i havent even dressed it yet and she's going behind it, chewing the branches and climbing it. i know i know shes a cat and they climb trees, but is there a way of disciplining her against doing so with my xmas tree? thanks.
2006-12-05 01:19:56 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Spray it with anything that smells strongly of citrus. Apparently cats don't like it and it stops them from scratching furniture etc so should work for a Xmas tree!
:-)
2006-12-05 01:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've got no chance of stopping it - if your cat wants to climb/attack the tree she is going to do it! My parents cat is about ten and EVERY year she runs up the inside of the tree and knocks it over! That scares her so once is even - she then goes on to eat the tinsel and has had to visit the vets to have tinsel removed from her behind when she cannot get it out herself! Find your kitten something MUCH more interesting to do. Get some toys and some catnip and perhaps a scratching post. If all else fails, try a water pistol and get her wet each time she approaches the tree. Hopefully that way she will associate approaching the tree with getting wet - something she won't like. It sounds cruel but it isn't - it's only water. Good luck - I hope your tree survives the festive period!
2006-12-05 09:40:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am about to be faced with this problem myself and I have invested in one of those empty spray bottles you can get them from boots and places like that. The plan is to fill it up with water and every time your kitten goes near the tree you just spray a bit of water at it. It may sound cruel but it's not. This is the best way to teach your kitten right from wrong. Be warned though it can take a while depending on how tough willed your little one is!
2006-12-05 09:29:12 · answer #3 · answered by blossy19 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she must like the height and being able to climb it. an expensive solution is purchasing a cat tree which you can lace with catnip. a short term, cheaper solution is to add a little citrus to the tree b/c the scent will repel your cat. you can also get some toys for your cat and try to distract her and reinforce the toys. or you can use a spray bottle on her every time she's on the tree and she'll eventually associate the tree with a spray in the face.
2006-12-05 09:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by cami 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to say remove any baubles that she is seeing her reflection in but as you say you have'nt even decorated it yet! The lemon spray is the only thing to use as a deterrant but I'd also get about 4 whole lemons slice them into ring slices then bake in an oven at a slow temperature for an hour and a half the you can put thread on them and hang them on your tree this will also keep the cat off I hope it works for your sake! Happy Christmas
2006-12-05 09:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by . 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe some of the answers that refer to cruelty in the answers. Just goes to show how "intelligent" humans are!
I have the same problem, I just put the tree in to another room and closed the door. No incentive to climb.
They would try anything to climb it as it is a new "toy" to them and they are like children being curious.
Can't stop a cat from being curious at any age..
2006-12-05 09:29:41 · answer #6 · answered by Bastet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Over the years (24 years...24 cats....) we've found SOME of these tactics work......
1) Hang felt ornaments treated with catnip from the lower branches for them to sniff and swat at.
2) don't put lights or tinsel on the bottom 1/3 of the tree
3) hang reflective mirror type plastic ornaments on the bottom of the tree so they can see the reflections and lights......
Over the years our cats have come to love the rustle and excitment of Christmas morning....the flying paper and ribbons....we have little 'stockings' we put catnip and treats in and they know it and will play with those....leaving the tree alone.
Patience and love have worked for US....hope they can work for you. I can't wait to see some of the other ideas on here :)
2006-12-05 09:32:03 · answer #7 · answered by Skullchick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can anyone discipline a cat ? Buy or build your cat a good scratching post or a hollow one with tunnels and places to hide and play in. Have a flat place on top large enough for your cat to rest and sleep so it will feel "king of the mountain" sort of and let her claim this as her own. Sprinkle some catnip in and own it.
2006-12-05 11:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by redbass 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First get her something else to climb on. Then if she still climbs the tree get a small squirt bottle and squirt her with water. It won't harm her but it will annoy her and after you do it a few times she will get the point that she doesn't belong there.
2006-12-05 09:23:13 · answer #9 · answered by RayCATNG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orange peel at the base? Or perhaps leave something more attractive and shiny near the tree that the kitten will go for first. Difficult.
2006-12-05 09:29:27 · answer #10 · answered by trouso 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋