For most people, Christmas trees bring to mind presents, snow, hot chocolate, and family gatherings around the fire. For our feline friends, however, a Christmas tree is a shiny new toy. Cats’ love of Christmas trees isn’t just destructive and irritating, but also potentially dangerous. Read on to understand your cat’s behavior better and avoid an emergency visit to the veterinarian.

Why Do Cats Like Christmas Trees?

Cats are territorial, which is why they're solitary creatures. A Christmas tree offers them something new to explore and subsequently mark as their own. Additionally, tree bark makes the perfect scratching post for them to sharpen their claws. And, of course, trees provide the perfect perch for them to monitor the room and steer clear of humans.

Why Keep Your Cat Away From The Christmas Tree?

Christmas trees are full of glass ornaments that could cut your cat and cords they could get tangled in. Often, cats mistake tinsel for grass, and eating it can cause them intestinal distress. You don’t want to spend Christmas at the veterinarian’s office; do yourself and your cat a favor and follow these cat-proofing tips. 

1. Consider Buying a Fake Tree

Real trees fill your home with the wonderful, evergreen smell of the holidays. But, with their bark and chewy pine needles, they’re tantalizing to your cat. Buying a fake tree is the easiest way to prevent a visit to the veterinary hospital. As a bonus, you can keep it for years to come.

2. If You Can’t Resist a Real Tree

Wrap the base of your tree in plastic so your cat can’t drink from the water; it might accumulate bacteria that will make them sick. Along the same vein, wrap the bark of your tree in aluminum foil to discourage your cat from rubbing against it and potentially knocking the tree over. 

3. Ornament & Cord Placement

Avoid placing ornaments low on the tree and secure them with extra zip ties, so they’re less likely to fall, shatter, and become dangerous cat toys. You might also consider avoiding breakable ornaments altogether. Do your best to elevate and hide electrical cables— otherwise, a curious kitten might bite into one.

Have a peaceful holiday season knowing that Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital is only a phone call away. For nearly 50 years, they’ve been caring for pets in Columbia, MO, and the surrounding communities. They specialize in feline and canine care and employ expert veterinary professionals who will treat your pets like family. Call a veterinarian at (573) 449-3791 for their Keene location and (573) 449-7387 for their Buttonwood location. Visit their website to find out more about their services.