Protecting your Christmas tree from cat attacks
A shiny tree in the living room? It's Disneyland for kitty. How to avoid disaster?
Recommended Materials
- Fishing line (to tie)
- Natural repellent (citrus)
- Unbreakable baubles
Steps to follow
Step 1
Physical security (Anchoring): A cat will try to climb, it's instinctive. Use a very heavy and stable tree stand. For more security, tie the top of the trunk to the wall or ceiling with transparent fishing line (invisible). Thus, even if the cat jumps into it, the tree will not tip over.
Step 2
Strategic location: Do not place the tree right next to a piece of furniture, a shelf or the sofa. This would serve as an ideal springboard for a high jump. Leave a safety perimeter.
Step 3
Adapted decoration (Bottom of the tree): Cats play with what hangs at their height. Put NO fragile decoration (glass baubles) on the lower third of the tree. Use unbreakable decorations (plastic, wood, felt, pine cones) at the bottom. Securely fix the baubles with wire rather than loose ties.
Step 4
Natural repellents: Cats hate the smell of citrus. Place fresh orange or lemon peels at the foot of the tree (renew every 2 days). You can also spray a mixture of water and citrus essential oils on the lower branches (careful, never on the cat!).
Step 5
Aluminum foil: Surround the foot of the tree and the floor around it with aluminum foil. Most cats hate walking on this noisy and shiny texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural or artificial tree ?
The natural tree loses its needles which are slightly toxic and can perforate the intestine if ingested. The artificial tree is safer from this point of view, but just as tempting to climb. If you take a natural one, pick up fallen needles every day.
Precautions
- Unplug electric garlands when you are not there (risk of chewing).
- Watch out for toxic needles.
