Mary Allen
Most cats like to scratch the Christmas tree, climb up it, or play with the jewelry. Not only can something break, but the cat can also seriously injure itself. Read here how to avoid this.
In the winter and Christmas seasons, there are some dangers for cats. In addition to poisonous indoor plants or food poisonous to cats, this also includes the Christmas tree. Some cats aren’t interested in the Christmas tree at all, others are seduced by its glittering decorations to play with or use to climb and scratch.
Something can quickly break or the Christmas tree can tilt. This can also be dangerous for the cat. However, cat owners do not have to do without a Christmas tree, because it is not difficult to make the tree safe for cats.
The Christmas Tree Stand
The Christmas tree stand needs to be strong and heavy so that the tree is well secured and can withstand a potential cat attack without falling over immediately.
It is also important that cats do not have access to the water in the Christmas tree stand. Because the fir tree releases substances into the water that are poisonous to cats. In addition, harmful pesticides can accumulate in standing water. To prevent your cat from getting to the water, you should therefore cover the stand well.
Caution: The essential oils of fir trees can also be toxic to cats, for example, if they eat or gnaw on the needles. So keep a close eye on your cat, especially at first.
Cat-Safe Christmas Tree Ornaments
The sparkling decorations of the Christmas tree entice many cats to play with it. To make your Christmas tree cat-proof, do without
Tinsel: It is very dangerous for cats if they swallow it. There is a risk of internal injuries or intestinal obstruction, for example!
Glass balls: They break easily if the cat pushes them off the tree with its paw while trying to play with them. Not only is this annoying, but the shards can be dangerous for both the cat and humans.
Don’t want to do without fragile jewelry? Then place it in the upper region of the Christmas tree so that your cat cannot reach it.
You can use this decoration for your Christmas tree without hesitation, as it does not break so easily:
- jewelry made of wood
- paper jewelry
- straw Stars
- pinecone
- jewelry for cliffs (e.g. birds)
- pearl stars
- dried orange slices
- cinnamon sticks
- gingerbread Characters
- nuts
- grind
Cat-Safe Lighting for The Christmas Tree
The lighting of the Christmas tree poses a great danger to cats. The following applies to Christmas trees in the cat household:
- Urgently do without real candles and choose electric fairy lights instead.
- Hide excess cords so cats can’t get to them.
- It may make sense to forgo lighting in the bottom row of the Christmas tree.
- Unplug the lights when the cat is unattended.
The Location of the Christmas Tree in the Cat Household
An important factor is the location of the Christmas tree. How to place your tree cat-proof:
- Choose a place with few jumping opportunities for the cat in the area, i.e. not next to high furniture or window sills.
- It is best to place the tree in a lockable room: this guarantees that nothing can happen when the cat is alone at home. The cat cannot eat the poisonous needles, knock over the tree, or the jewelry.
Keep the Cat Away From the Christmas Tree
With these two simple tips, you can ensure that your cat does not go to the Christmas tree.
- Distraction: Keep your cat busy and provide lots of opportunities to play, scratch and climb. Then the Christmas tree is no longer so interesting!
- Consequence: Give your cat clear rules. If she tries to play with her paw on the ornament, scratch the tree, or even jump up or climb it, let her know with a firm, loud “No” every time that she can’t do that.
If you have a cat at home, you don’t have to do without the Christmas tree. But be sure to follow these important rules. This is the only way to prevent something breaking or your cat from getting injured.