Do you have an energetic cat? We give you 5 ways to save your Christmas tree
Enjoy the glow of your Christmas tree with a mug of hot chocolate or coffee while listening to carols. Everything is perfect until you hear the sound of fragile Christmas decorations falling from the tree and see the cat flying to the top of the tree, ready to knock it down. Sounds familiar? See what you can do to make a difference this year!
Cat owners know all too well how difficult it can be to keep their Christmas tree in good condition from the beginning to the end of the holidays.
What initially looks perfect begins to slowly turn into a sad tree, with bent ornaments, fallen garlands, and broken or abandoned branches due to repeated falls. So how can you prevent the Christmas tree from becoming your cat's new hobby?
There is no one-size-fits-all method since every cat is different, but there are some preventive measures you can take to ensure you have a beautiful holiday with all the traditions you want, including a decorated tree.
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Teach her to the presence of a Christmas tree in the house.
Cats can be very sensitive to any changes in the home, so it is important to give them time and space to become comfortable with the tree first. Instead of discouraging their natural curiosity, leave the tree bare for a few days. They will sniff it, climb on it, or scratch it. The more time they have to learn it, the better, because then they will get more used to it.
Put him in a room that he doesn't have access to.
Sometimes the relationship between a Christmas tree and a cat is doomed from the very beginning. What can be done in this case? Mount the tree in a place where she will not have access. After all, it's harder for a Christmas tree to become a climbing tree when cats already know what the off-limits areas are. For example, if your cat has been trained not to climb on tables, you can decorate the table log. The most inventive cat owners attached the Christmas tree to the ceiling, at some distance from the furniture.
Secure the tree
Despite your best efforts, a cat may find its way to your tree. It is important that it is well secured so that a curious person does not accidentally knock it over. Use a heavier spruce stand or place the weights on a lighter stand. Attach the tree to the wall, attach clear rope, and secure the tree to the wall, ceiling, or surrounding furniture to keep it vertical.
Tip
Cats cannot tolerate the smell of some herbs and citrus fruits, as well as strong aromas, so this may keep them away from your tree.
Strategically placed decorations
Shiny, hanging or moving decorations attract a cat like a magnet. It would be wise not to put any glass decorations, or at least not at the bottom. Use wire to secure them to the branches and reduce the risk of them falling and damaging them. Wear bells or something that makes noise. This way, you will be immediately notified that the cat is near the tree and can intervene faster.
You may also be interested in: 5 styles for decorating your Christmas tree.
Try aluminum foil or natural repellents.
Unpleasant or unbearable odors may convince your cat to stay away from the Christmas tree. Some people don't like citrus scents, so try adding orange zest, lemon zest, or a few drops of citrus or citronella essential oil. Remove dry peels and add new ones daily to keep the smell fresh.
Diluted apple cider vinegar sprayed around the base of the tree can also repel curious cats. Another solution that cat owners have found is to wrap the base of the tree in aluminum foil and place sprigs of fresh rosemary along the base and on the lower branches.
Careful!
Eliminates spruce hazards
There are a few things to consider when choosing a Christmas tree. First, cats that ingest resin or pine needles may experience nausea or an upset stomach. If your cat is prone to chewing on prohibited items, you should invest in an artificial Christmas tree.
If you keep the tree in water, that standing water contains bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal problems. Avoid additives that prolong the freshness of your tree, as they may contain harmful preservatives and fertilizers!
Can a cat climb and knock down a tree? Select the smaller one to deal less damage if knocked over. The best tree may be a small tabletop tree.