If your cat is like my brother Simba, he LOVES the Christmas tree! And you really have to keep an eye on him. He moves really fast. Let's face it, he couldn't even hold still for this photo!
I don't blame him. It's really pretty, shiny and has tons of cool stuff dangling from it's branches. So of course, he's gonna try to climb it and play with all that stuff!
I'll never forget the year my Mom decorated the tree for hours, only to find it knocked over the next morning.
There was Simba, sitting next to the tree and clearly proud of himself. He told me thought he did an awesome job of "redecorating".
While it was kinda funny, at least to me and him, there was a serious side to it too. Did you know for instance that certain species of real trees are potentially poisonous to cats?
This may be ingested through drinking the water we use to keep a tree fresh or by a needle from the tree causing a puncture wound – if you’ve ever stood on a pine needle you’ll already know how sharp they are. Ouch!
So here's some tips to keep everyone safe:
1. For real trees and artificial, wrap a good thick layer of tinfoil around the base of the tree and up to the first branches. Cats don’t like the feel of tinfoil (I don't know why) it will help to put them off climbing.
2. For those that make it past this though – it’s well worth investing in a sturdy tree base to reduce the instance of it toppling. And, If you can attach the tree to a wall as well, that will really help too!
3. By placing the tree away from ‘launching pads’ in the shape of shelves, sofas etc it will be less enticing to climb.
4. For the most determined Kitty, a water spray! A small, light spray accompanied by a firm no, should give them the idea.
5. Alternatively you can spray the tree with Bitter Apple. We actually sell that in our Pet Store. Cats hate that stuff! Just make sure you spray the tree BEFORE you put on your ornaments. It's much more effective that way.
6. You can also place pine cones around the bottom of the tree. Cats just don’t like walking on them, so the more the merrier. Just make sure if you have a dog, they can't pick up and eat the cones! That's a whole other problem...
7. Electric wires leading to the tree should be covered. Cats will chew and play with these and that can be VERY dangerous! A simple thing to do is run the wires through used paper towel or wrapping paper tubes. You may need to save up to have enough, but its worth it!
8. And, of course, if you are buying your cat a present and it happens to contain catnip or any other cat desirable product, please don’t put it under the tree. I think you know what will happen...
A few more things:
I don't blame him. It's really pretty, shiny and has tons of cool stuff dangling from it's branches. So of course, he's gonna try to climb it and play with all that stuff!
I'll never forget the year my Mom decorated the tree for hours, only to find it knocked over the next morning.
There was Simba, sitting next to the tree and clearly proud of himself. He told me thought he did an awesome job of "redecorating".
While it was kinda funny, at least to me and him, there was a serious side to it too. Did you know for instance that certain species of real trees are potentially poisonous to cats?
This may be ingested through drinking the water we use to keep a tree fresh or by a needle from the tree causing a puncture wound – if you’ve ever stood on a pine needle you’ll already know how sharp they are. Ouch!
So here's some tips to keep everyone safe:
1. For real trees and artificial, wrap a good thick layer of tinfoil around the base of the tree and up to the first branches. Cats don’t like the feel of tinfoil (I don't know why) it will help to put them off climbing.
2. For those that make it past this though – it’s well worth investing in a sturdy tree base to reduce the instance of it toppling. And, If you can attach the tree to a wall as well, that will really help too!
3. By placing the tree away from ‘launching pads’ in the shape of shelves, sofas etc it will be less enticing to climb.
4. For the most determined Kitty, a water spray! A small, light spray accompanied by a firm no, should give them the idea.
5. Alternatively you can spray the tree with Bitter Apple. We actually sell that in our Pet Store. Cats hate that stuff! Just make sure you spray the tree BEFORE you put on your ornaments. It's much more effective that way.
6. You can also place pine cones around the bottom of the tree. Cats just don’t like walking on them, so the more the merrier. Just make sure if you have a dog, they can't pick up and eat the cones! That's a whole other problem...
7. Electric wires leading to the tree should be covered. Cats will chew and play with these and that can be VERY dangerous! A simple thing to do is run the wires through used paper towel or wrapping paper tubes. You may need to save up to have enough, but its worth it!
8. And, of course, if you are buying your cat a present and it happens to contain catnip or any other cat desirable product, please don’t put it under the tree. I think you know what will happen...
A few more things:
- Tinsel is sharp! So keep it away from animals and children.
- Spray snow is poisonous to cats.
- Ribbons can choke.
- Avoid sparkly, swinging, glass and candles if you can – these are all attractive to cats.
And last, but not least. To all the kitties out there, we only want you to stay safe....
Happy Holidays!
Speck & Simba
Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved
Happy Holidays!
Speck & Simba
Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved
