looking for their presents already, the little dears.
how to cat-proof a christmas tree? thanks for your suggestions...
2006-12-04 02:52:36 · 13 answers · asked by patzky99 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
I used some spray stuff I picked up last year (can't remember what it was called) that smelled HORRIBLE but it did not deter my cat from getting in to the Christmas tree. I also used some heavy orange citrus-smelling spray one year around the tree because I heard cats hate the smell of citrus...that didn't work either. I tried the water bottle - the cat could care less if water gets sprayed on him.
So, my solution the past couple years has been to use those bendable soft wire ornament hooks that they sell now instead of the old metal kind. Basically I hang the ornaments and wrap the soft wire around the tree branch so if the cat messes with an ornament, it does not come off the tree too easily. I don't know any cat that can unwrap tiny wire from around a branch...but sometimes he does get the ones from the bottom of the tree off thee branch but the wire is always still attached (but the ornament came apart a little or the string is broken).
I usually decorate with beads, too, and this wire trick works good whether you have a cat or not. If the beads are messed with after you already have the ornaments on it, it's hard to get them looking nice again...and my cat used to really screw those beads up every year. So, I use the wire to attach the beads to each branch they lay on.
It sounds like a pain in the butt, but it really does keep your tree looking nice the whole time it's up and it helps prevent broken ornaments. My cat does not jump or climb on the tree so I don't use anything to prevent it from getting knocked over. My main problem was him screwing up all my ornaments and having my tree look like a hooptie come Christmas day.
2006-12-05 00:47:26 · answer #1 · answered by Rach 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know you said you wanted a way to cat proof your tree but here is a suggestion. There is something on the market called behave spray that you spray on and around things you dont want the cats to touch or get near. My mother SWEARS this stuff works. She used it the very first year her 3 cats were in the house. This started about 4 years ago. Ever since that christmas the cats will not go near her tree.
2006-12-04 10:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by itz_sns 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat enjoys using the base of a christmas tree as a scratching post. Unfortunetly Cats do not know the difference between christmas trees and real trees. Encourage your cat not to go near the tree by playing with them, or distracting them will some left over wrapping paper screwed up in a ball. Your cats will forget about the tree once they see a bit of wrapping paper go flying across the room. If all else fails, keep the cats away from the room in which you keep the tree - after all Christmas isn't forever!
2006-12-04 10:57:35 · answer #3 · answered by CarlyCat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many possible solutions besides spraying your tree:
A) Put a barrier of some sort around your Christmass Tree to prevent your cat from making contact
B) I'm sure there are some kinds of materials they sell that repel cats (Liquids?) that you can use (NOT ON YOUR CAT). You could put it on your Christmas Tree or around it to prevent your cat from coming near.
C) (IF) You'r Christmas Tree is in a room that you dont use very much (that has a door) just close the door when no ones using it or when someones in it.
D) Keep watch and everytime you see your cat going near the Christmas Tree, carry him/her away.
E) Occupy your cat, you could get him/her a scratching post, a self automated toy, a remote controlled mouse (Yes they do sell those, I know for a fact ((I have one)) ).
F) This isnt exactly my best choice...Shut her up in a room with marbles and toys that she could play with, and someone to play with (I wouldnt though)
G) Get/Make something that would grab your cat's attention from the tree (You could take some boxes and make a play house or a tunnel of some sort, or buy a post or play pen)
H) Again, not the best choice, move you Christmas Tree to a basement or attic (Somewhere that you dont use) until (A couple days before?) Christmas Eve or Chrismas
I) If there are ornaments and other strings and catchy things on your Christmas tree remove them until Christmas Eve- You could have a family get-to-gether and hang them back up again
J) Punish your cat (Not harshly) everytime he jumps on your tree, spray it, flick it's nose, toss it (GENTLY) away, ect.
2006-12-06 16:14:49 · answer #4 · answered by Malus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To avoid temptation don't hang ornaments too low or it will make the kitties go crazy. Some cats just like the tree itself, especially if it's a real tree in which case I recomend a squirt bottle and lots of water.
2006-12-04 11:01:14 · answer #5 · answered by freakyallweeky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heres a novel idea; arrange everything for minimal damage and let your cat in on the "Tradition" of Christmas. My Stimpy LOVES our Arizona Cypress. Its our living Christmas Tree.
2006-12-04 11:13:28 · answer #6 · answered by renhoez 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats a good question! Honestly I really don't think theres a good way besides using extra string thats connected to your walls to hold the tree up
2006-12-04 11:05:31 · answer #7 · answered by Chrissy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pet stores sell cat repelent that comes in spray bottles and it works really good.
2006-12-04 11:51:19 · answer #8 · answered by November 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use anything fragile like glass ornaments.
Maybe use a plastic tree that comes with decorations already painted/bolted on, if you can find one.
2006-12-04 11:00:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tie up tree so it doesn't fall over. Use unbreakable ornaments. Unplug light strings when you aren't at home to watch. Don't use tinself or garland. That about covers it.
2006-12-04 16:22:37 · answer #10 · answered by susi_qilvu 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋