My 10 month old kitten has been living with us for about 3 weeks now, he's very curious and loving, but he will NOT stop climbing our christmas tree. I know someone asked about this a couple minutes ago, but our cat has an obsession with this tree. He will NOT get out! HELP! He's even tipping it over!
2006-12-01 07:03:10 · 16 answers · asked by Lindsay 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Thanks for the overwhelming amount of answers. My family and I have been using the spray bottle method, and while he does try to still go in the tree, he has DEFINATELY laid off! Thank you everyone!
2006-12-03 04:19:43 · update #1
My best advice would be to get a squirt bottle, fill it with water, and every time he get's near the tree, squirt him, and when you leave the house, put him in a seperate room with his food on one side of the room and his litter on the other.. consistency is key...
good luck, 10 month old kittens are like curious toddlers...
melodie, Bronx,ny
2006-12-01 07:14:26 · answer #1 · answered by Smiley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a few things you can do about this. First one involves a spray bottle with water. If you catch your kitten climbing the tree, spray him with wtaer. Second, try putting double-sided carpet tape on the trunk of the tree. Your kitten REALLY won't like the feel of it when he goes to climb and will leave it alone after a few tries. Third, try some citrus. Take some lemon or orange peels with a bit of the fruit still on them and tie it near the trunk of the tree (bottom, middle & top). It'll give your house a nice smell, but your kitten isn't going to want to be close to it. I'd probably try the lemon first. I had a cat that used to love oranges. The last option I'd go for is moth balls. Use this as a last resort because the smell is pretty bad. Hang these near the trunk in a few locations so that your kitten gets a strong smell of them if he gets near.
The water and tape are usually the easiest and most effective options.
2006-12-01 07:14:27 · answer #2 · answered by escpthemadnss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no easy answer to this problem. Part of the solution is variable. Where is the tree located? How big is it? Some things to try are: There is a spray to keep cats away. It must be used AT LEAST daily and don't always work. Put mouse traps or a product called Scat Mat around the tree. Wait in hiding and spray the cat with water whenever he shows any interest in the tree. Usually you must use a combination of these actions to be successful. Good Luck!
2006-12-01 07:13:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happens with alot of Cats/Kittens.
Expect it to happen Next year and the year after next and so on,.. or until he STARTS A FIRE[.. if they survive and you still have these things,.. it is going to containue even after a fire]. Because cats do start fires doing this. I have had a cat start fires doing this even and I'm not use to normal things happening to me XD
Even if you can distract or find a way to have less interest this year,.. the Kitten/Cat might be immune to that technique NEXT YEAR.
Your going to want a fake tree (the cat is also going to drink the tree's water,.. they do so while your not looking even if you don't think they are), lights that are suitable for out doors so they are stronger and won't start a fire, and to avoid glass ornaments.
If you can get rid of the Lights, have a fake tree, and use only plastic ornaments.
2006-12-01 07:13:59 · answer #4 · answered by sailortinkitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If anyone knows a workable solution to this, I would be surprised!
I'm not an advocate of spraying animals with water, (which I'm sure many ppl will suggest) From my experience, this will only make the cat think you're a monster, he won't understand why you are spraying him.
It's natural for him to be attracted to the tree, especially if it's real, and he's an indoor kitty.
My solutions in the past have included:
- removing all tinsle (its very dangerous if ingested)
- removing all breakable and glass ornaments.
- tying the tree up for support. If kitty gets up to the top, the whole tree will topple, kitty and all.
- spraying the tree with bitter apple, a substance that is supposed to be unpleasant for them (didn't work for me)
Better luck to you!!!
2006-12-01 07:43:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting Cayenne pepper around the base of the tree, if your cat steps in it he'll burn his paws and run away. No it won't hurt him, it's like an irritation more than pain. It works great to keep them out of plants and gardens. And it will vaccuum up nicely too so no need to worry about it making a mess. It's probably best to put it on the tree skirt though and you don't need much. It's worth a try anyway. Good luck.
2006-12-01 07:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by masmalan2004 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT HURT HIM.Gently grab the kitten show him the tree then tell him no and spank him each time that he does bother the tree in any way do this and he should get the idea in a few days or so. I do this to teach every house cat of mine that if they have done something wrong then they should be punished.
2006-12-01 07:20:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
try hanging bells around the bottom of the tree and like many others have said invest in a squirt bottle filled with water. Most cats don't like the sound of the squirting or getting wet.
2006-12-01 08:26:54 · answer #8 · answered by paravou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're able, keep him out of the room. If there is a door that can be closed, then lock him out. I don't think there's much you can do to discourage this behavior. Try sprinkling cayenne pepper on the bottom branches of the tree..that might work. But this is typical cat behavior when it comes to trees.
2006-12-01 07:06:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is just curios what you need to do is find something else that he can climb. At petsmart they have tall cat house like things for tham to climb and sharpen their claws. Or you could train him to stay out of the tree by squirting him with a squirtgun filled with water when he gets in it.
2006-12-01 07:19:09 · answer #10 · answered by Mons 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋