires or damaged bulbs. Use LED lights, which generate less heat and use less energy;
Safety certificates: choose lights with appropriate safety certificates (e.g. CE);
Connection: avoid overloading electrical sockets. Use fused strips and always unplug lights at night or when you are not at home;
Don’t use candles: dispense with real candles on the Christmas tree to avoid fire.Avoid flammable materials
Choose ornaments that are not made of glass. Also avoid angel hair, which poses a health risk to your cat.
Avoid cotton wool or other flammable decorations near heat sources (fireplaces, radiators).
3 Be careful with wires
Make sure that the wires from the lights are not tangled or dragged through places where someone can trip over them.
Ensure wires are not stretched or pinched by furniture.
Cat-proofing your Christmas tree is a challenge, but with the right methods, most problems can be avoided. A sturdy Christmas tree, appropriate decorations and cat repellents will help keep both the tree and the cat safe. It’s worth following these tips to ensure a peaceful and safe Christmas for the whole family.
