Okay we are getting our x-mas tree in a week or so, we got the cat about 2 months ago... he is an indoor only cat i my friend has a cat that always climbs the tree so i am a little worried. what should i we do to keep the cat away from the tree when we are out of the house all day???? help soon please...thx!!
2006-12-04 14:08:35 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I have had at least eight cats over the years that all just HAD to climb that Christmas tree. I have very many pictures attesting to the fact that cats just love doing this.
I have only ever had the tree fall over once because of this, and that was when the dog decided to try to chase the cat up the tree herself!
Don't worry about it. If your cat is anything like mine, it will just climb the tree, maybe take a little nap, and be good for a couple of cute pictures.
2006-12-04 14:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an annual problem - should we get a Christmas tree? Or will the cats think it's their own personal scratching post and plaything? Well, the answer is like many: it depends on your cats and you. Probably the most effective (and expensive) solution is a"Scat Mat". The Scat mat works by using a mild electrical shock when its stepped on. But there are other ways of keeping kitty off the little bit of "forest" in his territory.
First, if you don't have a separate room for the tree, bring in the tree and let your cat sniff and inspect the tree. If he gets a little to excited, i.e. tries to climb or bat at it, then reprimand with a sharp, "No!" and leave it at that. A squirt bottle might be effective too. Place a ring of citrus (dried or fresh if you prefer) fruits or mothballs around the base of the tree. Both these products have smells which cats find repelling. Fruits are more festive in my opinion, so I dried a lot orange, lemon, lime and tangerine slices and made a garland out of them. My cats are still curious, but not anxious to jump up or play on the tree. Hanging citrus scented air fresheners would work too. There are other pet repellant sprays on the market as well.
Some safety aspects to consider...if your cats are chewers (especially chewing on cords, etc) then taping the cords down is one answer. Rub or spray a bit of citrus on the cord as well. It's probably best not to have any ornaments on the bottom branches of the tree or any other area that they can easily reach, such as from a nearby piece of furniture. It's also best not to have any glass ornaments or tinsel (since tinsel might get caught in their throat or intestine). Special ornaments can be "re-enforced" with green twist ties in case of an irrepressible cat. I also don't put in any preservative in the water, since they may be tempted to sip a bit.
It is possible to have a Christmas tree and a cat. Play extra hard with your kitties to keep them happy and distracted. Don't forget about turkey treats. And I hope you and your whole family have a very Merry and safe Christmas.
2006-12-04 14:18:14 · answer #2 · answered by raz p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might not like to have to do this, but you will probably have to confine your kitty when you are gone and cannot watch him! They love the ornaments, the fact that there is an actual tree inside the house facinates them (even if it is fake). Mine doesn't have front claws and still climbs it every time it is alone for any length of time with my tree! He pulls off balls, and plays with the snowmen, also loves to hide under the tree skirt. It's like a giant TOY to them. Just put him in another room or a kennel while you are gone. It's easier...
2006-12-04 15:23:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put stuff around the tree that my cats wont like, or are hard to balance and stand on, like a tall laundry basket, a large ball and the vacuum cleaner. I know it sounds weird, but it works, and id rather move a few things when I get home than redecorate the whole damn thing every night, like last year. Try it, also a few sheets of tinfoil spread under the tree will work, they don't like the sound and feel.
2006-12-04 14:13:44 · answer #4 · answered by ShellBell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat may not mess with the tree get a water bottle to spray him with if he tries climbing it.
Remember its Christmas for them to, and they have the biggest toy in the house.
2006-12-04 17:14:47 · answer #5 · answered by daydreamer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for one thing, make sure you tie the tree to the wall..cats love to climb..I've had a few try to use the trees as playgrounds. I had one suggestion given to me..Get a spray bottle and put some water in it... after a few times getting sprayed..they tend to not want to get wet.
2006-12-04 14:13:32 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to wal-mart and buy a can of cat trainer, spray it around the tree and the cat will stay away from the tree, they hate the smell, thats what we use and it works
2006-12-04 14:21:11 · answer #7 · answered by debbie k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should keep it away if the cat keeps on going on the tree because the cat might be on the treee and the tree might fall down! >.<
2006-12-04 14:50:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same problem with my kittens a friend of mine told me to try sprinkling cinnamon around the base of the tree. the cinnamon will get in his nose causing him to sneeze and he will not like that so if he is smart will probably stay away from the tree
2006-12-04 14:24:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lock him in the bathroom with his food and litter box then while you are home and he's out spritz him with a water bottle soon he will learn to stay off the tree. or try some of that spray either called pet-no or stay away
2006-12-04 14:12:57 · answer #10 · answered by pookypoo1999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋