The lights, the glittering decorations, the pretty tree, the nuts… there’s so much to enjoy about Christmas decorations. There’s also plenty to destroy, if you’re a cat. Some cat owners may decide not to plant or decorate at all because they don’t want Fluffy to come in like a destroyed ball. Others decide to decorate, choosing decorations several times a day, and want to remind their cats of the naughty list that really works. Or, like many of these people, they were able to detect that a cat had replaced the star in the treetop. If you find yourself facing these problems, don’t worry! There are several steps you can take to make your decor less appealing to your 10-pound ball of mass destruction.
Tree
The centerpiece of most holiday decorations is the tree. Whether you go to the national forest with a tree permit, buy something perfect at a tree farm, or settle down on a man-made model, there are many options to choose from. To make sure your plants stay in place and don’t litter the room after a close encounter with cats, there are a few things you can do.
Tips for a standard tree
If you are setting up a tree, go for what is possible, the best option is indeed an artificial tree. Pine leaves, sap and water All can be toxic for cats. Of course, you’ll still want to make sure your furry friend isn’t chewing on fake branches, but there’s less danger than with a traditional tree.
When you set up your tree, make sure it’s secure. This can be done by adding a wide, stable base with a quality tree stand. For extra security, you can also secure the top of the tree to the wall with rope or fishing line. It’s important to keep plants away from places where cats like to jump. For example, placing it right next to a cat tree can make you stare at a cute, playful little cat face ornament you don’t remember adding to the tree.
If these steps don’t have much success, you can also try some cat deterrents. Placing foil on trunks and throughout branches can be helpful, as cats tend to dislike touching foil. Pine cones around the root are also an option, and cat behavior houses Recommended by Jackson Galaxy that your base consists of citrus peels in a Ziploc bag with small holes poked in. Cats don’t like the smell of citrus.
Low class
If this sounds like a lot of work or you have a very docile kitten, you can always choose a smaller plant. Obviously, the smaller the tree, the less likely the cat will be injured if it falls. There are a few benefits here! After choosing a small plant, you can place it on the top of a bookshelf or table that your cat usually won’t worry about. Once it’s away from those killer gloves known as cat paws, it might survive to see another Yuletide.
Tree Alternatives
So your desktop tree is also in the wrong position, right? You are not completely out of options! In our crafty world full of Etsy makers, there are plenty of tree alternatives. These might include wall decals, wooden Christmas trees, or large pieces of felt. If you can dream of a replacement tree growing, it is probably out there somewhere. Another option is half a tree, one that’s basically bare for a few feet, with decorations higher up the top. That can deter the kittens’ curious paws.
Lighting
Once you’ve stabilized your plant, it’s time to add some light. That can get a bit complicated, too, with cats possibly enjoying gnawing on things. Many phone chargers have been lost this way. Biting the string of a string light can be very dangerous, resulting in burns or even get an electric shock for your cat. However, it’s not just the wire. They can also get injured chewing on broken bulbs.
There are several ways to solve these problems. One, invest in some wire protection. You can usually find these at your local hardware store. If they are not available there, they can also be found online. Placing lights in the center of the tree rather than further away can also help. It’s a little more difficult for cats to reach them. Another big rule to remember is to always unplug lights when you’re not in the room to enjoy them.
Candles are also a fun and festive way to decorate for the festive season. However, naked flames and delicious pets are a bad combination. From the risk of house fires to burning a cat’s whiskers, regular candles may not be the best idea when you’re a cat parent. Fortunately, there are many candle without flame to choose. Some even have timers to make things easier for you. Just stock up on any batteries needed and you’re good to go!
Interior design
Now that you have your plants and lights, it’s time to think about decorations and other decorations. One thing that can help is to wait a few days to place your decorations. That will allow your cat to be more interested in new things coming into their realm. If you arrange it all at once, the overwhelmed kitten’s senses may be too much to handle your poor, innocent decorations.
When you add in those decorations, stay away from glass or other fragile materials. Choose something a bit sturdier, maybe even cat themed! (Well, you’re a cat lover, of course there’s cat-themed Christmas decorations in your home!) There are plenty of decorations made from materials that can withstand a rabbit’s terrifying kicks. cats, and they’re like a festival of glasses. When choosing a material to secure your ornament to the tree, consider twist ties, lanyards or plastic hooks. Metal hooks can also be dangerous.
Avoid decorations that can be harmful
There are some holiday highlights Toxic to your cat, so keep that in mind when you decorate. Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are among the toxic items, so you may want to choose the artificial ones. As a reminder, pine needles and juice are also among the things you’ll want to keep your kittens away from. Additionally, you should avoid popcorn and cranberry garlands, tinsel and frosted garlands, as they can all cause serious digestive problems if ingested by a cat.
Enjoy the holiday with your cat
Now that you’ve found a good balance between festivities for you and your cat’s safety, enjoy! And don’t forget to put a gift in Mr. Probably something festive with a bit of catnip?
To feel like you’re not alone with these struggles, and to see pictures of the cats going crazy around the Christmas tree, click here. here!
