Cats are inquisitive explorers, so if you introduce a new item home, you can bet they'll check it out. Therefore, if you have a cat at home, decorating a tree over the holidays might be challenging. A towering tree with shiny ornaments can attract cats that may then pounce on the tree, topple it, or steal the ornaments. Fortunately, there are a few easy methods you may need to know on how to prevent cats from climbing Christmas trees.
It's best for everyone if you keep your curious cat away from the Christmas tree. By doing this, you'll assist prevent harm coming to your cat in addition to potential extra harm coming to the nearby people and property.
How to prevent cats from climbing Christmas tree
Not to treat your cat when it climbs trees
If done correctly, trying to catch your cat's attention as they leap into the tree and diverting them to a less harmful pastime can be an efficient teaching method. But be mindful to avoid unintentionally rewarding your cat for climbing the tree.
For instance, if you throw a toy at them while they're playing with just an ornament to gain their attention, they may assume, "My human will throw toys for me if I play with the ornament. Fun!" Pull them away from the decoration instead, and then praise them when they comply with your instructions.
To get your cat out of the tree, use a taught cue like "come" or a "interrupt and redirect" distraction. To distract your cat off the tree at this point, try throwing a ping-pong ball or gently rattling a jar or soybeans.
The trick is that they shouldn't realize you were the source of the diversion. It shouldn't frighten them either. You desire them to go down from the tree and look into what happened. Then guide them towards something entertaining and fun, like a toy or culinary puzzle.
Cat Risks from Christmas Trees
First off, electrically powered lights as well as other decorations provide a fire and harm risk. Both the chord leading to the outlet and the wires flowing through the tree are particularly alluring to cats that enjoy chewing. If they're wandering through trees and batting at the ornaments, they can step on a nail. And everyone is aware of how dangerous frayed electrical lines are. It is best to keep your cat under supervision when it is near your tree because cords have also led to strangulation.
Consider the cat as a kid who is in the stage of development when they want to eat everything. Give the child the power to climb anything and jump 6" in the air. Looking at your Xmas tree right now. A lot of things in there, like decorations, ornaments, hooks, real or fake pine cones, glitter, and twigs, can end up in your cat's mouth.
They can cause gastrointestinal irritation if swallowed, which is not fun alongside your holiday meal. In extreme circumstances, they can have an interior obstruction or puncture that calls for immediate surgery. Tinsel and other long, stringy decorations can seriously hurt their intestines. And do you know what typically occurs? Poop on a hook. We have the answer and advice on how to accomplish this properly and in a way that is comfortable for your cat if you detect a part hanging out of your cat's behind.
Additionally, the branches and needles contain oils that might irritate a cat's tongue and stomach. Excessive saliva, vomiting, or diarrhea are a few indicators to watch out for.
The sturdiness of your tree, which is related to the climbing and jumping issue, is a significant aspect in Christmas pet (and child) security. Cats can move very quickly on their rear legs. With a sprinting jump or a case of the zoomies, they can quickly topple a tree. But let's face it, that tree is likely going down if your cat thinks they desire to be the saint or star on top.
Protect Your Tree
Make sure the tree is strong and secure to prevent your cat from shaking things off or knocking them over. This will help you to get off to a good start. Purchase a tree stand like this one that has a broad, secure base. Additionally, your cat may be in danger on this stand because it is quite solid and offers little or no water accessibility.
Additionally, it's a great idea to anchor your tree from the top and/or middle. For that added layer of support, use a thick polyester line or rope fastened to the ceiling or wall.
- Starting at the bottom: Place the tree in the center of a square plywood piece that is roughly the very same size as your tree and indicate where the legs rest. Make holes at these locations (and, if necessary, the stand's legs) and fasten the standing to a plywood using bolts.
- In order to install the wall anchoring (molly screw) parallel with the top third of the tree, start at the top. Fishing line is wrapped around the tree's trunk in the middle, and it is then fastened to the anchor.
Create a "yucky" tree
There are various ways to make its base on the tree unappealing to your cat, but not all of them will work for all cats, as was already explained. I'll start with these:
Sprays & Scents
- Despite receiving varied reviews, some pet owners claim that commercial products are effective.
- With water and orange, lemongrass, or citronella oil, you may make your own spray. Some cats dislike these smells and will go out of their way to avoid the place.
- Orange peels scattered around the massive tree base might have a comparable effect; just change them every few days.
Tactile Discouragements
- Some cats get the creeps when they step on aluminum foil that has been placed under the tree or wrapped around the base.
- There are commercial training mats available, but we don't advise using them because they function by sending your cat a (moderate) static shock when it steps on them. Sure, this could work, but only at the expense of upsetting, frightening, and worrying your cat when he was merely satisfying his curiosity.
Offer a substitute
Cats are drawn to trees because it's in their instinct to want to climb them so they can look down on their surroundings. Request that Santa deliver your cat an early present: A CAT TREE! Online, you can find cat trees at extremely fair prices, with choices for every taste and price range.
If your cat opted for her kitty apartment over the banned Christmas tree, be sure to compliment her.
Avoid Punishment
If your cat decides to climb the Christmas tree against your best efforts to stop him, resist the desire to yell, scream, and rip him from the limbs. Instead, firmly say "No" and take him down from the tree. Put him where you both desire him to be, such as a scratching post or cat tree. He should be rewarded for remaining there and playing with his toys.
In a similar vein, when you watch over your cat and the new fully Christmas tree, remain silent and keep an eye on her. If you see that she approaches the lower branches and gives them a sniff, let her go and observe her behavior.
Use the approach described above to move her to a separate place if she moves closer or begins batting at the decorations.
Conclusion
Overall, holiday decorations, especially Christmas trees, can be harmful to cats. This is in addition to homemade cranberry garlands and ornaments that have been passed down through generations. After reading this essay, I hope you can safely keep your cat away from the tree and yet have a lovely holiday home.
