The holidays give you an opportunity to make joyous memories with family and friends. However, you don’t want to have to interrupt the festivities to visit your veterinarian if your cat swallowed an ornament or had another tree-related issue. To help you keep your feline friend safe this season, here’s what you should know about cat-proofing your Christmas tree. 

Why Are Christmas Trees Dangerous to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures who love to investigate anything new. When you bring a Christmas tree into your home, your cat sees a fragrant, climbable object full of shiny, dangling toys they can’t wait to get their paws on. Unfortunately, when cats get too close to a Christmas tree, they can get seriously hurt by:

• Stepping on pine needles or broken ornaments
• Eating or chewing cords, tinsel, or broken ornaments 
• Drinking tree water, since it contains bacteria and may be treated with additives 
• Knocking the tree over so it falls on them

How Can You Keep Your Cat Safe?

Protect your precious pet and save yourself a veterinarian visit this season by taking the following precautions: 

• Choose the Right Tree: Because they’re so fragrant, real trees are generally more attractive to cats, so choose a fake tree if you can. Should you go with a real tree, avoid an extremely tall one that’s prone to toppling, and wrap the base with plastic wrap so your cat can’t drink the water.
• Put the Tree in a Safe Place: If possible, place the tree in a room your cat can’t access or that you can close off when you’re not home. Also, avoid placing it near any launching points your cat could jump off of to attack the tree, such as chairs or windowsills.
• Use Anti-Chew Spray: Before you start decorating, deter your cat from chewing cords and pine needles by covering the entire tree with a bitter anti-chew spray. 
• Be Careful With Decorations: Don’t place any ornaments toward the bottom of the tree; your cat can easily knock them down, making them easy to step on or ingest. Also, avoid using tinsel, as it can get tangled in your cat’s stomach if swallowed, possibly requiring surgery.

To keep your furry friend safe all year long, trust the veterinary experts at Woodworth Animal Hospital. Their compassionate team has been keeping cats, dogs, and other pets healthy and happy for 80 years. Located in Waynesboro, VA, this popular veterinary clinic provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, vaccinations, pet boarding, dental care, and cancer treatment. No matter what’s bothering your beloved companion, the experienced veterinarians will work to restore your pet’s health as quickly as possible. Learn more about their services online, and call (540) 942-5163 to schedule an appointment or for emergency care.